MUMBAI: Filmmaker-stage director Feroz Abbas Khan considers the success of the stage version of K. Asifs magnum opus ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ encouraging as far as opening up an ‘alternative to cinema’ is concerned.

The epic romantic saga featured Dilip Kumar, Madhubala and Prithviraj Kapoor.

The theatre version of the film has witnessed 60,000 footfalls in three seasons. The show is now geared up for the upcoming fourth season, which starts from 24 June, read a statement.

"We are extremely happy that audience has appreciated our work. I think with ‘Mughal-e-Azam’ we have opened up the possibility of a formidable alternative to cinema," Feroz said.

Deepesh Salgia, Director -- Shapoorji Pallonji Group, which has co-produced the musical, said: "Live singing by the actors, coupled with scintillating choreography by the artistes, ‘Mughal-e-Azam' represents a musical grandeur of sorts and stands apart from the conventional format of theatre, which is why it is being appreciated."

The musical takes place at the Jamshed Bhabha Theatre here.

"It's not often that you see such a huge demand for a play and we are pretty sure that no sooner do we open the box office, the tickets will just disappear," said K.S. Suntook, Chairman, National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA).

(Source: IANS)