In conversation with actor Roger Narayan. It was an absolute pleasure for B'Khush to be able to talk to this immensely talented Hollywood actor. In a very little time Roger has made a significant mark in Hollywood and how!. From films to television to advertisement campaigns he has done it all.In this conversation, Roger has talked about his childhood, his dreams, his experience in Hollywood as a South Asian actor, his association with Induz and much more...Join in and enjoy this exclusive Tete-a Tete.
When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?
I think the first time I performed was when I was 5 years old, at a Kindergarten play of Peter Pan, then as Rama in Ramayana and then as Ali Baba with all kindergartners playing the 40 thieves. I was hooked :) I went on to become a serious Child Actor and performed in Theater, TV, Improv and Film all through school and high school.
You are an engineer by profession and you are also a full time actor...How do you maintain a balance between the two.
Actually, I am a full-time Actor, Writer, Producer now, but you are right I do have a background as an Executive in Technology Marketing in Silicon Valley and before that, in the Aerospace field doing US Defence and on Indian Defence projects as an Aerospace Engineer.
You hold two advanced engineering degrees from the University of Maryland at College Park and BITS Pilani..Did you also have a formal training in acting?
Yes. My classical acting training is from the American Conservatory Theater, one of the top drama schools in the country. I have also trained at San Jose Repertory Theater, Footsbarn Theater Company in France and Ranga Shankara in India. But also having worked in several dozen Network TV Shows and Studio Feature Films and Independent projects has been a solid, hands-on education.
Why did you choose Hollywood over Bollywood to pursue your acting career?
I love Hollywood and Bollywood (Hindi and Tamil film industry) equally. They have their own strengths in terms of content, style and entertainment. In fact I am in discussions on some Film Projects in Hindi and Tamil. It is just that I was living here in the US at the time, and it was just easier to pursue opportunities in Hollywood. But I love Hindi and Tamil Films, and can speak both Hindi and Tamil very fluently. I am excited by the new wave of both Independent and mainstream filmmaking happening in India.
How difficult or challenging is it for a South Asian to make a mark in Hollywood?
It is very encouraging to see more South Asian characters being portrayed as Real people and not just the usual stereotypes of Doctors and Techies. So I look forward to playing more of these real characters, as much as I enjoy playing the Thoracic Surgeon or VP of Engineering :)
What's your take on how Hollywood makes constant fun of "Indian accent"..did you ever personally face something like that? Any funny or not so funny incident?
I have personally never experienced that. But I do remember pulling a prank on a Director friend once. We were getting ready to shoot, and this character I was playing was supposed to speak in American Accented English, so the moment he came up to me, he was focused and all serious, I put on a thick Indian accent and started discussing the shots and the blocking of the scene we were about to shoot, and his jaw just dropped! It took him a few seconds to realize I had just pranked him. And he burst out laughing, realizing how serious he was. We all had a good laugh about it. So yes, I have made fun of "other" people with my Indian accent (wink, wink)
You have worked for all the major US television channels (ABC,CBS)...you have worked in feature films and you have done a lot of commercial campaigns. As an actor which platform would you choose as the most enjoyable one and why?
Each platform gives me an opportunity to explore different parts of myself and my artistic range. If I had to pick one or two, it would be Feature Films and Television because I have the chance to immerse myself for a longer time into the "character" or story and look for those magical moments and that silence in the character's truth.
Please tell us about your upcoming projects that we should look forward to
I have several projects in development and pre-production. I will be shooting a film in Texas in February which is planned for the Festival Circuit to Cannes and Sundance. I am in discussions on some Feature Film projects in Bombay and Chennai. In addition, I am developing a Feature Film Script that will be shot in India and the US. I am also in Pre-Production for a Psychological Thriller called UnShackled, that I co-wrote and that I will be the Lead Actor in. Here is the link to the project, if your readers are interested in finding out more about the project - www.indiegogo.com/UnShackled
You support different charitable organizations..is that true?
Yes. I work closely with Induz, here in the San Francisco Bay area. They are doing some great work both in the US and in India, in Bangalore and Calcutta creating Arts and Music Education for underprivileged kids.
Please share your experience with Induz...how did you get associated with it?
Ray Mitra the founder of Induz is an amazing human being and a dear friend. I knew of the solid work he and Induz were doing. As an Artist and former Business Executive, I know how education, arts and Music helped me develop myself as a person. I had the opportunity to get a solid education from one of the top schools in India, BITS Pilani, a top Graduate School - University of Maryland at College Park in the US, and the top Theater Schools in the US, France and India. So I am passionate about Arts and Music Education and I think it empowers children to explore and fully develop their creativity, it empowers them to develop their minds, so they can apply themselves more fully to achieve their full potential.
You'll be hosting an upcoming Valentine's event organized by Induz in Bay Area...Would you like to give 
us a little more information on that?
Yes. It is going to be a fantastic, fun event for the whole family. It is called VALENTINE MASTI 2012. I am MCing the event, and proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Arts and Music Education for underprivileged kids in India and the US. Induz is doing solid work, so come support the cause, even while having fun for Valentines! I look forward to coming "back home" to the San Francisco Bay Area, since I lived there for many years, and still visit often. I would love to see you there and catch up! Do come up and say hi! And all ya parents, there is on-site Childcare, so let the kids join you, you can keep an eye on them close by, even as Mom and Dad have fun too! :)
Finally a message for our readers..
Live well and move forward passionately in the direction of your dreams.
I have enjoyed meeting each one of you through this interview, and I look forward to meeting and talking with you soon. If you want to stay in touch, please do so through my website - www.Roger-Narayan.com
Roger Narayan's Hollywood Profile : He was seen in the recent Season Premiere of Castle (ABC) opposite Stana Katic. He has worked opposite Betty White (7 time Emmy Winner, 4 time Golden Globe nominee) in The Bold and the Beautiful (CBS) and opposite Neil Patrick Harris in How I Met your Mother (CBS). He was also seen in Recurring roles on the new Nickelodeon show Victorious and The Young & the Restless (CBS). Roger's Jerry Bruckheimer Pilot Miami Trauma for CBS was picked up and aired as Miami Medical. Roger's Feature Film credits include Mission Impossible 4, Eat Pray Love, Happy Feet 2, Flawless, Quest of Alchemy, Caught on Tape (with rapper Sticky Fingaz), A-List, Guardian's Gateway and Touchwood.
Roger's extensive Credits include House MD (FOX), Better off Ted (ABC), Outsourced (NBC), the Jay Leno Show (NBC), American Bodyshop (Comedy Central), iCarly (Nickelodeon), MadTV (Comedy Central), Mystery ER (Discovery), CSI:NY (CBS) and Law & Order: Criminal Intent (NBC) and he has worked on several Pilots with Emmy Winning Producers of Amazing Race and Comedy Central. Roger's Web Series Credits include Kevin Sullitt (with Phil LaMarr and Jordan Black) and Keeping up with the Guptas (Pilot).
Here is all the good info from Induz:...A Chance to Meet and Greet with Roger Narayan.
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Make this Valentines day extra special and memorable by celebrating love with the entire family. A complete package of food, fun and entertainment.
Event hosted by Hollywood Actor Roger Narayan.
On February 11th at Mehran Restaurant & Banquet Hall, Fremont
FEATURING:
* Gourmet Banquet Dinner & Bar, Valentine's Special Music, Dance & Fashion Extravaganza - a unique creation "Forever in Love".
* Live Music performance by Bay Area Popular group "Surpal" N * Performance by bay area's popular dance company, Project Pulse.
* Bollywood and Latin Dance Performances, Best Dressed Couple Prizes, Lots of prizes to be won, Dance the night away to bay area's hottest DJ * COMPLIMENTARY Child Care sponsored by Safari Kids. Separate Kids Area with Arts, Crafts & Entertainment A flagship event by Induz (non-profit) that has been sold out for the past 5 years.
* Reviewed by TV and news media as one of the best valentine's event for families in the bay area.
* Proceeds benefit art and music education for underprivileged children at orphanages in India and at low-income schools in Bay Area.
Have fun wile supporting a good cause.
* TICKETS (online or paper tickets) Available ONLINE www.sulekha.com/induz(no service charge)
EARLY BIRD SPECIALS $30; $20 Kids (limited)
REGULAR $35 Adults; $25 Kids (5-12 yrs)
Under 5 years Free
VIP Sweetheart Couple Special $100 (includes champagne, chocolates, rose, premium seating)
For paper tickets and additional details, please contact:
Sanjay Saxena (510) 449-8530
Ray Mitra (510) 875-5006
Anupam (646)320-8242
Vilas Thuse (925) 858-4540
Email info@induz.org
WWW.INDUZ.ORG
Proceeds benefit art and music education for underprivileged children at orphanages in India and at low-income schools in Bay Area
