Dek: A forbidden love reborn through song, dance, and devotion — Kaneez brings 1920s India alive in a grand musical premiere starring Siddharth Nigam, Gulki Joshi, and music by Shaan, Papon, and Javed Ali.
Samay in 60 Seconds
- Kaneez premieres at Jamshed Bhabha Auditorium, Mumbai on Nov 28–29, 2025
- Starring Siddharth Nigam, Gulki Joshi, Kirti Killedar, and Raayo S. Bakhirta
- Music by Shaan, Papon, Javed Ali, with live orchestration by Rahul–Anjan
- Directed by Randhir Ranjan Roy, inspired by a 1920s true love story
- Tickets live now on NCPA Mumbai and BookMyShow
Key Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Kaneez – A Musical Love Story |
| Premiere Dates | November 28–29, 2025 |
| Venue | Jamshed Bhabha Auditorium, NCPA, Mumbai |
| Director | Randhir Ranjan Roy |
| Cast | Siddharth Nigam, Gulki Joshi, Kirti Killedar, Raayo S. Bakhirta |
| Music | Shaan, Papon, Javed Ali, Kirti Killedar |
| Genre | Broadway-style musical drama |
| Tickets | ₹449–₹2,999 on BookMyShow |
| Duration | 2 hours |
What Happened — The Story Behind Kaneez
When love crosses lines drawn by faith and tradition, it becomes eternal — and that’s the soul of Kaneez.
Set in the grandeur of 1920s India, the musical reimagines the real-life saga of Tanno Bai, a courtesan from Patna, and Dharikshan Tiwari, a devout temple priest — a love that defied caste, custom, and time itself.
Directed by theatre veteran Randhir Ranjan Roy, Kaneez brings this forbidden romance alive through breathtaking sets, live music, and choreography that blends bhajans, thumris, and timeless Indian classical melodies.
Why It Matters — Love, Faith & Rebellion
At its heart, Kaneez is not just a story — it’s a mirror.
It reflects a society where devotion and desire were never meant to meet, yet did — powerfully, painfully, beautifully.
Roy describes it best:
“It’s about courage, longing, and the price one pays for authenticity. My hope is that audiences walk away questioning how much of themselves they’ve sacrificed for acceptance.”
In a time when theatre competes with screens, Kaneez resurrects live performance as a space of truth, sound, and soul.
Music, Movement & Magnificence
Music breathes life into Kaneez.
Composers Rahul–Anjan orchestrate a soundscape where bhajans merge with thumris and classical ragas.
Vocal powerhouses Shaan, Papon, and Javed Ali lend their voices to songs of longing and faith — including the hauntingly beautiful “Yaad Piya Ki Aayi.”
“Music here doesn’t just complement the story,” says Shaan. “It becomes the story.”
With choreography by Arunima Roy and sets by Chetan Chand, the production promises a visual symphony — a feast of light, rhythm, and emotion.
Impact on You — Why You’ll Remember Kaneez
This isn’t just theatre; it’s an experience.
It’s where poetry meets performance, where the divine flirts with the forbidden, and where audiences rediscover why India’s stories still move the heart.
For many, Kaneez could mark the revival of grand Indian musicals — heartfelt, homegrown, and unapologetically Indian.
Samay’s Voice
“When devotion meets desire, truth takes the stage. Kaneez isn’t just a play — it’s India remembering how to feel again.”
Where can I book tickets?
Via BookMyShow or NCPA Mumbai.
What are the show timings?
Nov 28, 7:29 pm | Nov 29, 4:32 pm & 7:29 pm
Who are the singers?
Shaan, Papon, Javed Ali, and Kirti Killedar.
Duration?
2 hours
Age Limit?
Minimum 6+
