At the ongoing Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), renowned American actor Kal Penn revealed his admiration for Indian cinema and shared some of his personal influences. Known for his roles in The Namesake and the Harold and Kumar series, Penn spoke candidly about his love for Bollywood, his career, and his dreams of remaking iconic films like Don, originally starring Amitabh Bachchan.
Kal Penn’s Vision to Remake “Don” in Hollywood
Penn, who grew up in an Indian immigrant household in the United States, expressed his deep appreciation for the legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan. During his appearance at the You Can’t Be Serious session at the Jaipur Literature Festival, he spoke about his desire to bring Bachchan’s classic film Don to Hollywood.
“The original Don is something I would love to remake,” Penn said. “It would be a film that still carries the same color palette and the escapist feel, but with a modern twist, possibly set in places like Brooklyn or Ohio.” He went on to share that Bachchan’s work continues to be an inspiration, and the idea of reimagining such an iconic character for a global audience excites him.
Addiction to Saath Nibhana Saathiya: Kal Penn’s Hindi Learning Journey
In a lighthearted moment, Penn also revealed that he has recently become “addicted” to watching the popular Indian television soap opera Saath Nibhana Saathiya. While working in India, Penn took it upon himself to enhance his command of Hindi by immersing himself in Indian serials. His favorite character? Kokila Ben, known for her no-nonsense attitude and powerful presence.
“I got addicted to Saath Nibhana Saathiya,” Penn confessed to the audience. “Kokila Ben is a total bad***, and Gopi is obviously a meme now—Gopi washing a laptop will forever be iconic!” His humorous take on the popular show had the audience in fits of laughter. Penn mentioned that trying to explain the brilliance of these episodes to his non-Indian friends was a challenge, given how unique and captivating the series is.
Diversity in Hollywood: Penn Talks about the OTT Revolution
The conversation also touched on the changing landscape of global content, especially with the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon. Penn emphasized the importance of diverse representation in Hollywood, mentioning Indian-American stars like Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Chopra as pioneers in bringing diverse narratives to mainstream audiences.
“There has been an explosion of diverse content in the last decade, largely thanks to people like Mindy Kaling,” Penn said. “She’s brought so much to the table with her work, and Priyanka Chopra is truly crushing it. They’re paving the way for a more inclusive representation of stories from around the world.”
Kal Penn’s Impact on Global Cinema
Over the years, Kal Penn has built an impressive career in both Hollywood and global cinema. He has starred in critically acclaimed films such as Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain and The Namesake, as well as popular TV shows like Designated Survivor and The Big Bang Theory. His involvement in diverse projects reflects his commitment to breaking barriers and promoting cross-cultural exchanges in entertainment.
Jaipur Literature Festival: A Platform for Global Voices
The Jaipur Literature Festival has long been a significant platform for literary and cultural exchange. This year, it features over 300 luminaries from various fields, including Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, journalists, and acclaimed authors. Among the participants are notable figures such as Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo, Amol Palekar, and Geetanjali Shree. With such a diverse lineup, the festival continues to foster conversations on literature, culture, and the arts on a global scale.
Conclusion
Kal Penn’s appearance at the Jaipur Literature Festival shed light on his passion for both Hollywood and Indian cinema. From his dream of remaking Don to his lighthearted addiction to Saath Nibhana Saathiya, Penn’s love for diverse storytelling and his contributions to breaking cultural boundaries continue to inspire audiences worldwide. His desire to bring iconic Indian films to a global audience shows his commitment to merging both worlds and offering fresh narratives that reflect the changing dynamics of the entertainment industry.
