Overview

• Karachi’s Mauj Theatre Group performed an Urdu adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayana at the Arts Council of Pakistan from July 11 to 13 with Muslim actors in all lead roles
• Director Yogeshwar Karera and producer Rana Kazmi integrated AI-generated visuals—from golden palaces and floating mountains to enchanted forests and flying chariots—to create a richly immersive experience
• The production closed to standing ovations on July 13 and received viral acclaim, drawing praise from critics and audiences across religious communities
• By reclaiming a shared civilisational narrative, the show challenged India–Pakistan stereotypes and revived Karachi’s legacy of Hindu–Muslim pluralism
• Following overwhelming public and critical response, cultural institutions across Pakistan are exploring a nationwide tour of the AI-enhanced Ramayana