Nivedita Kulkarni on Comedy, Method, and The Sex Lives of Disney Princesses
There’s quite a bit of “funny” out there in the world right now. Chris Rock, for one. The idea of Taylor Luther and Hillary Duff mating, for two. And Nivedita Kulkarni playing a starved-for-sexual-attention version of Pocohontas in her highly acclaimed UCB show, The Sex Lives of Disney Princesses.
We recently had a virtual over-coffee chat with Kulkarni, a young up-and-comer on the comedy scene, a prospective client for UTA, and the newest signed host for the April-premiering podcast Urban Desi Radio. The wide-eyed, Indian American beauty is not only a witty performance talent (having played everything from rappers, to goblins, to the aforementioned… er, “princesses”) but she’s also a writer, producer, and she’s up on stage ‘working it’ five nights a week.
We chose to speak to Kulkarni not just because of her unique fight to become the first truly well known Indian American comedian in the business (if you noticed, there aren’t many) — but because she’s a great example to all young actors out in Hollywood and Manhattan who run around yelling “I wanna make it”. Take it first hand from a woman who lives, breathes, and theoretically eats show-business — becoming a renowned actress isn’t easy — but Nivedita Kulkarni is getting pretty darn close.
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When did you decide show business was your path, and what came first — the comedy or ”serious” acting?
I’d always loved performing, but I didn’t really realize that I could pursue it as a career until I was out of college. Once I did, it felt like my whole life just clicked into place. I think most of us know what we’re meant to be doing with our lives…the hardest part is listening to that voice and letting your instincts take over.
To answer the second question – I actually did nothing but comedy for my first two years out of school. I never really thought of dramatic work, but I somehow was blessed/cursed with the ability to cry on command. My acting coach saw me cry so many times that he finally told me I was “built to do Chekhov.” Since then, I’ve been trying to write and explore dramatic roles for myself.
Who did you admire when growing up, and did that admiration lead to any kind of “I’m gonna be an actor!” inspiration?
I used to watch the Oscars every year, I rented practically every movie at Blockbuster, I watched the NBC comedy lineup every Thursday. Honestly, I always wondered why there was never anyone on TV who looked like me. I grew up thinking…why can’t Indians do this?
Lovers: Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp?
Johnny Depp scares me.
Leading Ladies: Angelina Jolie or Audrey Hepburn
Sure! Either one.
Pre-Audition “Performance” Nectar: Guinness or Starbucks
Nah, no alcohol for me. I’m still trying to kick the caffeine habit. I would say that the best audition prep, though, is to do a few improv scenes in the waiting area. Or take a nap.
Red Carpet Attire: Prada or Vera Wang
I should probably know the difference, but I don’t.
Mode of Transport: Metro Card, Taxi, or Limo
Taxi! And subway rat.
Tell us a joke that doesn’t suck.
Hmmm…what does a broken vacuum cleaner do? Not suck. Write that one down, guys. Comedic genius hard at work here.
What (naturally great things) do you expect from your career in the next year? We’re holding you to it!
I’ll be putting up 2 plays in New York that I’ve written for myself, so I’m hoping to take them to a few different festivals across the country. I’m launching a comedy web series soon, so stay tuned for that. Or I’ll just write a best-selling memoir. Piece of cake.
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You can check out more on Nivedita — as well as her upcoming show schedule on her website — www.niveditakulkarni.com.
I wouldn’t say I agree 100% regarding certain points, but you sure got an interesting writing style. Anyway, I like the quality you bring to the blogosphere and that this isn’t just another abandoned, made-for-adsense blog! Take care…
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