This July, Harsiddhi Mody brings Manka Bapu to the stage—an extraordinary Hindi musical where Shakespeare’s Macbeth meets the vibrant soul of Gujarat.
Mody, the creative force behind the adaptation, asked herself a simple but bold question: What if we brought Shakespeare to Gujarat? What if we told his timeless tragedy as a musical, set in a world I know intimately? That spark of an idea became Manka Bapu.
“Honestly, Macbeth has always fascinated me,” she says. “That raw ambition, the crushing guilt, the spectacular downfall—it’s so intensely human. When we at Khelaiya Productions decided to explore global stories this year, I knew exactly where to start.”
But this is no ordinary adaptation.
“Growing up in a Gujarati household, I was surrounded by its rich stories, customs, and traditions,” explains Mody. “As I grew up, I realised how universal themes like ambition and betrayal are—woven into the fabric of every culture and into the very soul of humankind. These ideas never felt abstract or distant—they were always right there, wrapped in the tales we heard and the values we lived by.
“Blending our myths, folk tales, and history with music felt natural—like revisiting my childhood. The songs, the language, the stories shared by elders—they all came alive again.”
So when Mody approached Macbeth, she didn’t just want to translate it. “I wanted to reimagine it in a way that felt real and rooted. Once I began weaving in Gujarati customs, traditions, and even superstitions, the stories came to life in an entirely new way.”
Turning Macbeth into a Hindi musical wasn’t easy.
“The biggest challenge was language,” Mody admits. “Shakespeare’s words are powerful, but not always easy to follow—especially for audiences who haven’t read Macbeth. I wanted people to feel the characters’ emotions, but in a way that felt familiar.”
“So while we kept some of Shakespeare’s most famous scenes, my focus was on retelling the story—keeping its heart intact but expressing it through music, culture, and words that connect with Indian audiences.”
Another challenge was blending theatre and music naturally. “But once I started tapping into the richness of local traditions and storytelling, everything began to fall into place. It became less about adapting Shakespeare, and more about bringing his spirit into our world.”
“What I really hope,” she adds, “is that audiences—especially young people and those from different backgrounds—feel a genuine connection.”
Her diverse team helped shape the production. “Our team truly represents India,” she says. “We have members from various states, so everything—from perfecting diction to capturing big emotions like betrayal and ambition—has been a collaborative effort rooted in diversity.”
For younger audiences, Mody promises something special. “They’ll experience a classic through the vibrant lens of Indian folk traditions—making it both relatable and fresh. While the original is set in Scotland, we’ve adapted the characters and places to feel closer to Gujarat, without losing any drama. And yes, we’ve included a little tribute to Shakespeare—but you’ll have to watch to find out!”
For Mody, Manka Bapu is her most personal project yet. “In my seven years of directing musicals, I’ve never done anything so close to my heart,” she says.
She has a small confession: “I’d never seen Macbeth on stage—only read it. So bringing it to life meant trusting my instincts. Though I grew up in Mumbai, my roots are in Kathiyawad. Adding that regional flavor felt like coming home—an artistic reconnection with my heritage.”
What made it even more special was weaving in the works of legendary Gujarati writers and musicians. “These were figures many of us grew up admiring. Bringing their influence into a Hindi musical, while staying true to Shakespeare, was emotional and proud.”
Manka Bapu is more than just a play; it is a heartfelt tribute to the stories, sounds, and values that shaped Mody—reimagined in a way she hopes will resonate with audiences across generations.
“I didn’t just want to set Macbeth in India—I wanted to breathe India into it,” she says.
“Every musical teaches you something,” she says. “But this one? It’s been a deeply personal journey.”
But as with any bridge, building it took effort, creativity, and belief.
This isn’t just an adaptation—it’s a homecoming. A Macbeth where the misty Scottish moors transform into the rugged landscapes of Gujarat, and every verse carries the rhythm of Gujarati proverbs.
Will you be there when these two worlds collide on stage?
- Get Your Tickets to Manka Bapu
- July 26 | 4:30 PM
- The Drum Theatre, Dandenong
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🎭 Harsiddhi Mody reimagines #Shakespeare’s #Macbeth as Manka Bapu—a Hindi-Gujarati musical blending folklore & drama. 🎶 Set in #Gujarat, it retains the classic’s essence while infusing local traditions.🎟️ Premieres 26 July in Melbourne. #TheIndianSun
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— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) May 27, 2025
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