Vas Saranga recently spoke with TC to discuss his acting career and what he thinks about actors of South Asian descent breaking into Hollywood.
1. Tell us about how you first got into acting and how you landed a pivotal role on the award nominated A World of Wonders?
I started taking acting classes in university and after getting several roles in independent short films and building up my demo reel, I got an agent. One of my earlier auditions was for A World of Wonders, an educational children's TV series. I didn’t think I had a chance at first because it was such a big role but I knew I had to go into the audition giving it my best shot. The character I auditioned for and ended up playing was ‘Webmaster’. The character is supposed to be goofy yet confident, and I actually remember messing up a line in the audition and trying to play it off - I even kicked my feet up onto the table and leaned back like I owned the place! I remember the show’s creator Donna Leon laughing at what I had done and correcting the line. I think confidently flubbing that line in my audition ultimately got me the part.
2. You played a character also named ‘Vas’ on the Disney XD action adventure series Aaron Stone. Did you get to perform any stunts on the show?
There were tons of action scenes on the show but my character was such a coward that I would usually be screaming or hiding when fights were happening. So yes I did my own stunts, but the stunts were mostly running from one side of the room to the other while extremely talented stunt performers fought all around me.
3. You have played major roles in the critically acclaimed series Orphan Black and Salvation. What’s it like working in the sci-fi genre?
Sci-fi is extremely secretive. Fans of the genre love to speculate about future episodes and character arcs, but the storylines are kept under wraps so there are no spoilers. The world of sci-fi shows is incredibly detailed and specific which is fascinating to study when you’re an actor. Working on both shows was rewarding because they are so well written and well executed. Working on Orphan Black was particularly special because it was the show’s final season and it was great to be a part of its legacy.
Photo courtesy of BBC America
4. In American Pie Presents: Beta House, you starred alongside legendary Canadian actor Eugene Levy. What was it like working with him?
It was amazing to share the screen with Eugene Levy. Every word out of his mouth is funny, and because he’s so charismatic, when I was in scenes with him all I did was intently listen and watch. After the scenes were over I barely remember what I was doing because I was so focused on his performance.
5. You have been recognized by the Hollywood Reporter as one of Canada’s top actors in Hollywood. How important is it for actors in Canada to make a mark in a bigger market like Hollywood?
I think the amount of Canadian talent that has migrated south for work over the last few decades is an indicator of how important the Hollywood market is. It offers actors opportunities they could never get in Canada.
6. We hear you will be appearing in the upcoming season of the Emmy Award winning series The Handmaid's Tale. The show is known for its secrecy. Can you reveal anything about your role?
Sorry! I can’t reveal a single thing other than I will be appearing in this season. It’s a brilliant show and I’m a fan of it so I’ll be watching as intently as everyone else.
7. You will be starring alongside Hollywood heavyweights Hayden Christensen and Emma Roberts in the upcoming film Little Italy. What can you tell us about this project?
It’s a really funny and heartfelt movie that puts a unique cultural spin on Romeo and Juliet. It has an all-star cast, and is a throwback to the type of classic rom-coms that you don’t see much anymore. It’ll be out later this year and I’m excited for everyone to see it!
Photo courtesy of CBS
8. There seems to be a growing number of actors of South Asian descent finding success in Hollywood. Do you think actors of South Asian descent are still facing barriers in coming into the mainstream. If so, have you experienced any?
Doors are definitely opening up and I see a big difference in the type of opportunities that I get now compared to when I first got into the business. However, most South Asian actors are continuing to play supporting roles and there is not as much playing leading roles. I’m hopeful this will change in the near future, but I think a change first needs to happen within South Asian culture. Parents should support and encourage their children to pursue a career in the arts in as much as they have traditionally supported careers in science and business.
*You can also read about Vas's talented brother Varun Saranga here.
