Kal Penn: Hollywood Rebel to White House Insider

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#Preach

Papa Don't Preach

18 episodes

1 week ago

In a world where artistic expression often encounters roadblocks and limitations, meaningful conversation becomes a lifeline. Through these conversations, we unlock the hidden stories that lie within the Indian creative community, creating a powerful platform for meaningful dialogue, connection, and collaboration. Our aim, through this revelatory journey is to look at art from the outside in, as we peel layer after layer to reach the crux of radical imagination. Each layer or episode will take a deeper look at a craft, through a different creative lens and reveal the many voices behind it.

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Kal Penn: Hollywood Rebel to White House Insider

#Preach

2 hours 16 minutes 19 seconds

8 months ago

Kal Penn: Hollywood Rebel to White House Insider

Kal Penn isn’t just an actor—he’s a game-changer who’s rewritten every rule that tried to define him. In this electrifying episode, he takes us through his unfiltered journey: from a first-generation Indian-American kid with impossible dreams to a breakout Hollywood star, a political powerhouse, and a voice for change.

He dives deep into the battles he’s fought—breaking into an industry that rarely made space for him, shattering stereotypes, and proving that art and activism can go hand in hand. He shares the raw truth about navigating family expectations, the struggle of making acting pay, and the grind of building a career from the ground up. And just when Hollywood started listening, he walked away—to work in the White House!

This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a deep dive into reinvention, resilience, and representation. Kal shares what it really takes to make it, the lessons learned from setbacks, and why true success isn’t just about talent—it’s about seizing opportunities, taking unexpected detours, and staying unapologetically yourself.

Outfit (on Shubhika & Kal) : Papa Don’t Preach

Audio & Video : CHAIOFFEE Studios

Creative Producer : Minazuddin Kazi

HMUA for Shubhika : Dhruvi Dhosi

Follow to know more!

Kal Penn: https://www.instagram.com/kalpenn/

Shubhika Sharma: https://www.instagram.com/shubhikasharma/

#Preach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hashtagpreach/

Nipposh: https://www.instagram.com/nipposhofficial/

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0:00 – Introduction

2:41 – Kal’s Origin Story

4:47 – Family’s Move to the US

6:20 – Journey into Performing Arts

8:06 – UCLA vs. NYU

10:21 – Acting & Family Expectations

11:36 – Breaking into Films and Shows

16:07 – Creativity: Inherent or Learned?

18:57 – Advice for Parents of Artists

20:08 – How Long Before Acting Pays?

22:28 – Side Hustles & Backup Careers

24:11 – Auditioning for College

26:15 – Parents & Career Choices

28:14 – Struggles of Pursuing Art

31:38 – From Kalpen to Kal

35:23 – Getting the First Agent!

38:59 – Should New Actors Take Small Roles?

41:18 – Handling Rejection

45:03 – Have doors opened for Indians?

51:23 – The Struggle for More Box Office Hits

58:38 – The Full Circle Moment

1:01:45 – Working with Irrfan Khan

1:03:31 – Is Success Directly Linked to Talent?

1:05:00 – Life Anchors

1:07:53 – Pursuing Stand-Up Comedy

1:09:26 – Kal’s Ambitions

1:15:02 – Social Media for Actors

1:17:11 – Coming Out Story

1:21:40 – Sexuality & Stereotypes

1:25:48 – Nipposh Ad

1:26:15 – Decision to work for the Govt

1:34:37 – A Day in the White House

1:36:01 – Biggest Wins in Politics

1:42:50 – Can Governments Create Real Change?

1:49:31 – Does ageism exist for men?

1:50:45 – Career Reflections

1:53:39 – Qualities of an Actor

1:56:26 – What Needs to Change in Hollywood?

1:57:30 – Kal’s Book: 'You Can’t Be Serious'

2:01:47 - Tips on structuring an actors daily life

2:03:31 - Is further education helpful for actors?

2:05:23 - How Can Actors Upskill?

2:06:47 - Nipposh Asks

2:06:59 - Rapid Fire