"America Goes Bollywood, Bunts go Hollywood!" by Suhana A. Rai and Shweta Adyanthaya
Growing up in America in the 1980's there were hardly any Indian-Americans to view on television. Indians and Indian culture were often a mystery to the average American. Sadly, when Indians were portrayed on television it was often in a negative stereotypical role such as in The Simpsons or the Indiana Jones Temple of Doom movie. Fortunately, things are somewhat different today. I love that my children do not find it "surprising" to see someone who shares their ethnicity on T.V. We watch the evening news and listen to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, we view highly acclaimed movies directed by M. Night Shyamalan, and (one our family favorites) we watch, "So You think you Can Dance" showcasing Bollywood dancing and choreographers every season! Indian-Americans have been making strides in the entertainment industry and Bunts are part of that group! We are so excited to share the below interviews of two very talented young Bunts from our community who have broken into the Hollywood entertainment industry as actors. Shweta Adyanthaya interviewed Reshma Shetty and I interviewed Rahul Rai.
Rahul Rai, son of Dr. Dinker and Shakila Rai, will be starring as Harry in an independant Hollywood production, "When Harry Tries To Marry". It's projected release date is Fall 2010.
Suhana: How did you get involved with this movie?
Rahul: Acting was always in the back of my mind but I never gave any serious thought in pursuing it as a career. It was a situation of being in the right place at the right time. I was in the city (New York) giving a dance performance with a troupe that I belonged to for a Slumdog Millionaire celebration party. The director of this movie was at the party and was impressed with my performance and asked me to audition for the movie. I auditioned and thought I did a terrible job -I was nervous and my voice was shaky. I had never auditioned for anything before. I was sad because I thought this opportunity was over before it had ever begun. I was so surprised to get a call to come back for a second audition. This time I didn't put any pressure on myself. I sat at a table with a script in my hand and the director had his camera and called for action for 2 to 3 hours. At the end of the audition, he sat me down with himself, the producer, co-writer and my father. The director said, "The part is yours." I was shocked and ecstatic! We got our parts in April 2009. We started rehearsing and put on a quasi play for investors to raise money for the production. We put on three readings and we got a great response. We kept getting more investors and when we got the necessary funds we started. It was 32 day shoot. Every day we scheduled so much - I felt like it was such a huge accomplishment at the end of the shooting.
Suhana: What is the most exciting or fun thing about acting?
Rahul: It is actually very challenging, frustrating, and hard work. But it was one of the most worthwhile experiences I have ever had. Acting is not as glamorous or easy as it comes across. However, every day is exciting. Each day I would fail at something but then learn from it and I really learned to grow as an actor. It was so exciting to learn a new trick about how to stand in the light or "work" the camera.
Suhana: Did you have to kiss anyone?
Rahul: Yes, two women. One Indian woman and one American woman. My character is not a believer of love and he falls in love with one of them. You'll have to see the movie to see which one.
Suhana: What are your future plans?
Rahul: I still have to go to college. I was supposed to start at NYU but I took a year off from college to act in this movie. Now, I want to pursue acting as a career so I am looking into Pace University and their acting program.
Reshma Shetty, daughter of Dr. Sudhakar and Prema Shetty of Glen Allen, VA., portrays Divya, a series-regular role, in the highly acclaimed USA medical comedy Royal Pains that debuted in 2009.
Shweta: I read recently that “Royal Pains” was the sleeper hit of last summer. How does it feel to star in a show that is doing so well and did you know when you signed on that the show would do as well as it has?
Reshma: It is an amazing feeling. I remember how exciting it was just shooting the pilot so the idea of the show actually being picked up was not even in my radar. Then when we started airing - just realizing that 5 to 8 million people were watching us a week made the entire year continue on its very surreal path. I had no idea that the show would do so well. I was just excited as an Indian actress to have such a great character to play and a steady paycheck!
Shweta: Tell us about how you landed this role? How many other contenders were you competing with?
Reshma: The normal process of Pilot season. You get a call from your agents about an audition; this one was at NBC studios at 30 Rockefeller plaza, which is a daunting place to audition at regardless. I thought I did a good audition the first time but I heard nothing for two weeks. Soon after, I got a call for a screen test in Los Angeles. I remember thinking, whatever happens at least I got a free trip to LA! I got back and waited for 5 days and then got the call telling me I had been given the role of Divya. It was a great day! My contenders were probably every Indian actress in New York and Los Angeles. I know they were looking for a long time.
Shweta: Your character, Divya, is a Physician’s Assistant for a Concierge Doctor. Do the writers of the show ask for input on Indian customs and traditions as part of the story line?
Reshma: Yes, they are very respectful of the (Indian) culture and have asked for my advice on many an occasion. I have to say I have usually needed to call Mum and ask her, as I am not as familiar with the customs as I should be. But this second season we actually have a female Indian writer on board, which is so exciting.
Shweta: As an Indian American actress who has hit it big, what advice would you offer to others who are interested in the T.V. and film industry to get things started?
Reshma: I only ever give one piece of advice. Study study study. Being an artist is not as complex as being lets say a doctor and obviously not as high risk. But art is something to be taken seriously and you need to train for it as you would any other career. I think Indians do not take it (the arts) as seriously as they should or would like to. Times are changing and more and more parents are accepting their kids' choices in career. I understand letting your child get into the field of arts is scary especially if the family does not have much experience in that lifestyle. But, if that is what you want to do arm yourself with as much knowledge and experience as possible. And understand that 95% of this business is rejection and if you do not have the armor to deal with it, I would not recommend a career in the arts.
Shweta: Describe a typical day in life of Reshma Shetty?
Reshma: Depends on the day. While shooting Royal Pains I can have as early a pick up time as 4 a.m. and I might work until noon or midnight. Depends. On hiatus, I still audition! My agents are always looking for other projects whether in the movies or the theater. I read a lot. I still take acting class, and I enjoy my time off with friends and family.
Shweta: With your busy work schedule, what sorts of things do you like to do for fun?
Reshma: I like hanging out with my friends. I recently went to Thailand so I do like to travel. I go to the gym a lot! I want to start drawing again, I used to watercolor a lot when I was a child, and I would love to bring that back up. Pretty normal stuff - no skydiving or anything.
Shweta: Who would you like as a guest star on Royal Pains?
Reshma: I mean the list is kind of endless. From Kate Blanchett to Daniel Day Lewis to Judy Dench to Ian McKellen. Working with Campbell Scott is a good start though!
Shweta: What are some other projects that we can expect to see you in? Would you ever consider doing a Hindi movie?
Reshma: I have a cameo role in an independent movie I just shot called “Hated” coming out next year I think. I do a lot of appearances on a talk show called Red Eye on Fox news even though I am staunch Liberal! I would consider doing a Hindi movie depending on the role. I will never not consider a project.
Shweta: What do you feel is the biggest misconception of being in the T.V. and film industry?
Reshma: That as soon as you get on T.V. you can just sail through everything. You have to work very hard every week. Sometimes you get scripts two days before you shoot and I mean pages of dialogue. Even on hiatus you have to do auditions and keep up your physical regimes. I do have to say though being on Royal Pains is so much fun that the hard work turns out to be such great pleasure.
Shweta: What would you like to doing in five years?
Reshma: I would love to be a D.A. on a Law and Order show so I could stay in NYC and start a family. That would be very cool!