As actors Md Zeeshan Ayyub and Gagan Dev Riar rehearse Jhilmilganj Ke Sitare, they suddenly break into a rhythmic chant, “Khus phus khus phus khus, phus khus phus khus phus”, while seamlessly transforming a scene. For Ayyub, the production marks a long-awaited return to the stage after nearly eight years. Between them, Ayyub and Riar play around 20 characters, with Riar portraying nearly 15 roles and Ayyub donning five. Ayyub last appeared on stage with Agashe in Iss Kambakht Sathe Ka Kya Karein?, which they performed between 2008 and 2018. Jhilmilganj Ke Sitare will be staged at Prithvi Theatre on July 30 and 31.