CHICAGO, IL: The Gujarati diaspora in the USA is set to burst into laughter as Manubhai Mind Blowing, a hilarious Gujarati comedy play, launched its U.S. tour on May 2, 2025, in the Windy City. This uproarious production, starring Bollywood icon Sharman Joshi, promises an evening of non-stop humour and heartfelt family moments. With a stellar cast, dedicated sponsors, and a narrative steeped in Gujarati culture, Manubhai Mind Blowing is poised to captivate audiences across the United States.
Manubhai Mind Blowing is a rollicking exploration of marriage, mischief, and misunderstandings, centred on Manubhai, portrayed by Sharman Joshi in his first Gujarati stage role in the USA. Written by Imtiaz Patel, directed by Jaideep Shah, and produced by Aasif Patel, the play follows Manubhai, a well-meaning husband whose efforts to reignite the spark in his marriage with his wife, Kishori, spiral into a cascade of comedic chaos. On the advice of his quirky assistant, Madan, Manubhai attempts to find a “spark” outside his marriage, leading to bumbling flirtations with his receptionist, Chandni, and a whirlwind of blackmail, mistaken identities, and laugh-out-loud confrontations.
A standout scene showcases Manubhai’s awkward attempts to charm Chandni, only to be outwitted by her boyfriend, Abhilash, who orchestrates a mock blackmail scheme. The play’s sharp, bilingual dialogue in Gujarati and English captures the essence of Gujarati humour while poking fun at universal relationship dynamics. From Manubhai’s exasperated exchanges with Kishori over tiffin contents to workplace antics involving his eccentric staff, the narrative delivers relentless laughter while highlighting the importance of love and communication in marriage. This family-friendly comedy resonates with audiences of all ages, blending cultural pride with universal themes.
The play features a talented ensemble, led by Sharman Joshi, whose impeccable comedic timing and charm anchor the production. Joining him are Aakash Zala as the scheming Madan, Arpita Sethia as the sharp-witted Kishori, Hardik Sangani, Pritesh Sodha, Mahek Bhatt, and Tejas Shah, each adding their unique flair to the chaotic world of Manubhai Mind Blowing.
Sharman Joshi shared his enthusiasm: “Bringing Manubhai Mind Blowing to Chicago is a dream come true. The Gujarati community’s warmth fuels our performance, and I can’t wait to share this laughter-filled journey.”
The U.S. tour is a testament to the Gujarati community’s unity, driven by passionate promoters and sponsors. Local promoters Neelam and Shashank Desai of NextGen Entertainment, Payal Shah of PN Entertainment, and Brijesh Patel of Core Exteriors, alongside national promoter Bhavna Modi of Manpasand Inc., have worked tirelessly to bring this cultural gem to the diaspora.
Bhavna Modi remarked, “Manubhai Mind Blowing is a celebration of our humour and heritage, and we’re thrilled to launch it in Chicago.”
The production is supported by a roster of sponsors reflecting the community’s entrepreneurial spirit. Grand sponsors include Shashank and Neelam Desai of OCI Card Services and Jigna and Jignesh Gandhi of Rana Reagan Pharmacy. Other sponsors are Anil Shah of World’s Money Exchange, Sunil Shah of New York Life, Ashok Punjabi of Chicago Imports, Chirag Shah of Dynasty Home Care, Jigar Parikh of Jigar’s Kitchen, Rushi and Arjun Patel of Jay Bhavani & Eggmania (Schaumburg), Esha Patel of State Farm, Naresh Shah of ReliaCare, Manish Jain your trusted financial partner, and Perry & Sunny Patel of More Brewing Company.
Culinary sponsors Sam Lakhia of Shree Rasoi, Gaurav Tuteja & Saurabh Dawra of Belly Delhi, Rushi and Arjun Patel of Jay Bhavani (Schaumburg), Gagan Suri of Shree Restaurant, and Shabana Rahman ensured everyone at the Press Meet on May 1st, 2025, enjoyed authentic Indian flavors. Media partners Suresh Bodiwala of Asian Media USA and Jassi Parmar of Desi Junction amplified the play’s reach, while Tariq Khan of Melody Productions and Sound ensured flawless audio. Supporters like Dhitubhai Bhagwakar of Strike 10 Lanes and Lounge and Haribhai Patel of Bhartiya Senior Center embody the community’s spirit.
Following its Chicago debut, Manubhai Mind Blowing will tour cities including Tampa, Edison, Cherry Hill, Raleigh, Washington DC, Pittsburg, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles and many more, spreading Gujarati humour across the U.S. With its universal appeal and cultural pride, the production is set to leave a lasting impact.
Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA, shares his expert perspective: “Manubhai Mind Blowing is more than a play; it’s a vibrant celebration of Gujarati culture and humour that bridges generations and geographies. As a platform dedicated to amplifying South Asian voices, Asian Media USA is proud to support this production, which showcases the diaspora’s talent and unity. This play is a testament to the power of laughter in connecting communities.” His expert editorials continue to highlight the cultural significance of such events, reinforcing the importance of preserving heritage through art.
Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA