Broadway's Aladdin production overseen by Indian-origin duo Adiv Roy and Sonya Balsara receives recognition from Priyanka Chopra
In the world of Broadway, two Indian-origin actors, Adiv Roy and Sonya Balsara, are making waves as they take on the lead roles in Disney's classic musical, Aladdin. Adiv Roy portrays the titular character, while Sonya Balsara plays Princess Jasmine in the production[1][2].
Both actors come from academically inclined families. Adiv Roy, who began playing Aladdin during the North American tour of the show, has parents with PhDs, and his sister is in Chemical Engineering[1]. Sonya Balsara’s mother is a professional classical singer and her father a professor of Chemical Engineering. She spent her childhood in the Bay Area, USA[1].
Their connection to their Indian heritage is evident in their performances, as they have been cast in similar roles since middle school and now star together as the leads in the 10th anniversary of Disney’s Aladdin Broadway musical, a traveling production that showcases their talents on a prominent stage[1][3].
Their performances have caught the attention of global star Priyanka Chopra, who praised their significance as Indian-American talents in a major Broadway production[1][2][3][4]. Both actors expressed gratitude for the recognition and the impact of representing their community in such an iconic show[1][3][4].
Priyanka Chopra, who attended a performance of the Broadway musical Aladdin with her husband Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie, posted about the performance on her Instagram feed, expressing her admiration for Adiv Roy and Sonya Balsara[1][2][4]. The Instagram post, featuring photographs and a video from the performance, has won the hearts of Netizens[1][2].
Adiv Roy and Sonya Balsara's roles in Aladdin are a testament to increased representation of South Asian and Indian-origin talents in the USA, a commitment that Priyanka Chopra has often shown[1][4].
Meanwhile, London-based Indian actor Mikhail Sen, who won at ACTAS 2025, is another talent to watch out for[5].
| Actor | Role | Background Highlights | |----------------|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Adiv Roy | Aladdin | Indian-origin, grew up in academically strong family, started with the North American tour | | Sonya Balsara | Princess Jasmine | Indian-origin, with a classical singer mother and professor father, childhood in Bay Area |
[1] BroadwayWorld.com [2] Priyanka Chopra's Instagram Feed [3] TheHindu.com [4] NDTV.com [5] TheAsianAgency.com
- Adiv Roy and Sonya Balsara, with their roles in the traveling production of Disney's Aladdin Broadway musical, epitomize the growing presence of South Asian and Indian-origin performers in entertainment industries like movies-and-tv, music, and culture.
- Their passion for acting, rooted in their Indian heritage and nurtured since their middle school days, has now led them to international fame, as they grace the stage alongside each other, showcasing their talents in the world of entertainment.
