Aabir Vyas: Bringing Iconic Mythological Characters To Life In The Krishna Ballet – Woh Krishna Hai
Aabir Vyas stands out as one of the few Indian actors who have portrayed significant roles in both of India's revered mythologies—Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Aabir Vyas stands out as one of the few Indian actors who have portrayed significant roles in both of India's revered mythologies—Ramayana and Mahabharata. His ability to embody complex characters, both heroic and villainous, has made him a sought-after performer in the genre of mythological drama. Among his most notable roles is that of Duryodhana, the central antagonist in the Mahabharata, whom he portrayed in the 2023 production Krishna Ballet – Woh Krishna Hai. Directed by Sonalee Vyas, a renowned director and choreographer, the production took place in Fort Myers, Florida, on the occasion of Janmashtami. This ballet demanded not only strong acting but also exceptional dancing skills.
Duryodhana, often seen as the epitome of ambition, pride, and defiance, is one of the most nuanced characters in Indian mythology. As the eldest Kaurava prince, his relentless pursuit of power and rivalry with the Pandavas make him a deeply layered character. Playing such a role requires an actor the Pandavas make him a deeply layered character. Playing such a role requires an actor to balance arrogance with vulnerability. Aabir’s portrayal captured these complexities, offering a humanized perspective on a character traditionally viewed as a villain.
Aabir's performance was particularly impressive given the demanding nature of the production. Krishna Ballet – Woh Krishna Hai, a mythological dance-drama, required a fusion of powerful acting and intricate dance forms. A trained method actor from the prestigious Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City, Aabir brought his theatrical expertise to the stage. However, he admitted that the dance sequences, especially Raas, a traditional folk dance, posed a unique challenge.
Reflecting on the experience, Aabir shared: “I love playing dark characters—Duryodhana is one such role. For me, the acting was not the challenge; it was mastering the dances, particularly Raas, which required a different set of skills. That’s where I am grateful to my director, Sonalee Vyas, who pushed me to go beyond my limits and deliver a performance I’m truly proud of. The show was a big hit, and the camaraderie and dedication of the entire team made it an unforgettable experience."
He added, “Just a few years ago, I was playing a funny character in my hit Facebook Watch show by FilterCopy called Dare or Dare, which entertained millions and was inspired by the famous U.S. show Impractical Jokers. Now, I’m portraying complex mythological characters—it’s been an unbelievable journey.”
A Versatile Performer: From Arjun to Bhagat Singh and Romeo
Aabir’s versatility extends beyond Krishna Ballet – Woh Krishna Hai. He has also portrayed another prominent Mahabharata character, Arjun, in Katha – The India Story. This groundbreaking showcase was performed at the iconic Marilyn Monroe Theatre at Lee Strasberg in NYC, a stage renowned for hosting performances by legends like Marilyn Monroe, Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, and Chris Evans. What made Katha – The India Story particularly significant was that it was one of the first productions to bring an Indian historical narrative to this prestigious venue, which has traditionally been the home of famous American plays.
The show presented an even greater challenge as Aabir portrayed multiple diverse characters, including Arjun from Mahabharata, Bhagat Singh, and Romeo, all in the same production. Directed by Preeti Gupta, the play aimed to showcase South Asian culture and stories through theater, creating a powerful and emotional connection with the audience. Reflecting on this milestone, Aabir shared: “Switching between such diverse roles was an exhilarating challenge. Katha – The India Story was a sold-out success and remains one of the highlights of my stage career. To perform an Indian historical narrative at a venue with such an iconic legacy was a deeply meaningful experience.”
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