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Kal Penn: “I look back at my career so far with lots of gratitude”
Indian-American Entertainer Kal Penn who recently came out with his memoirs, speaks to Subhash K Jha
Kal Penn, I’ve known you for years. At 44, how do you look back at your career and life and career?
Kal Penn: I look back at my career so far with lots of gratitude for those who have supported me, and other desi artists. The early chapters of my book detail the typecasting, stereotyping, and racism that many performers of color go through, and in looking back I’m so thankful that while there’s still plenty of work left to be done, we now have so many more diverse shows out there. So many wonderful South Asian writers, performers, studio executives, directors, producers – who have of course created so much more opportunity. I’m very thankful.
When you started in the West , Indian actors either played Indians or Pakistanis, and always caricatural. Of course things have changed drastically and for the better for Indian actors. How difficult was it for you, and do you think an entertainer like you paved the way for Dev Patel and Priyanka Chopra?
Kal Penn: I think often of entertainers who paved the way for me – people like Sarita Chaudhury and Ajay Naidu, but also scores of performers who are wonderful, who work regularly in theater and on television, but whose names aren’t as known because of the lack of opportunity they faced in the generations before ours. I decided to open up about the specifics of typecasting in Hollywood with some very clear examples in my book (like racism on the sets of Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Son of the Mask) because I want to point out the not-so-distant past, celebrate the present, and learn from both as we look toward a brighter future – that’s how systems can change for the better.
A refreshing ‘colour blindness’ has crept into American cinema: a brown actor can now play Charles Dickens. Was this possible earlier?
Kal Penn: I have to tell you I am loving that a brown actor can play Dickens, or a musician in Danny Boyle’s Yesterday, or any number of color blind roles today that just would have been totally unfathomable to me less than a decade ago. It’s refreshing, and a real testament to how the industry is changing, and how many fantastic actors there are in the community.
On the other hand, there are sections who feel only blind actors can play blind, and gay actors should play gay characters?
Kal Penn: I respect that question, and as such really feel those conversations should be had on a case by case basis – there’s so much nuance and passion surrounding art, representation, identity, and storytelling.
How do you look back on your stint in the White House? Do you feel from Trump to Biden, America has fallen from the frying pan to the fire?
Kal Penn: I’m obviously an American progressive, and I’ve had the privilege of working in the Obama White House. In any democracy, you’ll see things move forward, then slip back a bit, then move again – it’s a constant reminder that the beautiful mess of the democratic process requires us to constantly stay involved. I look back at my White House stint with lots of pride – I was so proud to help plan the first ever Diwali celebration held by a sitting president (in person). We made some real progress on climate change, health care, and human rights. Politics will always fluctuate but as my grandparents – who marched with Gandhiji – would tell us, you always need to do the right thing, and stand up for what you believe.
You created a stir by coming out this week, congratulations to you. How difficult was it for you to take this very difficult decision? And what prompted this decision?
Kal Penn: Thanks, Subhash! We’ve known each other for some time, so I know you know some of the stories I tell in my memoir and maybe not some of the others. I’m so excited to share all of the stories, from tough experiences dealing with racism in Hollywood to working in perhaps the most diverse place I’ve ever worked – in the White House for the first Black President of the United States, to my 11-year relationship with Josh, to my parents’ struggles as they came to America and built a life for themselves. My partner Josh, like my parents, doesn’t love the limelight. So I’ve always tried to be respectful of their wishes.
How did you convince them to be part of the book?
Kal Penn: As I started putting the book together, I called my parents and said, “Hey, I think it would be really interesting to share some stories about what brought you to America and what the community was like when we were kids,” and they were alright with that. I said to Josh, “The way we met is so funny, how we connected on – of all things – a NASCAR race on tv, I think that would be a fun story to tell,” and like my parents, he agreed. So I’m really excited to share stories that are such a blessed part of my life that I hope readers will also connect with in nice ways. I hope the stories make you smile.
There was a time when an actor like Rock Hudson suffocated in the closet. How liberal and accepting of alternative sexuality do you find the entertainment business of today?
Kal Penn: I think there’s some overlap with conversations about race – things are definitely much better today than they were 20 years ago, but we certainly have a long way to go. But I’m hopeful on all fronts. The real game changer I think, is streaming platforms like Neflix and Amazon and Hulu. They tell such diverse stories and their shows have such diverse characters in ways that make all audiences connect. I remember when we shot Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle, the general thinking in Hollywood was, “We don’t think two Asian guys can sell a movie” and the reason we proved them wrong was because the fans showed up – they just wanted to laugh with us, and experience a road trip movie about friendship. It was universal. The streaming platforms offer that on a global scale now, and it’s so refreshing. Speaking of, when’s the next season of Made in Heaven dropping?!
What are your forthcoming projects?
Kal Penn: Lots of upcoming projects I’m excited about! First, I hope the book does well enough that we can sell the rights and make a series out of it (so I hope you enjoy the book!). I’m producing Comedy Central’s first-ever Diwali movie called “Hot Mess Holiday” that airs on December 11th – it’s a really fun story about two women named Surina and Mel (based on characters created by Surina Jindal, Melanie Chandra, and Sameer Gardezi). I’m doing a couple of horror films this winter, and developing some television. I also launched a Food Network show over the winter, and we’re waiting to see if that gets a season two pickup. So thankful for all the opportunities.
Are you and partner planning a baby?
Kal Penn: Which Auntie put you up to asking me this question?! Haha. We’re focused on keeping everyone safe through the pandemic, so haven’t fully thought through a family just yet. I appreciate all the love and good wishes and will keep you posted!
You are ready with your memoir. Isn’t 44 too early for the luxury of looking back on your life. What prompted you to take the plunge so early in your life?
Kal Penn: I decided to write this book for the 20 year old version of me – someone who had lots of hopes and dreams and knew there wasn’t quite a book out there to guide you or share stories. I also wrote it for anyone out there who has ever been told that the thing they want to do – maybe it’s a new hobby, a new passion, a career change, a class they want to take – is crazy. I don’t view the world as binary, we have so many opportunities and it’s okay to take the plunge, change your mind, do all sorts of things with your life and career. So this book is for anyone who has ever toyed with that. I wanted to write it in a way that makes you feel like we’re having a beer together, like we’re in the journey together. I hope it makes people laugh and smile.
Indian entertainers are notoriously famous for lying in their memoirs. How difficult was it to tell the truth about yourself? And do you think you were you able to recall all the details from your past the way they happened?
Kal Penn: I appreciate this question so much because I put in all the work! One of the reasons this book took more than four years to write is because I fact-checked everything. I spent months on zooms and calls and in meetings and over emails with people who were in the room for all the stories I tell. Some people had additional color to add to the stories (like the Van Wilder casting director and my friend Lauren Grey who was the casting assistant on the film I did with Ashton Kutcher and Megan Markle). It was important to me that I get things right, and that what I recollect could be confirmed by other people. It also just makes for a better, more honest story, I think.
What according to you is the most relevant part of your memoir, and why?
Kal Penn: One of my favourite chapters is about how I got my job at the White House. I won’t spoil it for the reader, but it’s a hilarious, ridiculous true story that involves both getting hazed by Mrs. Obama and my Dad stalking Tiger Woods in a backstage tent before the Obama inauguration concert. I love that section because it’s a fun story, but it also talks about the realities of the job market, our own human insecurities, my parents’ immigration story, and how we can all make the world a better place. My book is a story about hope and possibility. And I think that chapter especially encompasses that.
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Karan Johar Moves Alia Song From Switzerland To Kashmir

The romantic duet in Karan Johar’s Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani which was to be shot in Switzerland and which was delayed due to the film’s leading lady Alia Bhatt’s motherhood, is now being relocated to Kashmir.
Purely out of the love for new mom Alia.
Says a source in the know, “Karan loves Alia like his own daughter. He would do anything for her. He postponed the release of Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani as the love duet could not be shot before Alia’s maternity leave. Karan had decided to shoot the song in Switzerland after Alia’s maternity love. But now he has relocated the song to Kashmir as Alia doesn’t want to leave her baby girl behind for long stretches.”
And as Karan Johar argued, snow is snow. How does it matter whether it is Switzerland or Kashmir?
This song would be Karan Johar’s tribute to his idol Yash Chopra. Alia would be dressed in chiffon sarees while Ranveer, for a change, would be seen in formals.
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Bobby Deol’s Switchover To Villainous Roles

After Prakash Jha’s webseries Ashram where Bobby played a sleazy godman, and Love Hostel where he was a ruthless assassin, he is playing the villain to Ranbir Kapoor in Sandeep Vanga’s Animal.
Bobby says it is not conscious career decision to play negative characters but a conscious decision to play interesting characters. “ I don’t look at characters as positive or negative.When I watch films there is always one character that stays with you. I want to play that character.”
Prakash Jha’s Ashram proved a gamechanger for Bobby. He admits finding challenging roles is tough. “I am trying. I am doing Sandeep Vanga’s Animal with Ranbir Kapoor , Parineeti Chopra. Then I am doing the family film Apne 2 which I am very excited about.”
In an earlier interview with this writer Bobby spoke about his long absence from screen before Prakash Jha’s Ashram. “My fans would ask why I wasn’t being seen on the screen.And I couldn’t tell them it was because I wasn’t getting good roles. But my fans stood by me. They gave me the strength to keep looking for the right roles. Thankfully I found the roles I liked. My new films have given me some new fans. I am thankful I am still here. Yeah , I am in a good space right now.”
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Pathaan Collects 55 crore nett in India On Day 1

YRF’s Pathaan has apparently wiped out all previous records as it collected 55 crore nett in India and recorded the biggest ever Day 1 for a Hindi film. The total collections of Pathaan on Day One is 57 crore nett (Hindi – 55 crore and dubbed versions 2 crore).
It is the widest Hindi release of all time in India and also the highest grossing 1st Day for a Hindi film.It is also the highest grosser on the first first for a non-holiday release. Pathhan is also the highest opener for Shah Rukh Khan.
Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, says, “It is a historic day for Indian cinema and we are humbled to see the love and appreciation that is flowing for Pathaan globally. For Pathaan to shatter records in this fashion on a non holiday, just proves that the theatrical business is here to stay, provided we make films that entice people to come to the cinemas to witness a never seen before experience that entertains them thoroughly.“
He adds, “We, at YRF, are thrilled with the start that the film has got across India and we are hopeful that Pathaan brings joy to cine-goers globally in the days to come! Pathaan is the fourth film of our YRF Spy Universe and we are thrilled that we have been able to elevate the cinematic experience of audiences with each film from this franchise. We humbly share this moment with all the stake-holders of the film who have given their blood, sweat and tears to give people a movie-going experience like never before.”
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“Professionally, What A Year It Has Been For Me,” Raveena Tandon On Her Padma Shri

Raveena Tandon feels she is in a dream. “I woke up today to the news that I have been awarded the Padma Shri by my Government. I felt all my years of hard work has finally come to fruition.I can’t wait to get back to Mumbai.”
Raveena is in Bhopal attending a wedding. “I woke up on Thursday morning to the good news. My husband(film distributor Anil Thadani) who is in Mumbai had no clue about it. I had to inform him that his wife is now Padma Sri Raveena,” she laughs heartily.
She then grows melancholic. “The past one year has been a whirlwind for me. Professionally, it couldn’t get any better. My webseries Aranyak on Netflix and then the bigscreen blockbuster KGF 2 where I played one of the protagonists , became huge successes.Sadly,it was also the year that I lost my father(well-known producer-director Ravi Tandon). It was the severest blow of my life.I am still processing the loss. The Padma Shri would have made my Dad so proud.”
Remind her she is still young and already a Padma winner and Raveena expresses her happiness. “I guess I am lucky to have received the honour at the midpoint of my life and career. I am also very happy that M M Keeravani Sir has also received the Padma Shri.His Naatu naatu has the world dancing to his tune. But even before Naatu naatu he has done such exemplary work.”
Getting nostalgic Raveena says, “I started working when I was 17.I have done every kind of cinema, balancing out a Chote Miyan Bade Miya with a Shool, a Rakshak with a Ghulam-e-Mustafa, a Bulundi and a Khauff with a Daman and an Aks. It’s always been my endeavour to be be seen in escapism and real cinema. Some people think dancing around trees and doing the masala stuff is easy. It is not! In fact being real on screen is far easier.”
Raveena feels the good days are back in the entertainment industry. “I saw Pathaan and I whistled and clapped the loudest. It is an out-and-out mass entertainer and bound to revive the sagging fortunes of our industry. While the Padma Shri is a personal triumph, the success of Pathaan is a happy occasion for the entire industry.So yeah, I am on top of the world,”
Raveena’s fans would like to know her khubsoorati ka raaz.
She laughs, “It’s nothing more than sleeping and eating right. I try to eat correctly. I have only organic food. More importantly,I am happy and secure in life. If you are content within it is bound show on your face.”
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