In this exclusive interview with Asif Ali and Saagar Shaikh, the charismatic duo behind the intriguing new show, Deli Boys. Set against the backdrop of brotherly chemistry reminiscent of the beloved Will and Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Ali and Shaikh dive into the organic development of their onscreen dynamic, their experiences at Sundance Film Festival, and how they navigate the complexities of portraying South Asian characters in unconventional narratives. Amidst laughs and insightful reflections, the pair also tackle the potential challenges and criticisms similar to those faced by past groundbreaking films, underscoring the importance of diverse and authentic representation in today’s media landscape.
It was only natural for the two of them to develop this onscreen brotherly chemistry reminiscent of Will and Carlton from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
“It came naturally. We knew of each other before and met at the chemistry read. It just worked out,” Saagar Shaikh shared. “We’re both lighthearted and easygoing, which created a great environment for the show.”
As a viewer, the recurring topics of crime and drugs in Deli Boys brought to memory the film Better Luck Tomorrow, which was once criticized for its portrayal of Asian Americans. However, Shaikh and Ali believe that the world has progressed since then and audiences want to see diverse stories and that this series will expand equity and equality in representation.
“We live in a world now where people are tired of the model minority stereotype. Films like Dìdi have started to reflect more real and diverse stories,” Shaikh said. “This fresh take on South Asians will resonate with the audience.”
“These types of stories expand our scope to be seen in any narrative. We need shows with drama, stakes, and conflict, especially in comedy and action.,” Ali said. “This show is a step in the right direction for real equity and equality in representation.”
All of season 1 of Deli Boys is out now on Hulu.
EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS
Episode 101 “Pilot”
After their Baba’s sudden death, brothers Raj and Mir realize their family’s deli empire is actually a criminal front. Their survival depends on Lucky Auntie, who does something totally messed up but also kind of awesome.
Episode 102 “Deadly Boys”
Raj and Mir set out to find half-dead Hamza in the Forgotten Bottom, but they are idiots and nepo babies. Meanwhile, Lucky fights chauvinist Ahmad for Dark DarCo’s throne, and Agent Mercer struggles to crack the FBI’s boys’ club.
Episode 103 “Delhi Boys”
As Lucky, Mir, and Ahmad work to revive a smuggling operation, Ahmad’s racism surfaces and Drexel’s business program gets a bad rap. Raj learns professionalism from the “Murderwalla,” while Agent Mercer picks up an unexpected ally.
Episode 104 “Delicate Boys”
A Philly gangster gives the crew 24 hours to unload coke and pay his vig—but demands a hostage. Lucky screams disturbing things at Raj after he scares off the cocaine mixer, while Bushra holds Mir’s nuts to the fire.
Episode 105 “Lucky Boys”
It’s Chickie Lasagna’s epic “Big Game” party, and the Pennsylvania “Football Birds” are playing. But the gang is too busy trying to expand their turf and discovering that Chickie’s daughter Gigi is a hot psycho. Mercer witnesses a beatdown.
Episode 106 “Jersey Boys”
Hamza’s British cousins hop across the pond on a lark, drive on the wrong side of the road, and kidnap Lucky at GMT for a wee Brexit with tea and crumpets, Stonehenge, O levels, and a Jack Russell terrier. The boys follow Raj’s third eye.
Episode 107 “Delivery Boys”
The boys learn the value of work-life balance. Raj and his shaman/lover smoke a fat rosin donut en route to deliver drugs to his fiancé/business partner at West Philly Pakora Palace. Meanwhile, Mercer and Simpson finally get on the same page.
Episode 108 “Sweaty Boys”
Mercer and Simpson close in on the sticky, chewy, nutty center of the Dar crime ring. Raj rides a scooter. Mir channels his inner tech bro. Lucky pulls a fast one. Ahmad finally gets to pull down the pull-down gate outside the ABC Deli.
Episode 109 “Shaadi Boys”
On the first day of Mir and Bushra’s pyari pyari shaadi, the Peruvians want their money—and it’s threatening Mir’s ability to be a fab dullah. Raj is acting super weird, the boys might tiff (no tiffin), and a mystery finally unravels.
Episode 110 “Confetti Boys”
Philly PD Sergeant Angelo F. Testicola fights to protect his very important crime scene despite interference from Mercer, Simpson, Raj, Mir, Lucky, Ahmad, Seema, Bushra, Chickie, Chickie’s date, and Corey—the only white guy at the wedding.
