PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Broadway hit Life of Pi is making its much-anticipated Philadelphia debut at the Academy of Music on July 15. But for one cast member, the event is more than just another stop on a national tour — it’s a heartfelt homecoming.
Pragun Bhardwaj, a rising star who grew up in Bucks County, is making his Philadelphia debut in the acclaimed production. Born in Bristol and raised in Chalfont, Bhardwaj says performing in his hometown feels surreal.
“It’s very surreal just to be able to have people come support in my city,” he says. “It’s really awesome.”
A Local Talent with Global Dreams
Bhardwaj’s love for the stage began early.
“I grew up in Bucks County and I started doing drama and theater in middle school,” he recalls. “I really got into it in high school, and then I was like: ‘Let’s do this for a living!'”
That spark led him to pursue acting professionally, and now he finds himself in a leading touring production of one of Broadway’s most visually and emotionally stunning shows.
An Epic Journey, On Stage and Off
Based on Yann Martel’s best-selling novel, Life of Pi is a visually breathtaking story of survival, spirituality, and storytelling. The show — which won three Tony Awards — follows Pi Patel, a young boy who survives a shipwreck and spends 227 days stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.
“He gets lost at sea and embarks on a 227-day journey and somehow makes it out alive, despite being in the boat with a tiger,” says Bhardwaj.
The story’s imaginative staging, jaw-dropping puppetry, and emotional depth make it a powerful theatrical experience. But for Bhardwaj, the show resonates on an even deeper, personal level.
A Story That Hits Home
“It’s my first time being able to be in a story about Indian people,” Bhardwaj shares. “It takes place partly in India. There’s Hindi that is spoken. There’s prayer that is spoken. Pi’s family completely resembles my own home that I grew up in. It’s super cool and personal.”
For Bhardwaj, the role feels almost destined. When Life of Pi first hit the screen, his family imagined him in a story just like it.
“They were like: ‘Pragun, you do some work in acting, maybe you can get a role like this!’ Little did I know I was going to be working on this project, which is super cool. They’re very excited for me.”
Catch It While You Can
Life of Pi will run at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia from July 15 to July 27. With Bhardwaj bringing local heart to an international tale, it’s a performance Philly audiences won’t want to miss.
🎟 Tickets are available now. Don’t miss the chance to witness a hometown star shine in one of Broadway’s most awe-inspiring shows.
