| Raj Vasudeva - Aspiring Actor |
| Starring in an upcoming film, a model on our very own site, Raj Vasudeva talks about his dreams and aspirations with Peta |
| by Peta Cooper |
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Meet the tough boyfriend with the corny jokes from the A'shore play called "All's Well That Well Ends" written by Vishal Moondhra.
Raj Vasudeva is on fire and nothing is going to put him out! He has modeled for several websites, shows, and has two upcoming movies under his belt.
In "All's Well That Well Ends", Vasudeva is one of the many boyfriends that Sanjana, played by Neena Rao, is juggling.
Raj made the audience burst out into laughter with his character's corny jokes, but a member of the audience couldn't believe her eyes when she saw her old classmate from India on stage.
Shobhana Ahluwalia recalls her former classmate as the "shy guy who didn't make a peep in class." But now she has seen what a "heart throb" Vasudeva has become.
Peta Cooper: What sort of websites do you model for?
Raj Vasudeva: I have my portfolio on about 15 web sites, some fashion botiques and some are online models sites. Some of them of course get you work, like desithrill, Clasic Models in the UK, some in India. I started out with Desithrill here in the bay area. The idea is to get your face out there and develop that relationship to work as a team.
PC: Have you always wanted to be an actor?
RV: I liked it as a hobby when I was a kid. But in 1997 it grew into a passion where I started acting in theater and taking it seriously. So since then I've wanted to be an actor. Its the excitement of playing different characters and entertaining people which entices me most about this field.
PC: What's the difference between acting and modeling?
RV: Besides the make up, nothing much (Laughs). No seriously both of the fields have a lot of dedication and professionalism that is required, the main difference is that in modeling is that your looks, your face is the selling point, where as in acting its not the face but the talent that counts more. Both fields are great and you have to work hard in both of them to succeed. Modeling requires a lot of confidence, and attitude up front. Acting you can create that with camera tricks etc.
PC: You are currently working on a film. What's your character like in the film?
RV: I am playing the character of Naveen Reddy, who is coming to the US for the first time to work as a Software engineer. He is very confident however unsure of his surroundings here as its his first time so that gets him into funny situations. He is also very romantic and charming and humble I should say. I am sure there are a lot of people out there who will be able to relate to this character.
PC: Is it in Hindi?
RV: (laughs) It's in "Hinglish" you know Hindi and English mixed! But it's mostly in English.
PC: What's the name of the film?
RV: Indian fish in American Waters and the website to the movie is www.indianfish-themovie.com. And should be out in December of this year.
PC: How did you hear about A'shore?
RV: I met Amit, the artistic director of Ashore at an audition. I spoke to him and he told me about A'shore and their plans of producing this play, A Large Soda no ice please.
PC: What's the difference between theater and film?
RV: Theater and film are both great. I would say an actor should always do theater. Thats where the real acting talent develops. In theater you get once chance to get it right; on the other hand, in in films you have re-takes etc. Also in theater the results are right there, which is the audience, the reaction, you know. But Films has its charm as well. The acting is also more projected in Theater where as in films its more natural, I would say. I am a fan of both genres. I would say when we should always do theater in between films to keep that talent growing.
PC: Between theater and film what do you like to do?
RV: Well, as I mentioned in my previous anwers both are great. As an artist I love both and will likely continue to do both, films more now as thats the progression that I have chosen but of course between films , theater is always good and keeps that momentum going.
PC: What do you think of the various Desi talent emerging in show business?
RV: I think it's totally great because it gives Desi actors a chance to show what they are really all about. Now that Indian culture is being accepted everywhere, its great to come out and show some of the heritage and great cultural values through this field to others in the world. I believe the networks aren't writing enough roles for Indian faces here in the US . But it's totally changing and that one fusion between both the American film industry and the Mumbai film industry is going to break barriers between the two, like the movie Marigold, which was recently planned. It's great that Indian artists are emerging now in the US market as well.
PC: What sort of advice would you give to a Desi youth that's interested in modeling and acting?
RV: I would say just go out there and do it. Remember it's all about passion that's where it really counts. Get yourself involved with DesiClub and Desithrill because these sites will really give you confidence, good exposure. Remember to get professional pictures done but just go out and pursue your dreams. You just have to go out follow your passion you can't just sit at home because nothing will come to you. Modeling and Acting both require a lot of dedication and hard work. If you really want to do this, go after it full time, do your research and aim high.
PC: What was it like to win Mr. India California?
RV: It was great. The show wasn't very organized but it was a lot of fun. The title is all in good fun and it just gives you another step towards that same direction. I would not say that just because I am Mr India California, take me in your movie or use me for a commerical. In the end its the talent that counts but it helps to have a title as you get some advantages to enhance your career and to do some good stuff out there. Thanks the the organizers to the event, it was a good way to boost up that confidence level that is required in this field.
PC: In the future what can we expect from you Raj?
RV: You ain't seen nothing yet! You ain't seen nothing yet! (laughs). I'm just starting out so my first movie should be coming out this year and the second one in the summer of 2003. The second movie is an American production science fiction film. So hopefully this is start of a long and successful career. I hope I keep getting better with time in this field. We shall see... right...
PC: To go to bollywood?
RV: You know, whatver people may say, I think its great fun to dance around trees and sing those romantic songs. I think the industry is changing so much here that we are going to get a lot of opportunitites now, its good to get into this field right this time as we are.. But I would love to do films in Bombay as well, after all its all for entertaining the community and doing this for the love of the art.
PC: What would you like to say to the millions of readers on Desiclub.com?
RV: Please visit the sites, they have a lot of information, they are working really hard to get all these for the community, entertain them. For aspiring actors, models use these resources to get your face out there. Follow your dreams, sites like DesiClub and Desithrill, they are all trying to help bring out local talent in the areas so put your pictures up on there and be discovered and be part of the growing family of entertainers in this country.
Visit Raj's website: www.rajvasudeva.com
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