LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, February 25, 2004: NBC Studios will be holding an open casting call in Los Angeles Saturday as part of a worldwide search to find Indian American actors for its comedy series “Nevermind Nirvana.” Marc Hirschfeld, executive vice president of casting, NBC Entertainment, said the search was for all professional and non-professional Indian American actors who will be auditioned that day. Indian Americans with an American accent would be considered for five roles: that of a father, mother, their two sons and their servant.
The characters are:
Sunil “Sonny” Mehta, to be in his 20s. On the eve of his graduation from UCLA Medical School, he’s having last minute jitters about being a doctor. Although Sonny has been raised in America, he still straddles the traditional Indian culture of his parents.
Raju Mehta, in his 20s. A couple of years behind Sonny in medical school, he is the younger brother. Used to being the underdog in the family because he is not married and not yet a doctor, he is gleeful to learn that Sonny’s life has gone off the rails.
Arjun Mehta, in late 40s-60s, to play the father of Sonny and Raju.
Sarita Mehta, in late 40s-60s. She will be the mother of Sonny and Raju, would have to be small in stature but in charge of her family. Has an Indian accent.
Govind Singh, in his 40s-60s — the Mehta family servant.
“Nevermind Nirvana” is a pilot project for NBC Studios. Karey Burke and Jamie Tarses are the executive producers. Ajay Sahgal is the writer and producer whose short film, It’s a Shame About Ray was well received.
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