Mumbai, Mar 24: Aadyam Theatre, the pioneering live theatre initiative by the Aditya Birla Group, has announced Mumbai show dates for its debut play of Season 8, Ankahi, ahead of its Delhi premiere—reflecting strong audience anticipation for the production.
Marking a bold new creative direction, Ankahi explores the supernatural thriller genre, a first for Aadyam Theatre. The play will be staged in Mumbai on April 18 and 19 at Jamshed Bhabha Theatre (NCPA) and May 2 and 3, 2026 at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir.
Continuing Aadyam’s tradition of reimagining classical works, Ankahi is a Hindi adaptation of Susan Hill’s celebrated horror story The Woman in Black. The narrative follows Sandeepan Chauhan, a middle-aged lawyer haunted by a disturbing past, who collaborates with a young theatre actor to stage his chilling experience—uncovering dark secrets hidden in the marshes of West Bengal.
As the story unfolds, a mysterious phantom figure, the “Hunkaarni,” casts an ominous shadow, blurring the lines between reality and performance, truth and illusion. The play raises a haunting question: does confronting one’s darkest secrets lead to liberation—or deeper darkness?
Directed by Vikranth Pawar, Ankahi marks his debut collaboration with Aadyam Theatre. Known for bringing Broadway-style productions like Beauty and the Beast to India, Pawar infuses the play with immersive soundscapes and visually compelling stagecraft, delivering a gripping 90-minute theatrical experience.
Sharing his thoughts, Vikranth Pawar said,
“Ankahi marks my first play with Aadyam Theatre, and the experience has been incredibly exciting. I believe Indian audiences have been waiting for a supernatural thriller on stage. This play delivers real scares and an intense dramatic journey that lingers long after the performance ends.”
The production features acclaimed actors Gopal Datt as Sandeepan Chauhan and Rohit Chaudhary as the young theatre actor, bringing depth and intensity to the narrative.
With Ankahi, Aadyam Theatre continues its decade-long legacy of pushing creative boundaries, introducing audiences to bold narratives and immersive storytelling formats. The strong response to the announcement signals an exciting season ahead for theatre enthusiasts.
