Ali Asgar, Vishaal Kotian, Delnaaz Irani & Nyra Banerjee Bring a Modern-Day Twist to #Akbar @Birbal!

The timeless tales of Akbar Birbal are set to make a grand comeback—this time on stage, in a Broadway-style musical comedy! Featuring an ensemble cast including Ali Asgar, Vishaal Kotian, Delnaaz Irani, and Nyra Banerjee, #Akbar @Birbal – A Hysterical Historical Comedy reimagines the classic folklore with a fresh, humorous twist. Packed with witty dialogues, vibrant dance sequences, and a touch of modern-day gadgets and lingo, this theatrical spectacle promises to be a laughter-filled experience for all ages.

Vishaal Kotian says on the character, “Akbar Birbal is a classic that we’ve all grown up watching—whether in Amar Chitra Katha or various TV channels. This time, we are reviving the beloved show, but with a theatrical twist. We are bringing it to the stage in a Broadway-style production filled with music, dance, and comedy. It’s a beautiful show, and if you’ve been a fan of Akbar Birbal since childhood, you’re going to love this fresh take on it. While the stories remain familiar, we have added a humorous twist to keep the entertainment quotient high.”

He further added on the Modern Twist, “We wanted to create a spoof-like version of Akbar Birbal while keeping its essence intact. Instead of simply recreating the same old stories, we’ve modernized it in a way that blends history with today’s digital age. Imagine the Mughal court with mobile phones, internet, and phone calls—it adds a unique and hilarious dimension to the storytelling. On top of that, this is a musical with action-packed sequences, qawwalis, and even a bit of magic! Despite all these modern touches, the soul of Akbar Birbal remains the same filled with wisdom, wit, and valuable life lessons.”

Ali Asgar on the Structure of the Play, “The play follows a structured storyline, just like a classic tale. It starts with humor, introduces the characters, brings in a villain, and leads up to a dramatic climax where good triumphs over evil. We have retained the integrity of the original characters, be it the king, the queen, or Birbal—without making them overly slapstick or exaggerated. Our aim was to keep the humor intelligent and engaging while staying true to the spirit of Akbar Birbal.”

Delnaaz Irani on Revisiting Her Role, “I have been part of Akbar Birbal for years, having played this character on television for nearly three and a half years. So, for me, preparing for this role wasn’t difficult—it felt like stepping back into a familiar space. When Paritosh Painter called and told me we were bringing Akbar Birbal to the stage, I was instantly excited! Since many of us from the original team are part of this production, it felt like a reunion. One thing that never changes, no matter the era, is the playful banter between husbands and wives—and we’ve kept that alive in this show as well!”

The #Akbar @Birbal play is written and directed by Paritosh Painter and produced by Pramod Bokadia & Paritosh Painter. Backed by Ideas The Entertainment Company and BMB Entertainments and Films, it is set to premiere soon.