News & Updates

10 Spellbinding Photographs From A.R. Rahman and Shekhar Kapur’s Musical ‘Why’

Shekhar Kapur and A.R. Rahman join hands to deliver a musical that is being showcased at Expo 2020 in Dubai

Published by

With the intention of reviving the art of vivid storytelling, two trailblazers of the Indian film industry, Shekhar Kapur and A.R. Rahman, have joined forces to present Why? The Musical. Premiered on 20th January, 2022, Why? is an all-English musical that will be on until February 27th, at the Expo 2020 in Dubai.

Why? follows the story of a young girl and a wise old man, and is aimed at challenging the audience’s perception and re-instilling their inquisitiveness for knowledge, as the duo embarks on a quest to find the meaning of existence. 

Featuring nine original compositions by A.R. Rahman, lyrics written by Sohaila Kapur, Dana Dajani and Shivang and sound design curated by Academy & BAFTA Award winner, Resul Pookutty, the musical is performed by a multicultural group of nearly 100 dancers, and it is an enthralling visual experience. 

Boasting a runtime of 45 minutes, the audience can further enjoy the stunning visuals on the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen situated in Al Wasl Plaza.

Check out 10 must-see photographs from the premiere of Why? The Musical.

A.R. Rahman (L) and Shekhar Kapur (R) at the premiere of ‘Why? The Musical’
DUBAI, 20 January 2022. Why? The Musical by Shekhar Kapur and A.R. Rahman at Al Wasl, Expo 2020 Dubai. (Photo by Mahmoud Khaled/Expo 2020 Dubai)
A dancer keeps the atmosphere rich and vibrant with a spectacular performance.
Australian theater actress Shubshri Kandiah and Indian actor and comedian Jaaved Jaaferi share the spotlight
Indian actor and comedian Jaaved Jaaferi
A still from ‘Why? The Musical’

Recent Posts

Inside The Making of Diplo’s Live Set in Rishikesh

In conversation with the team behind Diplo’s Rishikesh livestream, we break down the intricacies behind…

January 12, 2026

Golden Globes 2026: Ariana Grande, Lisa, More Hit the Red Carpet

The stars are coming out tonight for the 83rd annual Golden Globe awards. It’s been…

January 12, 2026

‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Hit ‘Golden’ Wins Original Song Golden Globe: ‘Never Too Late to Shine’

"I was rejected and disappointed that my voice wasn't good enough," singer EJAE said about…

January 12, 2026

Golden Globe Awards 2026: See the Complete Winners List

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association handed out Golden Globe awards to the best in TV…

January 12, 2026

Watch Bob Weir Perform ‘Touch of Grey’ with Dead and Co. at His Final Live Appearance

Nobody knew it at the time, but Weir was diagnosed with cancer weeks before the…

January 12, 2026

Vagueposting: Why 2026 Content Is All About Keeping You Confused

A new trend in social media may have launched the first meme of the year

January 12, 2026