“I think Georgetown helped me identify a passion.”

Can you briefly describe your current position?

I am blessed to be one of the writers on “Life on a Stick” – a sitcom that is on at 9:30pm on Wednesday nights on FOX after “American Idol.”

What was your first “big break”? Or, what is the most significant experience you had that made it possible for your success today?

I wrote for the KUMARS and I developed a pilot for Carlton in the UK, but this was definitely a major breakthrough for me. I am grateful to the Warner Brothers Writing Fellowship because it was the perfect transition into the American sitcom world.

Could you describe some important transitions in your career?

After college, I was a page at NBC. Then, like most Indian men, I wondered why I wasn’t pursuing a career in business, so I got a job as a sales associate for CNBC. I realized very quickly that I needed a creative outlet. I remember writing stand up jokes during my lunch breaks.

So, I moved out to LA and worked as an actor. I did a few movies and did some TV work with actors such as Jeff Goldblum and Liz Taylor and then I hit a major crossroads. I was offered a major role in “Van Wilder”. It was a great opportunity, but I turned it down because the role was too stereotypical. I had to be horny and make references to Hindu gods. I have no problem being horny, but I draw the line when my religion and culture are involved.

So, my friend Kal Penn got the role. When “Harold and Kumar” came out, I joked with him and said that it should be “Harold and Anand.”

What was an extremely difficult choice became a blessing. I never would have found my path as a storyteller if I hadn’t made that choice.

Are there any ways that you feel Georgetown especially prepared you for what you are doing now?

Georgetown changed my life. Period. When I arrived at Georgetown, I wanted to be a divorce lawyer. I didn’t think I was funny and I was socially awkward around women. Today, nothing has changed except for the lawyer part.

Georgetown Theater gave me a lot of confidence. With small budgets, limited space and limited resources, I was forced to be innovative and to set myself higher standards. I think Georgetown helped me identify a passion and then gave me the strength to back it.

When I was at Georgetown, I was doing sound for a South Asian culture show. It was in Gaston Hall and the sound went out during the final 60-person number. For some reason, I got pushed on stage and I ended up being out there for 45 minutes talking about my love life and doing a Michael Jackson impression. I wanted to leave, but when 700 women chant your name, you have to answer.

Whenever I question my path, I always remember the faith that Georgetown had in me.

What is your best advice to those who are starting out in your field?

Never give up. After a few years of writing, I told myself last summer that if nothing clicks during staffing season, then I’d pack my bags and head back to London. I was giving myself one shot to break in to the system in the US.

I was then lucky enough to get a chance to work with a brilliant comedic mind in Victor Fresco (“Andy Richter”) and to roll up my sleeves with writers from shows like “Friends,” “Malcolm,” “The Simpsons,” and “The Drew Carey Show.”

And to think I almost gave up. Never doubt yourself. Hold your work to high standards, but never stop backing your ability and desire to learn.

Can you share some about one of your current or upcoming projects that you are most excited about and why?

I am about to do a second “Gurus of Comedy” tour of the US. Our last run in December was great – 500 people, two shows a night, seven cities!

I am also developing a feature that I am excited about!

What trend(s) do you think may emerge to bring change to your business five or ten years from now?

I don’t think the sitcom is dead. People in America still want to laugh. But, they crave a show with a more unique hook than “fat man, hot wife.” I think the sitcom will continue to hurt for a few more seasons until storytellers are forced to find more diverse characters, worlds and styles to tell their stories. I think multi-cam will be the option rather than the norm.