Kal Penn: 'One of the ways I tried to learn Hindi was through Saath Nibhaana Saathiya'
Kal Penn revealed he learned Hindi by watching Indian soaps like Saath Nibhaana Saathiya and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, and expressed his desire to work in Indian television.
Last Updated: 11.51 AM, Aug 03, 2025
Summary:
- Kal Penn used Indian TV shows to learn Hindi, including Saath Nibhaana Saathiya.
- He prefers Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi for its accessible language and dramatic plots.
- Penn hopes to work in Indian TV, citing interest in shows like Taarak Mehta... and Delhi Crime.
American actor and comedian Kal Penn has revealed an unexpected link to Indian television. Penn is famous for his roles in Harold & Kumar and House and his time spent working for Obama. Although many people became acquainted with the characters of Saath Nibhaana Saathiya through popular remixes such as "Rasode Mein Kaun Tha, Kal Penn had already been watching the show—and not just for fun. He was actually using it as a tool to learn Hindi.
Learning Hindi through Indian television
During an Indian Express event, Penn pondered his personal path with Indian television and its increasing global influence. The actor admitted, "This is hard because Hindi is not my first language. It is English and then Gujarati. But one of the ways that I started trying to learn Hindi was through episodes of Saath Nibhaana Saathiya."
He continued by revealing that he chooses Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi over Saath Nibhaana Saathiya. The actor said, "Because the level of Hindi is accessible to somebody who is learning Hindi. They have super addictive ridiculous plotlines. So I will go with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Desire to collaborate with Indian TV shows
Penn admitted he is more accustomed to American shows when comparing global content, but he has a strong desire to work with Indian television. He revealed, "I got to know Asit Modi a couple of years ago and I did a set visit to Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, and I was geeking out over this—it is like one of the most watched shows on the planet."
Additionally, he mentioned that not everyone enjoys it and that it differs greatly from Delhi Crime. The actor added, "But, you look at what India is turning out and the spectrum of voices and content… I be like, ‘This is so cool.’ I want to be on both shows. I would love to do episodes of Delhi Crime."
Penn's comments emphasise how popular Indian television is, ranging from family dramas like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to socially conscious thrillers like Delhi Crime.
Kal Penn's Indian heritage
Born Kalpen Suresh Modi, Penn is of Indian origin and has worn multiple hats—from actor and comedian to author and White House staffer under former US President Barack Obama.
Meanwhile, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya became one of India's most famous television series after airing more than 2,100 episodes from 2010 to 2017. Its internet sensations have brought it to a whole new generation of viewers, including Kal Penn and other A-list stars.
FAQs
Q: Is Kal Penn Indian?
A: Kal Penn is of Indian origin. He was born in the United States to Gujarati immigrant parents from India.
Q: Did Kal Penn work in the White House?
A: Yes, Kal Penn served as Associate Director in the White House Office of Public Engagement under President Barack Obama.
Q: What are Kal Penn’s most famous movies and TV shows?
A: His most notable works include Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, The Namesake, House M.D., Designated Survivor, and How I Met Your Mother.