Actor Najir Hussain has returned to theatre with his debut directorial The Ugly Duckling (or Kurup Haans), which is an adaptation of Danish author Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale first published in 1843 AD.

Before he was a noted star in the Nepali film industry, starring in movies such as Hostel Returns, Punte Parade and Bir Bikram, Najir started as a theatre actor with the Mandala Theatre, and featured in over 20 dramas.

“With this new play, I am going back to my roots,” Najir said in a conversation with the Post, “Because I started out as a theatre actor, I feel nostalgic to be back at the theatres after three years. But these three years have felt like much, much longer.”

While a budding theatre artist, Najir acted in two of Dayahang Rai’s directorials in 2015, Zero Zero Z and Baitarni Café, before the film Punte Parade, Najir’s debut in cinema, changed his fortunes.

Speaking about the inspiration behind adapting The Ugly Duckling, Najir said, “The Ugly Duckling tells the story of a bird who suffers abuse and his mysterious transformation, despite all odds. While the tale is universal in its appeal, it is quite relevant for us in Nepal. For instance, I myself come from an inter-cultural family and we have long been ridiculed for, say, our religious background or skin colour. So it is an adaptation of a tale that has touched me deeply. I think the audience will find a deep resonance with the plot.”

The Ugly Duckling features actors Bikram Shrestha, Binita Gurung,Kiran Shrestha,Milan Karki and Vijaya Karki; with Najir playing the eponymous Ugly Duckling.

The play will be staged at Mandala Theatre everyday at 5:30 pm until June 3 (except Mondays).