‘Big Bang Theory’ star Nayyar cast in ‘Three and a Half’
NEW DELHI: Big Bang Theory star Kunal Nayyar has been cast in the upcoming Three and a Half, produced by Mira Nair. The film is directed by Sooni Taraporevala, a longtime collaborator with Nair, penning titles such as Mississippi Masala, The Namesake and the Oscarnominated Salaam Bombay. Taraporevala made her directing debut with 2007’s Little Zizou, which was presented by Nair along with Viacom18 Motion Pictures.
“Both Mira And Sooni have been instrumental in inspiring me to be an actor,” Nayyar told The Hollywood Reporter. “Watching their movies growing up, I realised it was possible to be an Indian artist and still be put on the world stage. I am humbled and honoured to be part of this incredible movie that once again will traverse cultures and languages to tug at the heart strings of audiences around the world. I am also excited to undertake a role that will both challenge and stretch my range as an actor.”
“Mira and I met Kunal in L.A., told him the story, showed him some images, sent him the script and he was on,” added Taraporevala. “I was ecstatic. He is a lovely person, a fabulous actor and I feel blessed that one of the best-known people in the world is going to star in my film.”
Expanding on Nayyar’s role in the film, Taraporevala said, “In Three and a Half, he will be playing a very different character than what he is known for in The Big Bang Theory. Three and a Half is both a love story and a political thriller, and Kunal will be playing Kabir, a revolutionary on a mission.”
As reported earlier, Three and a Half is among the 32 finalists — a mix of 18 Indian projects and 14 from overseas — hoping to attract funding and distribution at this year’s Film Bazaar co-production market. The annual event is organised by the government-backed National Film Development Corporation and will run Nov 20-24 in Goa.
Along with Nair, Three and a Half is produced by Michael Roiff, whose credits include 2007’s Waitress and this year’s In Your Eyes, written and executive produced by Joss Whedon and directed by Brin Hill.
Nayyar recently appeared in the Canada-set Dr Cabbie, co-produced by Bollywood star Salman Khan. Last year, Nayyar co-produced and voiced cricket documentary Beyond All Boundaries, directed by Sushrut Jain. The film followed the lives of a selection of fans of the sport timed with the 2011 World Cup Cricket, which was hosted in India.
Nayyar was recently confirmed for A Bollywoof Tale, which goes into production next year. Nayyar will voice a street dog called Santoosh in the liveaction family drama helmed by Frederik Du Chau ( Racing Stripes). London-born Nayyar was raised in New Delhi before he moved to the US to pursue his college studies. He is married to 2006 Miss India winner Neha Kapur.