Ashish Vidyarthi Brings Storytelling Show Kahanibaaz to Hyderabad

National Award-winning actor Ashish Vidyarthi visited Hyderabad to present his storytelling show, Kahanibaaz, bringing a collection of real-life experiences and observations to local audiences. The actor, known for his performances across multiple film industries, reflected on his long association with the city and his career in Telugu cinema.

Speaking about his connection to the city, Vidyarthi recalled fond memories from the time he filmed Pokiri in Hyderabad. He shared that an auto-rickshaw driver, Venkat Naidu, took him around the city for a day, driving past Hussainsagar to show him the Buddha Statue, taking him to watch a Telugu movie, and introducing him to Hyderabadi Biryani before returning him to his hotel.

Vidyarthi highlighted his role in Pokiri, directed by Puri Jagannadh, as a major turning point in his professional life. He explained that the director granted him significant creative freedom to improvise on set, which helped him overcome his initial apprehension about performing in a language he had not mastered.

Through Kahanibaaz, Vidyarthi stated that he aims to engage audiences directly as a storyteller rather than having them watch passively. He noted that he has developed a collection of more than 250 stories, selecting seven to eight narratives tailored for each city he visits.

The actor, who has appeared in films including Dhill, 1942: A Love Story, Soldier, and Vedaa, also discussed his evolving public profile through social media over the past 15 years. While audiences previously knew him primarily for antagonist roles on screen, digital platforms have allowed him to share his interest in food, travel, and personal stories. He added that he avoids reading negative comments and focuses on highlighting resilience and everyday moments.

Looking toward future roles, Vidyarthi expressed a strong desire to play a lead role as a detective, noting that he continues to pursue creative projects like stand-up comedy, online videos, and stage tours while seeking new acting opportunities.