New Delhi, Feb 03: Literature, music and intimate storytelling come together as Chandni Raatein, a reimagined musical adaptation of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s White Nights, takes over Depot48 for an immersive evening of live performance. Blending original compositions with abridged theatrical narration, the production offers Delhi audiences a refined, emotionally resonant interpretation of the classic text, designed to be felt as much as it is heard.
At the heart of Chandni Raatein is a carefully constructed interplay between voice and sound. Singer, Actor, Host and Voice Artist Mantra Mugdh lends depth and warmth to the musical’s original songs, while Actor and Dastango Danish Husain anchors the evening with a restrained narration that carries the emotional arc of Dostoevsky’s work. Composer and pianist Kaizad Gherda, joined by his band, shapes the sonic landscape live on stage, moving fluidly between narration and music to create a seamless musical flow.
Speaking about the performance, Mantra Mugdh, Danish Husain and Kaizad Gherda shared, “Chandni Raatein brings together live music, theatre and storytelling through original songs and a reimagined telling of Dostoevsky’s White Nights. Mantra Mugdh performs the original compositions with the play’s moving chorus, Danish Husain anchors the evening with an immersive narration, and Kaizad Gherda, joined by his band, brings the musical’s soulful score to life.”
Rather than a conventional stage adaptation, Chandni Raatein is conceived as a listening-led experience, one that invites audiences to drift through themes of longing, memory and fleeting connection, mirroring the quiet intensity of White Nights. The minimalistic storytelling and live musical format create an atmosphere that feels intimate, cinematic and deeply personal.
Speaking about hosting Chandni Raatein at Depot48, Vikas Narula, Co-founder, Depot48, said, “Depot48 has always been a space for work that values emotional honesty and artistic intent. Chandni Raatein reflects that ethos beautifully, it is thoughtful, restrained, and deeply immersive. We are excited to present a performance where storytelling and music come together with such sensitivity.”
Adding to this, Girjashanker, Co-founder, Depot48, said, “What stood out to us about Chandni Raatein was its attention to listening, not just hearing music, but experiencing silence, narration and sound as one continuous journey. It’s a format that aligns closely with how we think about live performance at Depot48.”
As Delhi’s cultural calendar continues to evolve, Chandni Raatein stands out as an offering that bridges literature and live performance with restraint and care, an evening shaped by music, storytelling and moonlit introspection.