‘Life of Pi’ Star Suraj Sharma Joins ‘Glee’ Actor Iqbal Theba in Dramedy ‘Days With Dandekar’ (EXCLUSIVE)

BAFTA nominee Suraj Sharma (“Life of Pi”) is starring with SAG Award winner Iqbal Theba (“Glee”) in “Days With Dandekar,” a dramedy from Meritage Pictures and Spicy Mango Productions. Film Independent Spirit Award nominee Summer Bishil and Ranjita Chakravarty round out the principal cast.

Emmy-nominated filmmaker Leena Pendharkar wrote and directed the project, which follows R.K. Dandekar (Theba), a man who embarks on an existential journey after losing his job of more than 35 years. His quest to recover his cherished 1989 Volvo – traded away by his well-meaning family – becomes a voyage of self-discovery as he encounters various individuals who help him navigate this new chapter.

The ensemble also features Sam Jaeger (“The Handmaid’s Tale”), Gillian Vigman (“The Holdovers”), David Lengel (“Agatha All Along”), Eric Allan Kramer (“Good Luck Charlie”), Omi Vaidya (“From Embers”), David Clennon (“Gone Girl”) and Caitlin Carmichael (“Midnight in the Switchgrass”). Theba also serves as executive producer on the project.

Sharma starred in “This Tempting Madness” alongside Simone Ashley and appears in the upcoming season of Netflix’s “The Night Agent.” The actor earned his BAFTA nomination for his breakout performance in Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning 2012 film “Life of Pi.” CAA, ColorCreative and Jackoway Austen represent him.

Bishil starred as Margo Hanson on Syfy’s “The Magicians” and appeared in features “Four Samosas” and “Under the Silver Lake” opposite Andrew Garfield. TalentWorks and Mainstay Entertainment represent her.

Chakravarty portrayed Nirmala on Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever” and appeared in the streamer’s “Running Point.” Her film credits include “Perfect Mismatch” with Anupam Kher and Boman Irani. BRS/Gage Talent Agency and Unveild Artist Management represent her.

Theba earned his SAG Award for portraying Principal Figgins on Fox’s “Glee.” His credits include the Oscar-winning “Green Book” and a recurring role on “Deli Boys” for Onyx and Hulu. He’ll next appear in Searchlight’s “Super Troopers 3.” His television work spans nearly 200 episodes. Buchwald and Stagecoach Entertainment represent him.

Pendharkar drew inspiration from her father’s post-retirement experiences and the transient connections formed in everyday encounters. The screenplay earned selection for Tribeca All Access and the Film Independent Screenwriting Lab, and received a Seed&Spark/Goldhouse grant this summer.

The production has wrapped in Los Angeles. The filmmaker previously helmed “20 Weeks,” which premiered at Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival in 2016, and recently directed “A Date With Deception” for Lifetime. She directed episodes of “Hello, Jack!” Kaplan-Stahler Agency and World Builder Entertainment represent her.

Jane Kelly Kosek (“20 Weeks,” “Take Me Home,” “Not Since You”) and Chelsey Neders (“Epiphany”) produced, with Rachna Khatau (“Baby Daddy,” “The Big Bang Theory”) co-producing. CSA nominee Emily Schweber (“Monica,” “Four Samosas”) handled casting.

Atrium Talent represents Jaeger and Clennon; Innovative Artists and Trademark Talent represent Vigman; Stone Talent Agency represents Lengel; Artists & Representatives represents Kramer; Kerner Management Associates represents Vaidya; and Vault Entertainment represents Carmichael.