Comedian Indi Nadarajah goes from urbane funnyman to traditional dad in HBO drama Sent.
FANS of multi-talented Indi Nadarajah — a comedian, television and theatre actor — can catch him playing the conservative and no-nonsense father of a “hot letter” writer Jay Bunani in HBO Asia’s first comedy drama series, Sent, tonight.
It premieres exclusively on HBO Asia (Astro channel 411/431) at 9pm, and also streams on HBO On Demand. The first episode will be available across Asia online on HBO Asia’s website from tomorrow to Sept 24. Two new episodes will premiere at the same time every subsequent Sunday.
Set in Singapore, Sent tells the story of Jay Bunani (Haresh Tilani), a financial compliance officer whose only way of coping with stress is to draft searing and eye-wateringly honest emails to anyone who aggravates him. This backfires one day as his draft folder’s “hot letters” are accidentally sent out, turning Jay into an Internet sensation — but not the good kind.
Also juggling the pressures of a failed engagement and keeping everything a secret from his parents, Jay has no choice but to turn to an old college friend, Max Wong (Alan Wong) for help, the only person who sees Jay’s predicament as an opportunity for Jay to dream a little bigger.
Jay’s journey of self-discovery is further set in motion when an unexpected job opportunity with the country’s leading restaurateur, Zacheus Lee (Adrian Pang), leads him down an unexpected road and turns his life around.
INTERNATIONAL CAST
Singapore comedian Alaric Tay (The Noose and Serangoon Road) directs and co-produces the series, a first for him. Produced by Very Tay, Sent features actors who are based in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, India and Hong Kong. Besides Haresh (Ministry Of Funny), Alan (Tanglin) and Adrian (The Blue Mansion), there is also Carla Dunareanu (The Kitchen Musical) as Zoey Wong, Max’s wife, and Rosalind Pho (Light Years) as Charley Siew, a journalist.
Sent also stars David Asavanond (Halfworlds Season 2) as a self-help guru, Dhanya Nambiar (Rojak) as Jay’s sister, Anuradha Chandan (Kapoor & Sons) as Jay’s mother, Laanya Asogan (On The Rocks) as Jay’s fiance, Emil Marwa (East Is East) as Jay’s cousin, Mike Leeder (The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor) as Zacheus’ right-hand man, Nikki Muller (High Class) as Charley’s boss, Stephanie Carrington (The Pupil) as Jay’s colleague and Crispian Chan (Apprentice) as Jay’s boss.
Below is an interview with Indi:
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER, PAPA BUNANI.
He is a man who, through sheer hard work and determination, has built a solid business in fabrics in a fledgling nation, Singapore, and is proud of himself for being a good provider for his family. Evidently from a different generation, he does not always see the ways of the younger people and can come across as old-fashioned and narrow-minded. Yet, under that veneer he is a man who is caring, loving and at times, over-indulgent with family and friends.
I identify with him, a migrant who came to Singapore from India, without anything and made something out of life. It’s a privilege to study and play characters like these.
WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH YOUR CO-STARS, ESPECIALLY HARESH?
All my co-stars were very pleasant and helpful, although due to scheduling we didn’t get much time to socialise outside of work — but made up for it during the downtime we had between shoots. Lots of story swapping, empathy and lots of laughs.
Haresh is good to work with. Professional and keen to perform.
HOW ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH ALARIC?
The man chose me to play Papa. He is a creative director who is open to suggestions from his actors — a great guy.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENTS IN SENT THUS FAR, INVOLVING YOUR CHARACTER.
In an episode, I tell my son off in the presence of his mother (who dotes on him) about his immaturity and irresponsibility. It’s very dramatic, angry yet heartfelt.
IS THE CAST FROM SENT THE MOST INTERNATIONAL CAST YOU’VE WORKED WITH TO DATE?
Indian Summers had a very international cast, comprising British, Indian and a handful of Malaysian actors while Sent has a mix of regional actors, which is interesting too. It is a privilege to be in any production, and an international one, even more.
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACED PORTRAYING YOUR CHARACTER?
Wardrobe! I had hoped to get dressed up in some modern trendy fashion — but it was not to be! The other challenge was to get to the airport on time!
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST APPEAL OF SENT APART FROM THE CAST AND ORIGINAL STORYLINE?
The location. Singapore is a fantastic example of a modern city in Southeast Asia. Lots of the new and old at the same time — plenty of charm. A great showcase for our region.
ARE YOU STILL DOING COMEDY? ANY SHOWS COMING UP?
Waking up in the morning is a good laugh! I’m in a comedy event called Laugh Die You — The Road to Putrajaya on Oct 5 in Kuala Lumpur, which also features Singapore comedian, Gurmit Singh.