33 year old actor Rushi Kota is already known by the series lovers, Kota acted on TV’s big success Grey’s Anatomy. Now he’s back on the Netflix’s hottest teen tv show Never Have I Ever. During this quarantine, the series has been the infant-juvenil focus. Recently, we had the opportunity of talking to him, and he spoke about a little bit about how he prepares himself to play his characters and about season two of Never Have I Ever. Rushi Kota also spoke about his admiration for Ryan Reynolds and how he would love to play Deadpool’s son on the cinemas.
1 – You’ve acted on “Greys Anatomy” and now on Netflix’s newest show “Never Have I Ever”. What were the biggest differences between the two sets?
A: Very different sets and very different experiences. “Grey’s” is a well oiled machine, a show that’s been on air for 16 seasons now, so they have their own studio lot. Everything has a place to be put back into. There are freshly baked cakes available for lunch and dinner, easy to get spoiled. “Never Have I Ever” is a new show on the Universal Studios. The energy is a lot more vibrant because there are so many other shows also shooting there. Universal is massive, there are tours going on all hours of the day. So while shooting is going on, there are many more variables to be accountable for.
2 – As Prashant, you had small participation in this first season, but also very important and with a very big potential for the second season. If this second season really happens, how do you think Prashant’s and Kamala’s romance can proceed?
A: Oh man, haha, I have no idea, if and when there is going to be a season two, if I m even coming back. I had no idea the show was going to be so big. I m grateful for all the love coming my way. Mindy and Lang and the writer’s are so freaking brilliant, my speculation would be infinitesimal in comparison to what they might be cooking up.
3 – Do you have any funny story that happened on the set of “Never Have I Ever”?
A: I wasn’t on set long enough for anything majorly funny to have happen. But being in scenes with Iqbal who plays the uncle was pretty amazing. His delivery is hysterical. He made me break many times.
4 – You’ve played important characters on different tv shows. For you, what’s the biggest challenge in becoming that character? How do you prepare yourself?
A: The biggest challenge in becoming that character is how short lived they are. In the midst of juggling life, auditions and being on set for a particular project, it can feel very schizophrenic. But giving that character space to live, taking time to calm my brain and focusing on just one thing is very important. I prepare myself by writing a lot of character notes, listening to music, meditating and hoping to vibrate in the frequency of the life I m creating. I am not method, but I try to channel my insecurities and struggles into the person I am being. Every character you see on screen are struggling with their own demons.
5 – Recently, you’ve posted on your Instagram that it was always a dream of yours working with Mindy Kaling and Netflix. How was working with them?
A: Yes and what a dream it was to come true. Everyone on set was a delight. There was instant chemistry between the actors. Everyone was respectful and giving with their love. Everyone was excited to be just working.
6 – If you could play any character, who would you like to play?
A: I’m up for anything. Action, drama, comedy, thriller… all of those combined into one. I would like to play anyone with a beginning, middle and end, but if I had to play someone, I would like to play Deadpool’s son, his multiracial son, where we would trade vulgar, witty banter back and forth. Ryan Reynold’s is one of my absolute favorite actors.
Netflix hasn’t yet confirmed a season two for Mandy Kaling’s series. The show, starred by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan also counts with Darren Barnet as your romantic interest Paxton, and Jaren Lewison as your school “enemy”, Ben. The series also has Rushi Kota from Grey’s Anatomy, Adam Shapiro from Now You See Me, Sendhil Ramamurthy from Heroes and Poorna Jagannathan from Mile 22.
