Hindi Naatak Company

Our Story

About Hindi Naatak Company

Lucknowi theatre, pure Hindi, on a Minneapolis stage.

"This is not community theatre. This is Lucknowi theatre — precise, literary, Hindi — on a Minneapolis stage."

Hindi Naatak Company brings the soul of Lucknowi theatre to Minneapolis. Every production is rooted in scripts by celebrated writers from Lucknow — the same literary tradition that shaped Hindi theatre and cinema for generations. All plays are performed entirely in Hindi, directed by Shambavii Gupta, and brought to life by a circle of local community members, friends, and performers who share a deep love for this art form.

Founded in 2019 — not by grand design, but by passion — the company has grown from a debut production to four acclaimed shows, each drawing larger audiences and deeper community bonds. Lucknowi theatre found its Minneapolis home, and Minneapolis fell in love with it.

"Theatre is in the blood. It always finds a way."

About the Founder

Shambavii Gupta

Founder & Creative Director · Est. 2019

Born and raised in Lucknow, Shambavii comes from one of India's most celebrated theatrical families. Her grandfather, Vishwanath Misra, was a legendary stage actor best known for playing Mirza in Bibi Natiyon Wali — one of the first sitcoms on Indian television. Her mother, a national award-winning filmmaker, performed in over 300 stage plays alongside luminaries like K.P. Saxena, writer of Lagaan.

A dancer at heart since the age of three, Shambavii trained in Bharatnatyam at Bhatkhande Hindustani Sangeet Mahavidyalaya in Lucknow and went on to win Best Solo Dancer at the All Delhi University Festival — one of many dance awards across her college years. She has choreographed numerous large ensembles and brings that dancer's instinct to every production she directs.

Always a free bird — IT professional, proud mom to a 22-year-old, choreographer, voiceover artist, and director — she proves you can go from coding to creativity and do it all. Hindi Naatak Company was never planned. It simply happened, people loved it, and it grew. Today it brings the soul of Lucknowi theatre to Minneapolis — entirely in Hindi, always.

A Legacy of Theatre

Theatre runs three generations deep in the family of Shambavii Gupta. Her grandfather Vishwanath Misra was a celebrated stage actor on Doordarshan; her mother a national award-winning filmmaker and theatre artist who performed in over 300 plays across India.

Vishwanath Misra · Bibi Natiyon Wali · Doordarshan

Shambavii's Mother · Stage Productions · Lucknow

The Company

Meet the Team

The artists, performers, and creators behind Hindi Naatak Company.

Ashutosh Singh

Actor

Born in Lucknow, Ashutosh's journey into acting began unexpectedly in his first year of engineering, cast as Yamraj in Nachiketa — a production that won Best Play. After moving to Minneapolis he continued with RGK Dance Academy (Khushi-2, Raftaar, Pursuit of Happiness, Ramayan) and Hindi Naatak Company's Miss Aloowalia. For him, theatre is about the joy of learning and the journey along the way.

Avinash Dasari

Choreographer

A versatile dancer and choreographer blending Bollywood energy with contemporary and lyrical hip-hop. His journey grew in Pune with Heels Dance Academy and Bollywood industry collaborations. Trained in contemporary dance and Kalaripayattu, Avinash loves bringing narratives to life through movement. Credits: Miss Aloowalia, Pursuit of Happiness.

Deepak Asrani

Actor

Deepak Asrani is a business owner, professional, devoted son, husband, and proud parent of two beautiful kids and two four-legged grandkids. He secretly loved stage performance and drama since childhood, when he was part of a neighbourhood kids theatre group enacting stories from Amar Chitra Katha. After coming to the USA, that desire was hidden by responsibilities — until Shambavii saw the hidden spark and brought it back to light. Credits: Zaroorat Hai Shrimati Ji Ki, Miss Aloowalia (Naatak Company), Parampara Divas (Pangea Theatre), Pursuit of Happiness (RGK). He also supports productions with audio and light coordination.

Ekta Gupta

Costume & Stage Designer

Trained in fashion and design, Ekta earned first place at her year-end fashion showcase and presented collections across India. Her creative eye brings authenticity and character to every production. With the company since Baap Re Baap, working on Zaroorat Hai Shrimati Ji Ki and Miss Aloowalia. An IT professional by day, theatre keeps her connected to art and fashion.

Kiran Asrani

Sound Director

Kiran Asrani is a business owner and devoted mother of two children and two four-legged companions. Over the past 4–5 years, she has been an active member with the Cultural Committee through the Hindu Society of Minnesota, serving as stage manager for several Holi and Diwali celebrations. She worked as Stage Manager for Parampara Days (dir. Dipanker Mukherji, HSMN) and contributed to Pursuit of Happiness 1 & 2 through RGK Productions, handling sound, lighting, and technical coordination. She also worked as Sound Director for Zaroorat Hai Shrimati Ji Ki and Miss Aloowalia. 🏆 Honoured with the HAMN Jyoti Award 2023.

Mahima Kashyap

Actor

From college dance association head to commanding centre stage in Minneapolis. She moved with a suitcase full of dreams, and one message to Shambavii brought her back to her roots. Credits: Miss Aloowalia (2024) and Salim Shervani Ki Shaadi (2025). "We don't find the stage — the stage finds us."

Minakshi Choudhry

Actor

A performer by heart, Minakshi has carried a deep passion for dance since childhood — discovering her own rhythm through instinct, emotion, and a genuine love for performance. Acting was never part of her plan until 2022, when a casual call to join a theatre production turned into a meaningful artistic journey. She joined Hindi Naatak Company in 2022 and made her debut with Zaroorat Hai Shrimati Ji Ki, followed by Miss Aloowalia in 2024, both directed by Shambavii Gupta. For her, theatre and dance are expressions of passion, confidence, and the courage to embrace life's unexpected opportunities.

Nandan Dhar

Stage & Production Videographer

Nandan Dhar captures the magic of Hindi Naatak Company productions through his lens, preserving every moment of Lucknowi theatre on a Minneapolis stage for audiences and posterity alike.

Sanjay Misra

Actor

Sanjay has always had a passion for theatre. He participated in and directed plays during medical school, including Spartacus and Gadda. Immigration to the US, building a career, and raising a family kept him busy — though he found opportunities to perform in Khushi 1 and Khushi 2 in Minneapolis. Now that his kids are grown, he is enthusiastically reconnecting with his lifelong passion through Hindi Naatak Company.

Sangeeta Gupta

Actor

A passionate performer with a deep-rooted love for the stage. Raised in a small town with limited arts access, Sangeeta carved her own path through resilience and determination. Awarded Miss Holy Cross and Miss College. A mother of three and devoted pet parent, for Sangeeta theatre is her voice, her courage, and the truest expression of who she is. Credits: Miss Aloowalia.

Shailly Nanda

Backstage Coordinator

Shailly has a natural talent for connecting people and opportunities. Known for being highly resourceful and dependable, she thrives in the world behind the curtain — where the real magic happens. Her passion lies in bringing productions to life, ensuring every detail is in place before the curtain rises. She has had the privilege of working with Hindi Naatak Company on multiple occasions and truly cherishes every experience.

Shilpa

Actor

Theatre came knocking by chance for Shilpa. Trained in Kathak, she always preferred staying away from the limelight — her joy was storytelling with children. It was in Miss Aloowalia that she discovered a quiet passion for acting. Her biggest cheerleaders are her husband and two kids. She loves reading, baking, and chasing new adventures through travel.

Shweta Paliwal

Stage Director

A dynamic blend of technology and artistry. A trained Kathak dancer, she carries the grace and discipline of classical dance into every facet of her life. As Stage Director, she ensures every production unfolds with precision and care. The harmony between structure and creativity defines both her journey and expression.

SG3

Sumit Gupta

Audio Manager

Sumit Gupta keeps the sound tight and the mics working perfectly for every Hindi Naatak Company production, ensuring every word of every performance reaches the audience with clarity and impact.

Tarun Garg

Actor

Tarun walked onto a stage during college because of a bet with friends — and somewhere between the lights, the noise, and the applause, he realised he never really wanted to leave. Actor, backstage manager, sound coordinator, script contributor, stage hand, live host — if something needs to happen for the show to come alive, Tarun is already on it. Credits include multiple Hindi stage productions, Ram-Leelas, comedy acts, flash mobs, and cultural events. One favourite memory: transforming into seven different Bollywood characters with a full costume change in just 43 seconds. For Tarun, theatre is not just acting — it is belonging.

Vishal Bhatnagar

Actor

Raised in Kenya, Vishal grew up immersed in sports before theatre introduced an entirely new dimension to his life. His debut in Zaroorat Hai Shrimati Ji Ki and transformative role in Miss Aloowalia have been deeply life-changing. Through Hindi Naatak Company he found a creative outlet and a strong sense of belonging — built on respect, friendship, purpose, and passion.

What People Say

Voices from the Audience

Words from those who have experienced Hindi Naatak Company on stage.

❝

A great performance by so many talented actors, directors and backstage heroes. First class. Very enjoyable. Congrats to all. Twin Cities has talent! ASMN has talent!

— Audience Member

❝

Yes indeed. Amazing performance. We loved every bit of it.

— Audience Member

❝

Wow! Congratulations on this very well organized show! We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. You all rock!

— Audience Member

❝

Such a well run show. Very professional — no fillers, just pure high quality play with a lot of hilarious moments and well choreographed dances.

— Audience Member

❝

Such a flawless performance — great dialogue delivery, acting, expressions. Overall very enjoyable, hilarious, captivating, enchanting, engrossing performance by all performers. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

— Audience Member

❝

Congratulations, Shambavii, and the entire team for such a successful event! We enjoyed the show very much and truly appreciate the weeks of hard work, the commitment and the passion that goes into putting up a production like this on stage.

— Audience Member

❝

Congratulations to the whole Naatak Company team and Shambavii! You all rocked it. So beautifully organized. Thoroughly enjoyed the evening!

— Audience Member

❝

Congrats Shambavii for a successful show. The hard work behind the whole team really showed. Kudos to the whole team!

— Audience Member

❝

What an excellent play. Such a mature performance — it reminded me of Bharatendu Natya Academy. You are a true rockstar and an inspiration. Job well done.

— Audience Member

❝

This was beyond expectations. A true theater play — much better than last time. Performance, message, theatrical outcomes — all was in place.

— Audience Member

❝

The opening credits were so pure and full of love — I can't get over it still!

— Audience Member

❝

An avalanche of talent that sets the stage ablaze — actors, dancers, musicians, singers, set designers, choreographers, DPs, producers, directors, writers, sound design, they have it all. Not to be missed... EVER!

— Audience Member

❝

What a personality you are. Actors are under tremendous pressure when the director herself is the best actor among the bunch. It was your vision — we were just doing our small parts. Only a person with endless love for the craft can do all this outside their full time job. Hats off to this amazing strong lady. Mhari chori rocks! 🤘

— Sreekumar Nair

❝

This crazy firecracker personality came into my life one fine day and sucked me into her world of art and drama! Her passion for art and her child-like energy is super contagious and super addictive. We are just blessed to have you as Director and a friend!

— Mithun Jadhav

❝

You are a beacon of light, a sun whose warmth and brilliance inspire others to shine and glow in their own unique ways. Your unwavering support and kindness uplift everyone around you, and your belief in others is a rare and beautiful gift.

— Sangeeta Gupta

❝

I wanted to try theatre and now because of you I got it. It means a lot to me. Practices were so much fun and the actual show was Super se bhi Uper!!! And now I have so many friends here too. You are Aweeeeesooooome!!!

— Shraddha Baride

❝

I still get goosebumps thinking about BRB 2.0. The amount of work we accomplished in such minimal time. Thank you Shambavii for being the best mentor a person could ask for. Your energy, leadership and guidance made this show a real success.

— Kripa Pandya

Next on Stage

Past Productions

About Hindi Naatak Company

Meet the Team

Voices from the Audience

Book Tickets

Contact Us

Next on Stage

Past Productions

About Hindi Naatak Company

Meet the Team

Voices from the Audience

Book Tickets

Become a Sponsor

Contact Us