Hollywood actor Kal Penn has revealed that his unexpected Hindi tutor was none other than the popular Indian soap opera, “Saath Nibhaana Saathiya.”
From Hollywood to Indian Soaps
Kal Penn, widely recognized for his roles in the “Harold & Kumar” film series and the TV drama “House,” recently shared a surprising detail about his Hindi language journey. The actor-comedian confessed that he learned the language by watching episodes of the long-running Indian daily soap, “Saath Nibhaana Saathiya.”
While many in India discovered the show through the viral “Rasode mein kaun tha” meme, Penn was an early and dedicated viewer. He found the series, which aired over 2000 episodes, to be an ideal resource for picking up Hindi.
A Love for Indian Television
During a candid conversation at Express Adda, hosted by The Indian Express Group, Penn expressed his genuine affection for Indian entertainment. He highlighted the “super addictive ridiculous plot lines” of shows like “Saath Nibhaana Saathiya,” which kept him hooked.
Penn also spoke about the impressive range of content being produced in India, from sitcoms to crime dramas. He noted that the spectrum of voices and stories coming out of the country is “so cool.”
Dream Roles on Indian Screens
The actor shared his wish list for future projects, revealing a desire to appear in two very different Indian shows. He expressed keen interest in guest-starring on both the immensely popular family sitcom “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” (TMKOC) and the critically acclaimed Netflix crime series “Delhi Crime.”
Penn even recounted a visit to the TMKOC set, admitting he was “geeking out” over its status as one of the most-watched shows globally. Despite their contrasting genres, he emphasized his enthusiasm for both, showcasing his appreciation for Indian television’s diverse appeal.
His Hindi Learning Journey
Penn, whose primary languages are English and Gujarati, detailed his unconventional method for learning Hindi. He explained that “Saath Nibhaana Saathiya” provided the perfect learning environment because its level of Hindi was “accessible” to someone trying to grasp the language.
When asked to choose between “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” and “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah,” Penn ultimately leaned towards “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi,” possibly due to similar reasons related to its conversational and accessible Hindi.
Who is Kal Penn?
Born Kalpen Suresh Modi, Kal Penn is an American actor of Indian origin, celebrated for his versatile roles across film and television. Beyond his acting career, Penn has also made significant contributions off-screen.
He served as an associate director in the White House Office of Public Engagement during the Barack Obama administration and is also a published author.
- Kal Penn learned Hindi by watching the popular Indian TV show “Saath Nibhaana Saathiya.”
- He praised the show’s “accessible” Hindi and “addictive” plot lines for language learning.
- Penn expressed a strong interest in appearing on both “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” and “Delhi Crime.”
- The actor also previously served in the Barack Obama White House.
Kal Penn’s unique journey highlights the unexpected ways cultural content can bridge divides and inspire connections worldwide.
