No Strings Attached

Born in London in 1969 to Turkish Cypriot immigrant parents, Sal Yusuf discovered his passion for the creative arts at a young age. He actively participated in amateur theatre during his formative years, honing his acting and artistic skills. This inclination led him to pursue a BA (Hons) Degree in Visual & Performing Arts from the University of Brighton, where he had the opportunity to create, devise, act, and direct a series of performances. It was during this time that Sal developed a particular interest in puppetry. 

After graduating, Sal Yusuf landed a dream job at Spitting Image in 1992. He started as a workshop assistant involved in the production of puppets during the show’s 14th season. His talent and dedication eventually led him to become a puppeteer on television in the following season. However, the program came to an end, prompting Sal to explore other avenues.

During the years that followed, Sal Yusuf obtained qualifications as a teacher as a fallback option while continuing to work in children’s theatre. He also conducted workshops of his own, further nurturing his artistic skills. However, a turning point came in 2007 when Sal decided to move to India. This move allowed him to change the narrative and fully embrace his artistic talents, which he felt he hadn’t fully explored in England.

Sal embarked on a new journey in India, establishing himself as a reputed voice artist. He lent his voice to various projects, including television commercials and other voice-over work. He also delved into the world of stand-up comedy, making a name for himself in the Bangalore stand-up circuit. His success culminated in an appearance at the Bombay Comedy Store in 2012.

In 2013, Sal Yusuf joined the popular improvisational acting group called The Improv. Working with acclaimed director Prakash Belawadi, Sal participated in plays such as Hardy’s Apology, Square Root of a Sonnet, and The Investigation, and collaborated with other theater groups like BLT (Tiger, Tiger).

This period also marked the beginning of Sal’s film career, as he secured roles in notable Malayalam films, including Iyobinte Pustakum (2014), Comrade In America (2017) portraying Karl Marx, and Take Off (2017) as a humble Iraqi doctor. Eventually, he ventured into Bollywood with the film Tiger Zinda Hai (2017). Although primarily recognized as a South Indian actor, Sal Yusuf received critical acclaim for his supporting role in the Kannada film French Biryani (2020), which earned him a nomination for a SIIMA award. He has now amassed over 20 film and web series credits, continuously expanding his career in the industry.

In 2014, Sal founded Black Box India, a company specializing in voicing animations for Graphic India, an international graphic novel book company. Not only did Sal lend his voice to numerous characters, but he also directed other voice actors on their projects. Black Box India’s repertoire has since expanded to include workshops, stage shows under banners like Tortilla, music videos, and short films, all of which Sal Yusuf directed. The company recently debuted its independent stage performance titled No Strings Attached and plans for future shows, including What’s Mime is Yours.

Archana Kumar, an artist with a background in dance and acting, has explored diverse cultures and continents, gaining valuable experiences. Born in Mumbai and raised in Abu Dhabi, she developed a passion for the arts. She then moved to the United States, where she immersed herself in various dance styles such as Flamenco, Butoh, and Improvisation.

Archana trained in Bharatanatyam from 1989 to 1997 and later pursued Kathak, which she continues to practice today. She held a leadership position at a renowned Kathak school in Seattle and taught at institutions like Cornish College of Arts and Northwestern University. Archana received the Spandana Award in 2011 for her contribution to the discipline of Kathak and commitment to dance education, instituted by the State of Karnataka.

In addition to dance, Archana collaborated with director Hiroshi Ohashi in the production Asia Meets Asia and continues to explore acting. Her solo projects tackle societal issues with boldness and have garnered attention in the USA, Canada, Japan, China, and Indonesia.

Archana has also showcased her talent in theatrical productions in Bangalore and made her debut in the Telugu feature film, The Rose Villa. She has appeared in commercials for brands like Zepto, MRF, and Aster, displaying her versatility. She has also built an impressive portfolio of short films.

As a member of Black Box India, Archana contributes as a choreographer and collaborator. Her involvement in the production No Strings Attached showcases her comedic abilities. Archana plans to revive her choreographed work Bubble Pops under Black Box India, promising impactful performances.

Suraj is a versatile artist from Karnataka, skilled in visual arts, acting, and commercial advertisements. He studied at the Ken School of Art, specializing in visual art and graphic design. His work includes art installation, logo design, painting, and performance art. Suraj gained recognition as a top photographer in an international competition and received a nomination for a State Award by the Karnataka Lalithakala Academy.

He contributed to restoration and photographic documentation projects as an assistant to Balan Nambiar, a renowned artist. Suraj’s acting career started with school skits and expanded to television serials and Kannada films. He also performed in theatrical productions in both Kannada and English languages. Suraj appeared in advertisements for well-known brands.

Currently, he is exploring documentary filmmaking and collaborates as an in-house artist with Black Box India. Suraj’s dedication to artistic excellence and his diverse skills make him a prominent figure in the industry, inspiring fellow artists and captivating audiences.