Cinema VinesIn a recent interview with The Hindustan Times, veteran comedy creators Aatish Kapadia and JD Majethia opened up about the behind‑the‑scenes drama that surrounded the launch of their latest series, Chumbak. The duo, famed for hits such as Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Khichdi and Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, said the new show is an attempt to blend old‑world charm with the backdrop of a modern, educated neighbourhood.
“We wanted to create something that felt familiar yet fresh,” Kapadia explained. “The setting is a contemporary community, but the characters carry that timeless, earthy vibe.” The series features a 12‑member ensemble that brings together television veterans and newer faces, including Neena Gupta, Deven Bhojani, Sumeet Raghavan, Sandeepa Dhar, Arjun Bijlani, Helly Shah, Sumeet Vyas, Manasi Parekh, Delnaaz Irani, Anant Joshi and Bollywood actress Amyra Dastur.
While the cast list reads like a potluck of talent, the casting process itself was anything but straightforward. For instance, Arjun Bijlani’s inclusion was a close call. The producers had already narrowed the field to three finalists when they saw Bijlani’s look test. However, he was busy shooting the finale of his current show and was not reachable. “We reached out to his wife, Neha, who told us to wait three days until the finale,” Majethia recounted. “Once he finished, we spoke that evening, met the next day, and secured him for the role.”
Neena Gupta’s participation, on the other hand, was almost instantaneous. Kapadia said they simply sent her three lines from her character’s script, added that it was a comedy, and she agreed on the spot. “She said, ‘I am doing this show,’” Kapadia recalled. The pair also noted that Gupta had initially questioned whether Deven Bhojani was young enough to play her husband, but his performance won her over.
Even the newer OTT talent faced hurdles. Amyra Dastur almost missed out because someone posing as her manager falsely claimed she was uninterested in OTT projects and unavailable. The producers eventually reached her through another contact, and Dastur clarified that the impersonator was not her real manager. “We sent her a message through someone else, and she immediately clarified that she is interested,” Majethia said.
With its blend of seasoned performers and fresh faces, Chumbak promises to deliver the same brand of humor that has defined Kapadia and Majethia’s career. The show is already available for streaming, and fans are eager to see how the chaotic casting journey translates into on‑screen chemistry.
