Kal Penn will now be Kalpen Modi at the White House

Kal Penn will now be Kalpen Modi at the White House
Wednesday, July 08, 2009 12:51 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
Kal Penn, Indian American star of Mira Nair's "The Namesake" and a long time supporter of President Barack Obama, has started his new job as a liaison between the White House and Asian communities.

Born Kalpen Suresh Modi to Indian immigrant parents from Gujarat, the 31-year-old actor is taking a break from Hollywood to work as an associate director in the Office of Public Liaison. Penn said Monday his the new job with a focus on connecting Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as arts groups has nothing to do with his life as an actor.

In Namesake, Penn plays American-born Gogol, the son of Indian immigrants, wanting to fit in among his fellow New Yorkers, despite his family's unwillingness to let go of their traditional ways.

"I expect to be treated just like any other staff member, " he told reporters on a conference call describing the public liaison office as the "front door to the White House."

His job would be engaging with constituent communities and making sure they feel that they have a seat at the table, he said.

He is even applying this quest for a fresh start to his identity, saying he will use his given name, Kalpen Modi, instead of his acting moniker while working for the Obama administration.

Penn had a recurring role on Fox's TV show "House" and starred in several films including "National Lampoon's Van Wilder", "Epic Movie", and "Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay".

At the time of his appointment, the actor said his interest in politics has deep roots. "I've been thinking about (moving into politics) for a while. I love what I do as an actor. I couldn't love it more....probably from the time I was a kid, I really enjoyed that balance between the arts and public service."

"It's probably because of the value system my grandparents instilled in me. They marched with Gandhi in the Indian independence movement, and that was always in the back of my head. So the past couple of years I thought about it a little more."

But Penn also left the door open to returning to acting at some later point. "Who's to say where any path leads? I still have a passion for it. But for the time being, I won't be acting, " he then told Entertainment Weekly.
Varun Dhawan Unveils First Poster of 'Nain Matakka' Featuring Keerthy Suresh!

Varun Dhawan's upcoming film Baby John is already creating waves in the entertainment world. The latest buzz surrounds the highly anticipated track "Nain Matakka," and the excitement reached new heights when Varun shared the

Friday, November 22, 2024
'Agni' Trailer Unveiled: A Tribute to Firefighters' Bravery and Sacrifice!

The much-anticipated trailer for Agni, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Rahul Dholakia, was released on Thursday, offering a gripping look into the world of firefighters, their bravery, and the sacrifices they make to protect

Friday, November 22, 2024
Sara Ali Khan Shares Fun BTS Moments from Ad Shoot, Invites Fans to Let Their Spirits Soar!

Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan recently took to Instagram to share a delightful behind-the-scenes (BTS) glimpse from her latest advertisement shoot, revealing her cheerful mood and creative spirit. In a playful and heartwarming post, Sara shared a video

Friday, November 22, 2024
Kartik Aaryan Enjoys Quality Time with 'Sea, Sand, and Sun' at IFFI Goa!

Bollywood heartthrob Kartik Aaryan, who is currently in Goa for the prestigious International Film Festival of India (IFFI) and Filmazaar, took a moment to unwind and connect with nature. The actor shared a series of serene pictures on his Instagram, showcasing

Friday, November 22, 2024
Shehnaaz Gill Starts Shooting for Punjabi Film: A New Journey Begins!

Actress and social media sensation Shehnaaz Gill is all set to embark on a new chapter in her career, as she commences shooting for her upcoming Punjabi film. The actress shared her excitement with her fans on Instagram, marking this milestone

Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT