The captivating Hindi crime comedy series ‘Killer Soup,’ currently delighting audiences on Netflix, features Hyderabad’s own renowned theatre actor and director Vaishali Bisht in a pivotal role. Known for her immense contributions to the Hyderabad theatre scene—comprising acting, writing, directing, and producing plays, as well as conducting workshops—Vaishali takes on the character of Mehrunnisa, an elderly Dakhni-speaking khansama (cook) who is at the helm of a culinary school.
A graduate in Theatre and Drama Studies with Honors from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England, Vaishali returned to Hyderabad in 1996 and since then has passionately dedicated herself to developing theatre in her hometown. Recognized for her pioneering efforts, she is one of the triumvirate founders of the distinguished Hyderabad Children’s Theatre Festival.
When the time came to cast ‘Killer Soup,’ Vaishali’s name was floated to Pooja Hegde, the casting director from Casting Coo, a Bengaluru-based enterprise also invested in direction and production. Vaishali recalls, “Pooja’s reputation preceded her, and honestly, I was thrilled when she reached out for a self-audition. Despite the lockdown restrictions, we proceeded virtually. It was after the audition, when I performed a scene dedicated to my character, that I understood the intricacies of who I was portraying. I admit the Dakhni aspect was a hurdle due to my limited proficiency.”
The series, a melting pot of languages, shared the screen with an array of distinguished actors such as Konkona Sen Sarma, Nasser, Manoj Bajpayee, and Shayaji Shindey. In preparation for the role, Vaishali underwent a physical transformation to embody Mehrunnisa, who is characterized by a bent back. However, she emphasizes, “Mastering body language was never a concern. As soon as I nailed the diction with assistance from my co-actors and theatre companions, I felt ready. The entire experience was invigorating particularly since, until that point, many of us had been confined to our homes, yearning for creative outlets amid COVID restrictions.”
Despite a successful career in theatre, Vaishali had previously avoided television and film due to the differing methodologies from her cherished realm of live performance. “My limited engagement with the camera wasn’t compelling enough to sway me from theatre,” she explains. However, her collaboration with the ‘Killer Soup’ team and director Abhishek Chaubey took her by pleasant surprise. “The camaraderie shared with my fellow actors and the production environment was truly heartwarming and unlike any other I had experienced.”
With its robust storytelling and intermingling of cultural nuances, ‘Killer Soup’ stands out as a unique addition to Netflix’s roster. Vaishali’s journey, both within this project and her broader theatrical ventures, reflects her versatile talent and commitment to artistic expression. From wrestling with unfamiliar dialects to navigating physical transformations and finding chemistry within an ensemble cast, her journey echoes the numerous facets every actor wrestles with and ultimately celebrates.
‘Killer Soup’ spirals viewers into an intricately woven narrative, flavored not only with suspense and humor but also enriched by the authentic cultural tapestry brought to life through its compelling cast. As viewers binge on the series, they’re sure to be mesmerized by Vaishali’s portrayal of Mehrunnisa—a role steeped in tradition, vibrancy, and the undying spirit of Hyderabadi charm.
