A celebration of life and times of Noor Jehan

The grand opulence of Mughal culture on display in the 90-minute play Noor Jehan: An Empress Reveals perfectly entwined itself to Deccani charm on Friday night at the Taramati Baradari auditorium. Directed by Avijit Dutt, the English play was a biographical depiction of the life, struggles and unsung virtues of 17th century Mughal empress, narrated by an ageing Noor Jehan, herself who faded in and out of scenes of the play.
An empress, fashionista, poet, architect....
Probably the most engaging woman from the Mughal dynasty, Noor Jehan’s true essence is rarely acknowledged. The play displayed the many hats that Noor Jehan wore as a fashion designer, poet, architect, administrator and an activist for a greater role for women in the Mughal society. It also showed her fluctuating fortunes as an empress — her rise to prominence in the royal court and her fall from grace and exile.
A royal kiss:
The play started with Emperor Jehangir wooing Noor Jehan, whom he lovingly called Mehrunissa. The chemistry between the characters was rivetting so much so, that the actors even lip locked during a scene when both of them were romancing in the royal garden. Although it was risque, it perfectly depicted the passion between the two royal lovers.
Great acting
The Delhi-based actors, mainly Oroon Das as Jehangir, Vidushi Mehra as young Noor Jehan and Vani Vyas as the older Noor Jehan, were stellar in their diction and kept everyone hooked on for the entire duration of the play. The intelligent use of lighting and excellent background score made it even more intense. But the 100-odd people in attendance for the play was far less a number than what the play deserved.
Comic release courtesy unexpected feline:
While the intense and highly emotional play had few moments of comedy laced seamlessly in the scenes, the audience seemed to crack up at the sight of a stray cat sauntering around on stage between scenes.