'My youngest son Brock was born the day Barack was elected as the President'...says actor Christopher B Duncan, who essayed the role of Obama in My Name is Khan.
He speaks to TOI about the traditional condescending attitude towards black people that the flick Avatar endorses and the reasons for the spurt in the number of roles Indian and Indian-American actors are getting in Hollywood and US TV shows...
Do you think the international stars are stereotyped in Indian movies?
I haven't seen enough Bollywood films. I have read some of MNIK's reviews wherein the critics found a couple of American characters to be stereotypical. I spoke to a number of people in the business who thought the black family (Mama Jenny and her sons) tended to be stereotypical. I thought so in terms of their actual image. Mama Jenny is shown as a big heavy black woman with animated behavior. That sort of presentation can be very stereotypical. However, as we got the chance to see the genuine feelings that came out of her, it helped to balance in terms of humanity, instead of just putting her across as a stereotype.
Comedies 'Nirvana' and 'Outsourced' (which were earlier dropped after early development stages in 2004 and 2007) will soon be aired on TV. Plans are also underway to have a US version of The Kumars at No. 42 (a popular Brit comedy). Do you feel Indian and Indian-American actors are being more importance?
Hollywood is well known for getting into trends. With the introduction of Slumdog Millionaire, we have noticed the wealth of Indian talent. I believe, talent transcends any kind of racial issues and ethnic backgrounds, it is very powerful no matter who it is coming from. Because SM was so successful (and now with the success of 3 Idiots and MNIK), the powers in Hollywood are forced to look at the wealth of talent from Indian actors and directors and take it seriously. Because of the delayed Slumdog effect that trend has occurred and thank goodness it is a good thing for Indian talent.
So Hollywood has become more tolerant and getting more open-minded to non-white actors, including Indians?
Sam Jackson was once asked if there was racism still alive in Hollywood. And he said the executive in Hollywood are actively pursuing next the next Brad Pitt, the next Johnny Depp and not actively pursuing the next Denzel and Friedman. But if those actors of color seep in somehow and become successful then the powers in Hollywood will embrace them because it is about money. So I believe the same is true for Indian actors too. As long as any actor of color is able to break through the cracks, to be part of a successful project, to bring revenue to these movie studios Hollywood is going to embrace them.
But the tough part is in actors of color getting opportunities to do this to begin with. When Sam made that comment, he was speaking about the difficulties that actors of color experience in getting into the mainstream projects. For, it is inherent and accepted as a tradition that the lead actors will be white and the supporting parts will be played by the actors of color. Thank goodness a lot of progress has taken place over the years and now you see far more Indian actors in front of camera.
Actor Parminder Kaur Nagra is a wonderful actor and a serious regular on ER, the most highly successful TV drama in the US TV history. There is no doubt about the rise in the number of Indian and Indian-American actors getting opportunities! The delayed SD effect is happening because the Hollywood is loving the trend – of recognizing the India actors' talents. But, some times the trend can be frustrating – for example there is a trend now in the US to rope in foreign rappers like 50 Cent in movies. Same is with the reality TV. And the drawback of reality TV is that that some of the shows can be exploitive. But if it is a trend then Hollywood will jump on it. There is a lot of exploitation but that's what getting the show the ratings.
You have mentioned 3 Idiots twice in this interview. Have you watched the movie or know anything about Aamir Khan?
I have read a lot in media about 3 Idiots. In addition to articles about Aamir being pitied against SRK and the huge competition between the two actors, I have come across write-ups focusing on the respect the actors have for each other and about how well they treat each other. I don't know if those articles were to create publicity or stir the flames of animosity. Then there are articles exploring the king of Bollywood. I haven't watched 3 Idiots. But when I surf the Internet or listen to the radio – I hear a lot about that movie and now MNIK too. I was quite intrigued with constant attention paid to these projects and the varying points of views that have emerged.
James Cameron's Avatar being referred to as a racist movie...
I wouldn't call it racist per se. However, in terms of what people are referring to, it is condescending and is pretty much predictable in that respect. For, it has the idea of having a savior, played a white lead character, who will save people of color from their enemy because they don't have the fortitude and the intellect to take care of themselves. This is the tradition in Hollywood. It has become more of an auto pilot mode wherein a lot of writers and executives chalk out this kind of material as opposed to thinking about how dehumanizing it can be. Why couldn't Don Cheadle, Will Smith or Jamie Fox be the ones who saved these characters of color? Why not? It is hugely frustrating. It is not racist but condescending and dehumanizing. At a subconscious level you are striking at the core of people's abilities and intellect or in this case, in these kinds of films – lack of it. If you look at Zoe, she is powerful, strong, capable and fierce.
Is she more powerful than the male protagonist?
Yes. For a character like her who is so powerful, it gets more offensive to say that 'Oh her white male counterpart is the only way for her to be saved!' Why? To me Zoe can be the leader to the entire mission of saving her people. Any why can't Sam's character be her right hand. It was the other way round in the movie.
So you were disappointed with the movie?
Yes that part of the story – brining a white actor as a savior - was very disappointing because I have seen that so many times. There are a lot of Hollywood films where the story either revolves around a football/baseball/basketball team and a white coach comes in to help the black kids to become successful. These kids lack education and belong to poor families. It is heartbreaking and shameful.
However, I found the movie spectacular in terms of special effects. And most of the roles, played by colored people, were fantastic regardless of the story bringing forth the traditional condescending attitude. These actors were so strong that I think their acting did the talking and took away from the traditional statement that 'Oh, white character has to save us all'. Any open-minded person would see that these people can take care of themselves.
Would you like to work with James?
Of course, he was not intentional in trying to be offensive.
Do you think Obama is the world's biggest celebrity?
Yes, he is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Because of his phenomenal abilities he can reach people regardless of race and political background. Most of the leaders tend to be polarizing. Many people across the board respect him even if they don't like his political decision. As a politician he is a powerful individual – even if people disagree with him Obama, he still remains a powerful individual.
Obama was a big hit initially but a year in office, he doesn't seem to be doing too good? How different would you do things if you were indeed Obama?
It would be tough for me to be the president. Even though I understand the importance of diplomacy and can be diplomatic in my life if need be, I don't like to mince words. I think my sense of telling it like it is would cause waves and controversies at times.
Remember when that Sentaor who called the president a liar, I was so offended by it. Had I been the president I would have made a point by saying, 'Since the cameras are on when don't you tell the American people why you insulted me.' That's how I would have called him.
I think, if at times, I have criticism for Obama, it is when he tries to please many people- from different political and social backgrounds. I don't think you can do that you. You pay a price when you being to please everyone. I would lay the laws down that I think are fine as a leader and debate the issue in a sensible manner with those who disagree with me. I won't please everyone.
4th November 2008 was such a powerful day. For, my youngest son Brock was born when President Obama, whom I respect so much, was getting his office. It was truly one of the most amazing days of my life.
Have you heard of Anil Kapoor? Have you been able to watch his show 24?
I watch the show religiously. I watch it all the time. I think Anil is excellent. He is perfectly cast in the role and doing complex work. He is an intelligent character, understated and his work is powerful. I would love to work with him. As they say, I would love to be in the ring with him.
Who did your wife like the most?
(Laughs) Susan was proud to see me in such a powerful and wonderful film. And in terms of SRK and Kajol, she found them as couple, in the picture, to be believable. For, the chemistry was excellent and I also found that myself. I too feel there is an amazing energy between the two of them. And when you observe SRK, Kajol and Karan – it is so clear that they have been working together for years. Even if there is a difference of opinion – there is clear feeling of knowing the importance of teamwork.
When u got the offer – did you know that SRK, Karan and Kajol had given several hits together?
I wasn't aware of it. It was interesting how it came about. I have done Barrack for Jay Leno's show for quite some time. I guess, Karan was familiar with it and my dramatic work in other films and TV projects. So he was considering me for the role. When I went for the audition and hadn't heard for quite some time I didn't know what was happening. I had heard of SRK's name. As I began to work with them, I realised how the two of them had reached so many people for years in the world.
You just mentioned it took some time for you to get the response. Was there a fear of getting a negative reply?
Not that it would be negative. I was curious to know what had happened. The response from producers to my agent was very favorable. They liked the audition so I thought everything will go far very quickly. I can tell you in terms of what I was told – what happened is – I guess Karan had been thinking of me for the role to begin with. But I was told on the sets – this is not guaranteed that it actually happened – Forest Whitaker read the script and fell in love with the it. I don't know if he let the producers know that he was interested. But sure he made it clear that he was interested in doing the Barrack's role. He is an Oscar winning actor and a big household name. So the period of time I didn't hear I thought he got the offer. For, once he showed interest — even though I was Karan's choice — naturally the producers would say, 'Hey, here's an Oscar winning actor who wants to do the role now.' The long story short — the role I thought was given go to him. But he had a film, in which he was playing the lead, that hadn't got over. So he wasn't released. And Karan came back to me and I was told that I was the first choice to begin with. Thank goodness he (Whitaker) ended up being busy in his films.
Have you got more Hollywood or Bollywod offers post MNIK?
The offers have been coming in consistently so can't gauge how much of it is exactly from MNIK. The movie has been released on a limited basis in the US and will have a bigger release over the summers. It is partly because of the film and Jay Leno's show that I have got offers to play Obama. But playing the role in a dramatic film was more stimulating than doing a skit or impersonations. I impersonate a lot of personalities and have fun doing it. I don't mind doing Obama from time to time but if I were to do more then there will be a trap of me becoming, 'Oh that's the guy Obama!
source; http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Obamas-one-the-biggest-celebrities/articleshow/8187947.cms
He speaks to TOI about the traditional condescending attitude towards black people that the flick Avatar endorses and the reasons for the spurt in the number of roles Indian and Indian-American actors are getting in Hollywood and US TV shows...
Do you think the international stars are stereotyped in Indian movies?
I haven't seen enough Bollywood films. I have read some of MNIK's reviews wherein the critics found a couple of American characters to be stereotypical. I spoke to a number of people in the business who thought the black family (Mama Jenny and her sons) tended to be stereotypical. I thought so in terms of their actual image. Mama Jenny is shown as a big heavy black woman with animated behavior. That sort of presentation can be very stereotypical. However, as we got the chance to see the genuine feelings that came out of her, it helped to balance in terms of humanity, instead of just putting her across as a stereotype.
Comedies 'Nirvana' and 'Outsourced' (which were earlier dropped after early development stages in 2004 and 2007) will soon be aired on TV. Plans are also underway to have a US version of The Kumars at No. 42 (a popular Brit comedy). Do you feel Indian and Indian-American actors are being more importance?
Hollywood is well known for getting into trends. With the introduction of Slumdog Millionaire, we have noticed the wealth of Indian talent. I believe, talent transcends any kind of racial issues and ethnic backgrounds, it is very powerful no matter who it is coming from. Because SM was so successful (and now with the success of 3 Idiots and MNIK), the powers in Hollywood are forced to look at the wealth of talent from Indian actors and directors and take it seriously. Because of the delayed Slumdog effect that trend has occurred and thank goodness it is a good thing for Indian talent.
So Hollywood has become more tolerant and getting more open-minded to non-white actors, including Indians?
Sam Jackson was once asked if there was racism still alive in Hollywood. And he said the executive in Hollywood are actively pursuing next the next Brad Pitt, the next Johnny Depp and not actively pursuing the next Denzel and Friedman. But if those actors of color seep in somehow and become successful then the powers in Hollywood will embrace them because it is about money. So I believe the same is true for Indian actors too. As long as any actor of color is able to break through the cracks, to be part of a successful project, to bring revenue to these movie studios Hollywood is going to embrace them.
But the tough part is in actors of color getting opportunities to do this to begin with. When Sam made that comment, he was speaking about the difficulties that actors of color experience in getting into the mainstream projects. For, it is inherent and accepted as a tradition that the lead actors will be white and the supporting parts will be played by the actors of color. Thank goodness a lot of progress has taken place over the years and now you see far more Indian actors in front of camera.
Actor Parminder Kaur Nagra is a wonderful actor and a serious regular on ER, the most highly successful TV drama in the US TV history. There is no doubt about the rise in the number of Indian and Indian-American actors getting opportunities! The delayed SD effect is happening because the Hollywood is loving the trend – of recognizing the India actors' talents. But, some times the trend can be frustrating – for example there is a trend now in the US to rope in foreign rappers like 50 Cent in movies. Same is with the reality TV. And the drawback of reality TV is that that some of the shows can be exploitive. But if it is a trend then Hollywood will jump on it. There is a lot of exploitation but that's what getting the show the ratings.
You have mentioned 3 Idiots twice in this interview. Have you watched the movie or know anything about Aamir Khan?
I have read a lot in media about 3 Idiots. In addition to articles about Aamir being pitied against SRK and the huge competition between the two actors, I have come across write-ups focusing on the respect the actors have for each other and about how well they treat each other. I don't know if those articles were to create publicity or stir the flames of animosity. Then there are articles exploring the king of Bollywood. I haven't watched 3 Idiots. But when I surf the Internet or listen to the radio – I hear a lot about that movie and now MNIK too. I was quite intrigued with constant attention paid to these projects and the varying points of views that have emerged.
James Cameron's Avatar being referred to as a racist movie...
I wouldn't call it racist per se. However, in terms of what people are referring to, it is condescending and is pretty much predictable in that respect. For, it has the idea of having a savior, played a white lead character, who will save people of color from their enemy because they don't have the fortitude and the intellect to take care of themselves. This is the tradition in Hollywood. It has become more of an auto pilot mode wherein a lot of writers and executives chalk out this kind of material as opposed to thinking about how dehumanizing it can be. Why couldn't Don Cheadle, Will Smith or Jamie Fox be the ones who saved these characters of color? Why not? It is hugely frustrating. It is not racist but condescending and dehumanizing. At a subconscious level you are striking at the core of people's abilities and intellect or in this case, in these kinds of films – lack of it. If you look at Zoe, she is powerful, strong, capable and fierce.
Is she more powerful than the male protagonist?
Yes. For a character like her who is so powerful, it gets more offensive to say that 'Oh her white male counterpart is the only way for her to be saved!' Why? To me Zoe can be the leader to the entire mission of saving her people. Any why can't Sam's character be her right hand. It was the other way round in the movie.
So you were disappointed with the movie?
Yes that part of the story – brining a white actor as a savior - was very disappointing because I have seen that so many times. There are a lot of Hollywood films where the story either revolves around a football/baseball/basketball team and a white coach comes in to help the black kids to become successful. These kids lack education and belong to poor families. It is heartbreaking and shameful.
However, I found the movie spectacular in terms of special effects. And most of the roles, played by colored people, were fantastic regardless of the story bringing forth the traditional condescending attitude. These actors were so strong that I think their acting did the talking and took away from the traditional statement that 'Oh, white character has to save us all'. Any open-minded person would see that these people can take care of themselves.
Would you like to work with James?
Of course, he was not intentional in trying to be offensive.
Do you think Obama is the world's biggest celebrity?
Yes, he is one of the biggest celebrities in the world. Because of his phenomenal abilities he can reach people regardless of race and political background. Most of the leaders tend to be polarizing. Many people across the board respect him even if they don't like his political decision. As a politician he is a powerful individual – even if people disagree with him Obama, he still remains a powerful individual.
Obama was a big hit initially but a year in office, he doesn't seem to be doing too good? How different would you do things if you were indeed Obama?
It would be tough for me to be the president. Even though I understand the importance of diplomacy and can be diplomatic in my life if need be, I don't like to mince words. I think my sense of telling it like it is would cause waves and controversies at times.
Remember when that Sentaor who called the president a liar, I was so offended by it. Had I been the president I would have made a point by saying, 'Since the cameras are on when don't you tell the American people why you insulted me.' That's how I would have called him.
I think, if at times, I have criticism for Obama, it is when he tries to please many people- from different political and social backgrounds. I don't think you can do that you. You pay a price when you being to please everyone. I would lay the laws down that I think are fine as a leader and debate the issue in a sensible manner with those who disagree with me. I won't please everyone.
4th November 2008 was such a powerful day. For, my youngest son Brock was born when President Obama, whom I respect so much, was getting his office. It was truly one of the most amazing days of my life.
Have you heard of Anil Kapoor? Have you been able to watch his show 24?
I watch the show religiously. I watch it all the time. I think Anil is excellent. He is perfectly cast in the role and doing complex work. He is an intelligent character, understated and his work is powerful. I would love to work with him. As they say, I would love to be in the ring with him.
Who did your wife like the most?
(Laughs) Susan was proud to see me in such a powerful and wonderful film. And in terms of SRK and Kajol, she found them as couple, in the picture, to be believable. For, the chemistry was excellent and I also found that myself. I too feel there is an amazing energy between the two of them. And when you observe SRK, Kajol and Karan – it is so clear that they have been working together for years. Even if there is a difference of opinion – there is clear feeling of knowing the importance of teamwork.
When u got the offer – did you know that SRK, Karan and Kajol had given several hits together?
I wasn't aware of it. It was interesting how it came about. I have done Barrack for Jay Leno's show for quite some time. I guess, Karan was familiar with it and my dramatic work in other films and TV projects. So he was considering me for the role. When I went for the audition and hadn't heard for quite some time I didn't know what was happening. I had heard of SRK's name. As I began to work with them, I realised how the two of them had reached so many people for years in the world.
You just mentioned it took some time for you to get the response. Was there a fear of getting a negative reply?
Not that it would be negative. I was curious to know what had happened. The response from producers to my agent was very favorable. They liked the audition so I thought everything will go far very quickly. I can tell you in terms of what I was told – what happened is – I guess Karan had been thinking of me for the role to begin with. But I was told on the sets – this is not guaranteed that it actually happened – Forest Whitaker read the script and fell in love with the it. I don't know if he let the producers know that he was interested. But sure he made it clear that he was interested in doing the Barrack's role. He is an Oscar winning actor and a big household name. So the period of time I didn't hear I thought he got the offer. For, once he showed interest — even though I was Karan's choice — naturally the producers would say, 'Hey, here's an Oscar winning actor who wants to do the role now.' The long story short — the role I thought was given go to him. But he had a film, in which he was playing the lead, that hadn't got over. So he wasn't released. And Karan came back to me and I was told that I was the first choice to begin with. Thank goodness he (Whitaker) ended up being busy in his films.
Have you got more Hollywood or Bollywod offers post MNIK?
The offers have been coming in consistently so can't gauge how much of it is exactly from MNIK. The movie has been released on a limited basis in the US and will have a bigger release over the summers. It is partly because of the film and Jay Leno's show that I have got offers to play Obama. But playing the role in a dramatic film was more stimulating than doing a skit or impersonations. I impersonate a lot of personalities and have fun doing it. I don't mind doing Obama from time to time but if I were to do more then there will be a trap of me becoming, 'Oh that's the guy Obama!
source; http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Obamas-one-the-biggest-celebrities/articleshow/8187947.cms
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