In a historic performance that is creating ripples in both arts and cultural circles, a Pakistani theatre troupe has received global acclaim for adapting the Ramayana, the legendary Hindu epic, in the midst of Karachi, Pakistan’s financial and entertainment hub.
The show, performed over the weekend at the Karachi Arts Council, was performed by theatre group Mauj, which took traditional South Asian narrative and paired it with contemporary AI additions. The outcome: A visually stunning, emotionally powerful play that’s attracting both praise from critics and interest from audiences.
Director Yoheshwar Karera was confident in the venture despite possible controversy, stating, “Bringing the Ramayana to life on stage is a visual delight and proves our society is more open-minded than people think.” Karera went on to say that he never worried about backlash and considers the production a symbol of tolerance in Pakistan’s multicultural society.
While Ramayana is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, staging it in an Islamic-majority country like Pakistan is being welcomed as a bold act of artistic freedom. The play’s computer-generated visuals, technicolor lighting, and kinetic stage effects added depth to the narrative, giving new life to a classic story of good and evil.
Film and art critic Omair Alavi sang the production’s praise, “The story is class-apart, because the Ramayana is a tale that touches millions of people all over the world.” He complimented the play’s genuine storytelling, live music, vibrant costumes, and dramatic stage design as highlights that provided depth and spectacle.
Producer Rana Kazmi, who also performs Sita, discussed her artistic process: “I was intrigued by the possibility of adapting the ancient epic into a rich, active experience for the present generation.”
The upbeat welcome of the play indicates a more progressive and open-minded cultural Pakistan. Mauj’s production doesn’t merely regurgitate a legend—it unites cultures, provokes conversation, and introduces eternal values to new viewers through innovation and access.
