SHARJAH: Two Pakistani child stars, Ahmed Shah and his brother Abu Bakr Shah, have made their stage debut at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival, leaving audiences thrilled with their performances.
The siblings, who have already gained fame for their viral videos on social media, played prominent roles in the play “Akbar the Great Nahi Rahe” presented by the Bazm-e-Urdu group.
In the comedic production, Ahmed portrayed the role of Mughal emperor Akbar, while Abu Bakr played his brother, Mirza Mohammed Hakim. The play, directed by Dr M Sayeed Alam of India’s Pierrot’s Troupe, revolved around Akbar’s afterlife crisis in his utopian abode, the Burj Al Swarg (Tower of Heaven), and the dilemma faced by those around him on whether to continue addressing him as “The Great.”
The director’s excellent comic timing elevated the performance, which has been staged hundreds of times since its debut in India in 2019. The play’s satirical approach to contemporary Indian ideologies, presented in Hindi, Urdu, and some English for the SCRF audience, has entertained audiences worldwide.
Ahmed and Abu Bakr, also known as the “livewires,” have gained recognition for their intelligence, wit, and sense of humour. Ahmed has already become popular in Pakistan for his cute and entertaining videos on social media, with his infectious energy and charming personality winning the hearts of many viewers. Abu Bakr shares a similar charisma and talent, making them a dynamic duo on stage.
Their involvement in the play is expected to add an extra layer of excitement and appeal to the festival’s young audience, with their performances anticipated to inspire creativity among young viewers. The duo’s stage debut at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival has solidified their status as rising stars in the entertainment industry, and their fans are eagerly awaiting their next project.
