Mumbai, November 2, 2026: Three brothers, one garage, and a young woman who turns up drenched on a stormy night. Nearly seven decades after Kishore Kumar and Madhubala made Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi one of Hindi cinema’s best-loved comedies, a cast of 50 young performers aged 16 to 28 is bringing it to the stage. The production opens at YB Chavan Centre, Nariman Point, on November 27 and moves to Rang Sharda, Bandra, from December 11.
The young company shares the stage with some of the biggest names in Indian music and dance. Terence Lewis Contemporary Dance Company has choreographed the show, and SD Burman’s much-loved songs, including “Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si” and “Haal Kaisa Hai Janab Ka”, feature playback vocals by Neeti Mohan and Shaan.
Rasika Agashe, a graduate of the prestigious National School of Drama, is an actor, writer and director working across theatre, television and films. She has written and directed the adaptation for Salaam Bombay Foundation.
“This film is pure joy: mistaken identities, romance, and songs every Mumbaikar can hum,” said Agashe. “I wanted to keep all of that and let this cast make it their own. They have rehearsed for 2 months with the discipline of any professional company, and they bring a wit and energy to these characters that feels completely of today.”
Every member of the cast has trained through Salaam Bombay Foundation’s Academy of the Arts and Media Academy, which gives young people from under-resourced communities free training in theatre, dance and music from working professionals. For many, this is their first professional stage, after 3 years of training. The Academy’s alumni have gone on to build professional careers across diverse fields, including engineering, editing, acting, dance choreography, training, direction and photography, among others.
Chetan Wagh, 22, who plays the lead role of Manmohan said, “Stepping into the shoes of Manmohan has been an exciting challenge. It has been wonderful to reimagine this iconic character for today’s audience, and I hope they enjoy the nostalgia, humour and surprises we will bring to the stage.”
“Talent is everywhere in this city. What so many young people are missing is the chance to be seen,” said Tshering D Bhutia, Co-CEO and Director, Salaam Bombay Foundation. “Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi puts them on a real stage, beside some of the best in the business, in front of a full house. By creating such platforms, we can help break the cycle of lack of opportunity and change what young people believe is possible for themselves.”
Show details
South Mumbai: YB Chavan Centre, Nariman Point
- Friday, November 27: 7.30 pm
- Saturday, November 28: 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm
- Sunday, November 29: 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm
Bandra: Rang Sharda, Bandra West
- Friday, December 11: 7.30 pm
- Saturday, December 12: 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm
- Sunday, December 13: 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm
Donation passes: From ₹500 on BookMyShow: https://in.bookmyshow.com/plays/chalti-ka-naam-gaadi/etap66833i Proceeds support The Academy of the Arts at Salaam Bombay Foundation, opening careers in film, dance and acting for the students.
Language: Hindi | Running time: 90 minutes, no interval | Suitable for: all ages
About Salaam Bombay Foundation
Established in 2002, Salaam Bombay Foundation works with adolescents from under-resourced communities across 9 cities, helping them stay in school and build the skills and confidence to break the cycle of poverty. Its’ Academies in the arts, media, sports and vocational skills give young people professional training and real platforms to use it. The Foundation has reached more than 4.2 million adolescents and children. Website: salaambombay.org
