Its been quite a while since we've had a chance to talk to Kal Penn. For those of you that don't know our history together, Kal partied hard with us at our 3rd anniversary party back in 2001 at the Roxy in New York. And then he tore up the scene with us in Montreal a few months later. So it is with special pride that we bring Kal back to you in his current state of major Hollywood success.

After seeing him grow from the hit South Asian film "American Desi," to various TV shows and films like "Van Wilder" and "Malibu's Most Wanted," Kal Penn is now the co-lead actor in the major studio backed film "Harold And Kumar Go To White Castle," releasing on Friday, July 30th Nationwide.

So how did he do it? Its a secret he does not want to share, but we'll keep tugging at him for you.

Nisha Rana: How does it feel to be one of the very few Desi actors who has made it to mainstream?
Kal Penn: It's a great feeling to be doing what I love, especially against such great odds. There is no shortage of talented Desi actors, only shortage of roles, and I hope that ultimately, producers will be open-minded enough to tap into the vast talent pool that exists within the community.

NR: Did you have a tough time getting to where you are today?
KP: Absolutely - both from the South Asian American community and from Hollywood at large. There isn't very much encouragement for the arts among Indian-Americans. In fact, most Indian Americans tried to discourage me when I was growing up. That was particularly tough to deal with (the lack of community support), especially when I realized how hard it was out in the industry.

NR: Tell us about Harold and Kumar? How was it working and being the lead of this movie?
KP: Harold and Kumar was an awesome experience. It's an all-American story about two best friends who go on the road trip of their lives. My character, Kumar, is Indian-American but FINALLY, ethnicity isn't the driving force behind the plot, nor is it ignored by the story - it's very realistic. Being a lead was a welcome challenge for me because it's much more interesting artistically to be able to define the tone of a film with the writers and director, as opposed to coming into a world that's already been defined when you play a smaller part.

NR: What's in the works for you?
KP: I just finished a film called "A Lot Like Love" with Amanda Peet and Ashton Kutcher that comes out next year. I also have a small role in "The Son of the Mask," which is a live action and animated sequel to "The Mask," and did a dark drama called "Dancing in Twilight" with the lovely and talented Sheetal Sheth, which should be hitting festivals in a few months.

NR: Anything you'd like to say to our readers before you run off with your groupies?
KP: I wish. (laughs) Yes, absolutely. It's wonderful to have the community support for South Asian Artists at a time in which we're able to establish ourselves. I hope that the support continues, not just for myself and for other actors of South Asian descent, but for all Desi artists and those of us who follow non-traditional careers. Also... for the readers in the US, it's an election year, so please register to vote! If you're sick and tired of getting pulled out of line at the airport or being victimized by hate crimes - you know who to vote for!

Go out and support Kal Penn and our fellow Asian actors, check out HaroldandKumar.com for more info and theater listings.

Do you have any thoughts on this? Feel free to send Nisha an e-mail @ Nisha Rana.