Having carved a distinct mark on television with high-octane drama—from his villainous presence in Naagin 7 to his pivotal role in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi—veteran actor Ashish Kaul continues to display his versatile craft. Taking a step into the digital space, the actor features in the now-streaming JioHotstar supernatural thriller series, Ali Baba Aur 40 Bhoot. The series has Asha Negi and Vishal Vashishtha in the lead roles.
The series reimagines classic folklore through a contemporary lens, blending horror, comedy, mystery, and adventure. The story follows Alisha ‘Ali’ Nigam (Asha Negi), a sharp, science-driven neuropsychology expert who rejects the supernatural until her father mysteriously disappears. Her search leads her to an enigmatic town in Central India, uncovering 40 cursed statues (murtis) and the ancient spirits guarding them, accompanied by Babarao (Vishal Vashishtha).
Opening up about the core setup of the series, Ashish Kaul shared, “The show offers a fresh perspective on a familiar tale. It anchors itself around a pragmatic protagonist whose entire world changes when logic fails to explain her father’s sudden disappearance. Navigating through 40 cursed statues and guarded secrets alongside Babarao creates a suspenseful, multi-genre experience.”
In the series, Kaul essays the character of Giri, a key presence who serves as the story’s emotional foundation. As the long-time trusted confidant of Ali’s missing father, Giri is the sole individual who holds knowledge regarding both the mystery of the 40 statues and her father’s whereabouts. Reflecting on his character’s role in Ali’s quest, Kaul said, “Giri is far more than a supporting presence—he acts as the emotional anchor of the entire narrative. Being the only person who holds the truth behind the disappearance and the ancient secret of the murtis, he steps up as Ali’s protector and guide. Bringing depth, warmth, and steady credibility to Giri was a truly fulfilling endeavour for me as an actor.”
The team moved to the historic city of Orchha to capture the atmospheric tone required for the mystery-thriller. Known for its heritage palaces, lakes, lush greenery, and grand temples, the locale provided an immersive backdrop for the entire cast and crew. Describing the unique experience of filming on location, the actor remarked, “Shooting in Orchha felt less like an intense schedule and more like a serene retreat. The city carries a profound spiritual vibe with its deep-rooted connection to Lord Shri Ram and Ayodhya. Working in the presence of the historic Raja Ram Temple gave the entire set a vibrant, positive energy, with devotees visiting from across the nation for darshan.”
Beyond the daily shoot schedules, the trip allowed the cast to build strong personal bonds. Free hours were spent taking in the cultural sights of the town, visiting iconic temples and historical landmarks, and enjoying the local food culture. Recalling the off-camera memories with his co-actors, Kaul added, “Beyond the work itself, bonding with co-stars like Joy Sengupta and Abhay made the experience memorable. During our downtime, we loved stepping out to explore the local markets. We made it a point to visit the grand palaces, pay our respects at the local temples, and sample Orchha’s famous street food—especially the town’s renowned Tikki shop.”
Reflecting on the overall journey, Kaul concluded, “Working on this project was not just another assignment—it was a culturally and spiritually enriching experience. The serene landscapes of Orchha combined with the warmth of its people added a touch of genuine magic to the screen, and I am glad to see the audience responding so warmly to our efforts.”
