We’re used to seeing Kal Penn take the mickey out of his ethnicity – see “Van Wilder”, “Harold and Kumar”, “Malibu’s Most Wanted” or “Epic Movie” – or play second fiddle to someone else – see “Superman Returns” or “Man About Town” - but in his latest pic “The Namesake” the 30-year-old actor is front row centre for a film that far from lampoon’s the Indian way of life; in fact, it serves it.

Kal, ‘’The Namesake’’ might just end up my favourite film of the year – definitely one of them anyway - such a good movie, man. Congrats.
Thank you so much Clint. It means a lot to know that our little movie has affected people. It’s a special project for all of us, so it’s nice to know you enjoyed it.

Now you’ve done some big film and TV shows over the past couple of years, but I imagine “The Namesake” meant a lot more, personally to you than say playing a henchman in “Superman Returns” did?
Absolutely. I’m an avid reader, and “The Namesake” has been a favourite book of mine for years. On top of that, the positivity of the story, the hope you’re left with, and the opportunity to work with Mira Nair all made it the most meaningful project I’ve worked on so far.

How did you get the role? Did they have to get past the whole ‘but he’s Kal Penn from ‘’Van Wilder’’ and ‘’Harold and Kumar’?
I did have to get past it, but in a way, it also helped me get the role. Zohran, Mira Nair’s son, and Sam Walker, Mira’s Agent’s son, are huge “Harold and Kumar” fans. When my agent and manager didn’t succeed at getting phone calls through to Mira, Sam & Zohran apparently did some convincing of their own – they would harass Mira so much that she finally decided to call me back. I had never met them before “The Namesake”, but now we’re obviously friends.

Tell me about some of the locations you got to visit for the film
New York is my favourite city, so just living and working there for a few months was a gift. We also shot for about 2 weeks in Calcutta, which is such a vibrant, beautiful city.

How did it feel having to shave your head?
Cold.

How was it working with fellow Aussie, Jacinda Barrett? I think she’s divine in the movie.
Jacinda is awesome. She really is a gifted actor who has so embodied Maxine that it made my job a lot easier. She’s also so down to earth, smart, and giving as a performer.

Was the main story in “The Namesake” something that you could relate to?
Yes, and I think audiences all over can relate to it, because it’s ultimately a story about family: parents, their kids, and how we all relate to each other.

I see you’ve started producing films – is that so you can have more say creatively?
Ideally yes. I’d like to be able to have creative input beyond the character choices that an actor gets to participate in.

Who is in your upcoming pic, ‘’Under New Management’’?
No one. That was a project that I was in discussions to do, but it fell apart.

Looking forward to ‘’Harold & Kumar 2’’ – I believe you were trying to get your Superman buddy Brandon Routh in there too, did that happen?
Unfortunately, Brandon wasn’t able to do “Harold and Kumar 2”, but we have some awesome cameos and friends of ours who will surprise you.

How has “The Namesake” changed your career?
It’s still a little early to tell, but my hope is that it opens up the types of dramatic, meaningful projects that I’d like to continue to do.

THE NAMESAKE is now on DVD