Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso

The Makings of Actor Poorna Jagannathan

This week, we return to our studio with actor Poorna Jagannathan! She reflects on the making of Never Have I Ever (5:16), a realization at thirty that changed the trajectory of her career (6:54), and how she initially processed the absence of complex roles for South Asian actors (11:37). Then, we walk through Poorna’s work in Bollywood (20:45) and the devastating event that propelled her and theatre director Yaël Farber to join forces on Nirbhaya, a testimonial piece highlighting true stories of sexual and gender-based violence survivors (22:07). She recounts her experience performing the play and its immediate political impact in India (31:21). As we close, Poorna revisits the conversation around her role as Big Little Lies lawyer Katie Richmond (38:07), the visibility and connection that Never Have I Ever provides for young audiences (41:59), and her hope for the road ahead (46:53).  Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso is a weekly series of intimate conversations with artists, activists, and politicians. Where people sound like people. Hosted by Sam Fragoso. New episodes every Sunday.