Play on Salar Jung attracts full house

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

As part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Salar Jung Museum, the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation staged its acclaimed production, “Salar Jung III: The Man Who Collected the World,” at the Museum Auditorium, drawing an overflowing audience and a full house. The response was so overwhelming that many spectators were seen standing in the aisles to witness Padma Shri Mohammad Ali Baig’s portrayal of Salar Jung III. 

The latest production from the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation continues its celebrated tradition of Heritage Theatre, which brings the heroes of the Deccan to centre stage. Conceptualized and directed by Padma Shri Mohammad Ali Baig and written by F. M. Saleem, the play transports audiences to early twentieth-century Hyderabad.  The production traces the journey of a young nobleman driven by an extraordinary passion for art and an innate appreciation of beauty. 

Amidst the demands of politics and administration, Salar Jung III embarks on a remarkable mission to understand, preserve and celebrate artistic excellence from around the world.  Adding authenticity to the performance was a distinctive feature of the production, the costumes, dastaars and jewellery used on stage were real, sourced from heirlooms and original designs. The visual grandeur was further enhanced by heritage sets and carefully designed lighting that recreated the atmosphere of the devdi where Salar Jung III lived among his priceless antiques and artefacts collected from across the globe. 

The play also featured live singing of poetry from the era, including works of Safi Aurangabadi and Asad Bhopali. Madhu Swaminath, as the novelist-narrator, and Vijay Kumar as Askar Ali, delivered performances alongside Mohammad Ali Baig in the title role. Among those present were Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, Ponnala Lakshmaiah, former Mayor Zulfikhar Ali Khan, IAS officer Dana Kishore, Museum Director Priyanka, members of the Salar Jung family, former MP Madhu Goud Yaskhi and several other guests.