Interview by Karthik SrinivasanReef Karim, of the Indo-American hit film "Flavors", was recently voted as one of People`s "Sexiest Men Alive" - quite an achievement for a S.Asian to be recognized on such a high platform!
Reef`s BioI had the pleasure of interviewing Reef about his journey into acting and this trend of successful S.Asians in the entertainment industry, and here is what he had to say:
Karthik S: Can you tell us a little about your professional career as a doctor?
Reef K: I currently work on faculty at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute as an Attending Psychiatrist, Clinical Instructor, Relationship Therapist and Research Fellow. I also have a small private practice on weekends where I see patients with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral and chemical addictions and relationship issues. My work at UCLA is part-time and I have good coverage when I work in film and media.
KS: And when and where did your foray into acting begin?
RK: I was a broadcast-journalism and theater major in college. During that time, I played in a punk band and competed in dance (the latin division and swing aerials). When the GAP and other companies started using dance in their commercials, I started working in commercials as a principal dancer - GAP, Dr. Pepper, Breath Remedy, etc. etc. I was fortunate enough to book a couple of national commercials which led to acting jobs. I started out playing doctors on soap operas (Days of our Lives, etc.) and then I started playing various characters in films.
I booked my first large recurring role in a television series called "Force of One" with Sean Young, Gary Busey and Eric Roberts. I played an Argentinian/Italian guy who was Sean Young`s best friend and an expert Tango dancer. After that, I had a small supporting role in a feature film called "Laurel Canyon" with Christian Bale and I also worked in a supporting role in an upcoming movie called "Lords of Dogtown" with Heath Ledger. I played the romantic lead in "Flavors" before I shot "Lords of Dogtown". And I`m negotiating with a couple of productions now on upcoming roles.
KS: I can`t imagine you having too much flexibility to be able to go on auditions, shoots etc, being a full-time doctor, so how do you manage to juggle the two professions?
RK: Well, I really do have flexibility. I work part-time and I have very good coverage when I`m away. I`ve tried to maintain as much flexibility as possible.And I knew all along that I wanted to work in advocacy in mental health and addiction.
I feel that the people that have difficulties with their mental health have the most troubled times of all patients and I was saddened to see the lack of resources, stigma and lack of knowledge being passed about mental illness and addiction so I decided to enter that field. In addition to seeing patients part-time, I wanted to work in the media and film as an on-camera doctor and consultant to spread the word about diagnoses, treatment and how best to deal with mental health and addiction problems. I additionally trained as a relationship therapist and often I find myself not only working as a clinician but also teaching and advising friends and family.
As a television doctor, I`m currently working as a new psychological expert on ABC`s "Extreme Makeover" in this current season. I also work as the host and expert of the show "House of Clues" on Court TV. It`s a forensic profiling show and I utilize my background in behavioral profiling (L.A.
Sheriff`s dept) on the show. I`m also the sex and relationships expert on VH1`s "The Love Lounge" which comes out early next year.
KS: How did you get involved in "Flavors" and what was the experience like?
RK: I had never played an Indian character before and my brother, who is an entertainment attorney for B.E.T., called me when he heard that the "Flavors" team was looking for the romantic lead in their movie. I sent them my demo reel and it all worked out. It was a great community with the cast and crew and I really enjoyed the experience.
Raj, DK and Anupam were great guys.
KS: I must say you and Pooja Kumar shared amazing on-screen chemistry in "Flavors", but few would know that you two only had two days of shooting together! That`s pretty interesting... any comments?
RK: It`s true we have much less time shooting the film together than what you see on the screen. It is possible, though, to share that chemistry when you have a good script.
KS: Of all the characters you`ve played so far, who have you identified with the most and the least, be it theater or film?
RK: In all of my roles, there`s a part of me. I try to understand the motivations and obstacles and emotionality of each character that I play.
It helps me to emotionally live in that character`s environment.
KS: How and when did you find out about People Magazine`s "sexiest shrink"
title, and how did your family and friends react when they heard the news?
RK: Well, that was quite a surprise. I was very flattered to hear that I was named one of "People Magazines Sexiest Men Alive." My attitude is to do good work and try to help people with my experience and training and if that is recognized by a magazine or company, well it`s a good feeling. I particularly like the fact that they wanted to look at a South Asian as a candidate. It`s funny - my family just makes fun of me about it. My friends thought it was great. I`ve received quite a few calls about new projects in television and film because of the magazine and I`ve also received quite a few calls socially... particularly from females who saw the word "single" in the article.
KS: What`s your take on this new wave of NRI cinema and where do you think it`s headed?
RK: I think it`s wonderful. As cinema and television are a business, when the product offered has potential to make money (in addition to providing communication and be entertaining) , there`s more of a chance for success.
I believe we have very talented and qualified South Asians as actors, directors, producers, writers, executives, etc. etc. I hope the NRI cinema gets even more polished and more universal so that we can really share our stories with a non NRI audience.
KS: It`s encouraging to see S.Asian actors like you, Kumar Pallana (The
Terminal) and Kal Penn (Harold & Kumar) getting more opportunities in mainstream American cinema. Is Hollywood finally waking up to the fact that S.Asian actors are more than just cab drivers and convenience store clerks?
And
what do you think can be done to ensure that this trend of emerging S.Asian talent in Hollywood continues to grow?
RK: The more S. Asians or people who believe in S. Asians working as producers, directors, writers, executives and in casting, the more potential opportunities may develop. A good script will always be considered. The more well written stories we can share, the more the chance to express ourselves. I think S. Asians` success in all fields (Computers, Film, Business, Medicine, Law) will enhance our standing in the film and television industry.
KS: Everyone sees the good side of the struggle now that you`ve made it to People`s "Sexiest Men Alive", but only you, with all the hard efforts you`ve put in, would be able to identify with the struggle. What are some of the difficulties you encountered, and what`s the ugly side of Hollywood like?
RK: There`s a difficult side to every business. And I`ve missed out on some opportunities because of the "risk" of hiring a minority. But skill and perseverance often win out. I hope to continue working and training as much as possible to try to be the best I can.
KS: What are your current and upcoming projects?
RK: I`m in negotiation with two very high profile companies; one will be as a television doctor and the other will be as an actor. Both of these projects are still confidential so I can`t name them yet.
Also, I was accepted into the Independent Film Project`s minority directors program called "Project Involve". It`s an exclusive group dedicated to promoting the voice of the minority director in Hollywood. It`s a fantastic program and I`m shooting a script I wrote called "Homeland Insecurity" as my directorial debut early next year.
I intend on both acting and directing in the future.
KS: Any directors/actors in particular you would like to work with?
(Hollywood, Bollywood, anywhere?)
RK: Oh, there are so many good directors I`d love to work with: Paul Thomas Anderson, Terry Gilliam, Cameron Crowe, Michael Mann, etc. etc. I could go on and on.
KS: Any advice for actors such as myself that are still trying to establish themselves?
Training, Training, Training and then experience working as an actor.
I believe that knowing who you are and knowing your skill set is really important in this industry.
If you don`t know who you are or what you represent, the industry will decide for you.
And although things are opening up, that decision may be very limiting.
As an actor, you are a product that needs to be marketed. And it`s always better for someone else to do your marketing.
KS: Anything else you`d like to add?
RK: I love to hear when a South Asian does well. It`s very exciting. It is definitely an uphill battle and I`m always climbing but when something works out (and many times it doesn`t), it`s really special. I wish everyone luck in their respective fields. Thanks so much for the interview.