‘Kaneez’: A Broadway-Style Musical Revives a Lost Love Story

When director Randhir Ranjan Roy first encountered the 1920s love story of Tanno Bai and Dharikshan Tiwari, he was immediately struck by a tenderness that feels increasingly rare in contemporary times. “The story is about love — pure and fearless — that existed despite caste and religious divisions,” says Randhir, who has now adapted the tale into Kaneez, a Broadway-style musical scheduled to premiere in Mumbai on 28 November 2025.

Kaneez seeks to capture the delicate beauty of a love that transcends social and cultural boundaries. Drawing inspiration from the classic cinematic romances of the 1970s, Randhir aims to evoke the grace and depth of films such as Pakeezah and Mughal-e-Azam, which he admired growing up. “The kind of love we saw in those films is hard to find today. People still long for that depth,” he reflects. “I had Meena Kumari’s elegance in mind when I conceived this story; in many ways, it’s a tribute to her.”

The musical promises a rich fusion of dramatic storytelling, evocative music, and vibrant choreography, designed to transport audiences to the historical and emotional landscape of 1920s India. By combining the grandeur of Broadway-style production with culturally rooted narratives, Randhir hopes to engage both traditional theatre-goers and new audiences.

The adaptation carefully preserves the social realities of the period while emphasising the timeless nature of love and resilience. Randhir explains that the essence of Kaneez lies in its ability to convey emotional truth and human connection, reminding audiences of the enduring power of romance and courage in the face of societal constraints.

Key details of Kaneez are summarised below:

With its premiere on the horizon, Kaneez promises to be more than just a musical — it is a celebration of enduring love, historical memory, and the artistry of Indian theatre, offering audiences an opportunity to experience romance as it once was: profound, fearless, and unforgettable.