Broadway-style show Asardar Patidar premieres in Rajkot

Rajkot: The Shree Khodaldham Trust, Kagvad, on Saturday staged the city premiere of “Asardar Patidar”, billed as the first Gujarati Broadway-style mega stage show. The lavish production, celebrating the history, culture and sacrifices of the Patidar community, drew an overwhelming response from more than 3,000 invited guests.

According to the trust, the show aimed to go beyond entertainment and offer a rich visual experience rooted in community pride. More than 50 artistes performed on stage, portraying the lives and contributions of over 15 eminent Patidar personalities. The narrative traced the community’s historical migration to Gujarat and reflected on the ideals and expectations Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel held for his people.

“While a Broadway-style show of this scale usually takes at least three months to produce, the creative team completed it in just 30 days, working on a ‘race against time’ model,” the organisers said.

“Asardar Patidar” focused on figures who shaped history but have largely faded from public memory. Those honoured included Ramji Patel, Varsandas Patel, Kutch’s braveheart Hardas Limbani, Pramukh Swami Maharaj and freedom fighter Garbadas Mukhi, the first Gujarati known to have laid down his life for independence at the Andaman Cellular Jail.

The premiere also featured a popular ‘Kanbiyat’ selfie zone, while the show’s anthem had already gained traction on social media ahead of the launch. Several social and political leaders praised the production.

Rajkot MP Parshottam Rupala lauded the initiative, saying it did justice to unsung heroes such as Garbadas Mukhi and calling “Asardar Patidar” a profound need of the times. Naresh Patel expressed pride in the effort, noting that presenting the community’s heritage to the public was a serious responsibility, one that the Khodaldham education committee had handled with care and skill.