Anyone interested in going?
TAJ is an evocative telling of the epic story of the Taj Mahal told through theatre, dance and visual design. Taking you back to the 17th Century Mughal India, TAJ is a unique Canada India collaboration that tells a deeply evocative story of an era filled with grandeur, ambition, love and revenge. Starring renowned Bollywood actor Kabir Bedi and Canada’s stunning Lisa Ray, this production is supported by an international creative team of award winning actors and dancers. SAMPRADAYA Dance Creations launches their cross Canada 12-city tour of TAJ premiering this production in their home town of Mississauga.
“TAJ succeeds in being as luminous and poignant as the building that inspired it.” – Globe and Mail
Language: English
TAJ was a commission of the 2011 Luminato Festival.
Kabir Bedi – Actor, Shah Jahan
Kabir Bedi, is one of India’s most famous and versatile international actors. From the James Bond film ‘Octopussy’, where he played Roger Moore’s villainous antagonist, to the swashbuckling hero of the Europe’s biggest smash hit series ’Sandokan’, and over 60 Bollywood films along the way. Kabir brings a wealth of experience to his portrayal of Emperor Shah in John Murrell’s TAJ. His international career has spanned three continents, in all three performing mediums – film, television and theatre—for over three decades.
Lisa Ray – Actor, Jahanara
Cross-cultural phenomenon, Lisa Ray is an internationally acclaimed performer and activist with a reputation for taking on challenging issue-oriented films. Raised in Canada by an Indian father and Polish mother, Lisa was discovered while on vacation in India and went on to become not only one of the most successful cover models and celebrities in India but also an acclaimed, award winning actress who starred in Canada’s Oscar nominated film, ‘Water’ amongst other prestigious credits. Post a stem cell transplant in February 2010 Lisa is now cancer free and working on her first book. She is currently the host of Top Chef Canada which is Food Network Canada’s top-rated series.
Lata Pada – Artistic Director of Sampradaya Dance Creations
Lata Pada is the Artistic Director of SAMPRADAYA Dance Creations, an award-winning professional dance company recognized for its innovation and excellence in dance. Lata has lived in Canada since 1964, and has had an extensive career as a bharatanatyam soloist, including a command performance for the President of India in 1992. She has trained in bharatanatyam under India’s distinguished gurus – Kalaimamani K. Kalyanasundaram and Padmabhushan Kalanidhi Narayanan, and her solo performances have been featured in important dance festivals and venues worldwide. Lata’s solo performances have revealed a distinctive style, described as “Pada continues to rivet the eye with her soulful lyricism” – Globe and Mail