B-Town choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant's first musical captures the essence of culturally rich India

A brilliant mix of dance and drama, choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant's brand new musical Taj Express manages to capture the essence of India, particularly Bollywood, while celebrating a grandiose love affair. Choreographed by Vaibhavi, the play was produced and directed by Shruti Merchant. Music duo Salim-Sulaiman has done a great job in composing music. The original title track that roars Welcome to the Taj Express is indeed a catchy tune that keeps tantalising you till the end. Sand artist Ronnie Chibber's spellbinding work showcased on the big screen helps to keep the audience glued when the stage has nothing to offer. The costumes and props too reflect sheer dexterity. Once on board, the Taj Express, in a three-hour-long journey, starting from Mumbai Central, takes one through countless song and dance sequences as we move through Baroda, Agra, Jaisalmer and Benares. The storyline is not a masterpiece on its own. It delves into the traditional Indian theories of karma and destiny, using vibrant props. The music is diverse and powerful as it envelopes the popular Bollywood tracks, local lavani-Marathi flavour, South Indian dance form kooth, as well as the influential tandav. Talking about her inclination towards theatre, Vaibhavi says, "Choreography, whether film or otherwise, is the expression of the soul in dance form. I have always had a soft spot for theatre, which is why I was so involved with the last theatre production I worked with called the Merchants of Bollywood. Since the this one is directed and produced by my own sister — Shruti, I absolutely had to be a part of the venture." Clearly, Vaibhavi has borrowed heavily from Bollywood — right from the setup and the theme, to the cliched love saga of a street-smart thief Vasu and his childhood darling Meera. Hence, it is not a surprise that almost every scene reminds you of some Hindi film that resembles closely to it. Though a cliched romantic play otherwise, the energy generated on the stage is enthralling and contagious at the same time. However, the second half of the play looks a little dull for a while till another dance number happens with the peacocks fluttering on the stage. The Taj Express opened last Sunday on a grand note, and will be soon open to public viewing. It will also travel to other cities before it goes international.