Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh are set to portray brothers in the upcoming comedy series “Deli Boys” by Onyx Collective. In a recent interview with Variety, Shaikh expressed his relief at finally being able to share the screen with Ali, as he had often lost out on roles to him in the past due to the limited opportunities for South Asian actors in Hollywood.
Shaikh recounted his audition process for the show, revealing that he initially auditioned for the role of Mir Dar. However, he soon discovered that Ali had been offered the part instead. This familiar scenario of losing roles to Ali was a common occurrence for Shaikh. Luckily, the producers had another role in mind for him – that of Mir’s brother, Raj. The fact that both Ali and Shaikh could star in the same show is a rare occurrence in Hollywood, as “Deli Boys” features a predominantly South Asian cast.
Ali emphasized that the significance of the show lies not only in its diverse cast but also in its unique and humorous storyline. The series follows the adventures of Mir and Raj, two Pakistani-American brothers who uncover their father’s illicit drug smuggling operations. The show’s creator, Abdullah Saeed, drew inspiration from his own upbringing in a Pakistani family, with Raj and Mir representing different aspects of his personality and experiences.
In a surprising turn of events, Shaikh’s connection with Saeed through a shared interest in cannabis helped him secure the role of Raj. Shaikh fondly recalled showing up at Saeed’s door with a high-quality blunt in hand, which led to a memorable bonding experience over dab rips. This off-screen chemistry translated seamlessly into their on-screen dynamic as brothers, adding depth and humor to their characters’ interactions.
As the brothers navigate their way through the criminal underworld, the show strikes a balance between comedy and suspense, keeping viewers engaged with its unpredictable twists and turns. Ali commended the creative team for their ability to blend tension with humor, creating a compelling and entertaining narrative.
“Deli Boys” is set to premiere on Hulu on March 6, offering audiences a fresh and diverse perspective on family dynamics, crime, and comedy. With Ali and Shaikh at the helm, the show promises to deliver a mix of laughter, drama, and heartwarming moments that will resonate with viewers of all backgrounds.
