Interview with Vik Sahay

On "Chuck" Vik Sahay plays the crazy Lester, one of the members of the Nerd Herd. This role has made Vik instantly popular among the viewers of the show. myFanbase had the chance to interview Vik and ask him some questions about his private life as well as his experiences and stories that he can tell about his work at the set of "Chuck".

Foto:

Picture: Stewart Marcano Photography

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1. What is your favorite moment of your childhood?

Probably getting my dog, Chico. I had just broken my collarbone (showing off while skiing – another story for another time), so my parents let me get a dog. The day he came home with me changed everything.

2. You were born and raised in Canada, but your parents are native Indians. What was it like to visit India during the shoot of "Amal"? How connected do you feel to India?

It was very powerful. I was in an incredibly creative state of mind, working on the film, working opposite the best actors in India, and prowling around the streets with cast and crew, exploring. The Hindi language came back to me, and a very deep connection was... remembered. I felt very at home there, which surprised me, as I hadn't been very in touch with that aspect of my background for years and years.

3. When and why did you decide to become an actor?

Acting came and got me. I was cast in a televison show as a child, and I just never stopped. I studies theater at a special Arts High School and from there the momentum continued into University and out into the professional world.

4. What is the difference between working as an actor in Canada and working in Hollywood?

The scale of production and promotion. The finances. The intensity of the competition to get the work. The volume of the work.

5. If you could choose to put together an entire crew for a movie: Who would be the director? Who would be the writer? And who would be in the leading role(s)?

Many. Tough tough question. Many. But, let’s see how I feel right now, in the moment… um… Writer/Director: P.T. Anderson. Leading role: me, with Sean Penn in a supporting role… He's alright.

6. Did you audition for the part of Lester? What tempted you most in getting a part on this show?

I auditioned for 'Morgan', actually. And was crushed when I didn't get it. But was offered 'Lester' soon after. Most tempting… was being offered something.

7. On “Chuck” your character is part of the Nerd Herd at the Buy More? Would you call yourself a nerd, too?

Not in the traditional/tech sense. Maybe I'm an acting nerd. You know, I have my library of 'Inside the actor's studios' which I watch over and over.

8. How much do you yourself have added to the character of Lester? Or are just playing him strictly by script?

It's a back and forth. I start with the script, and ad-lib fully where and when I can. Though my material and texturising may not get into the episode all the time, it gets into the ait, and the writers will incorporate the spirit of it later, in a different way.

9. Who came up with the idea of Jeffster? Will we see more of Jeffster in the third season?

The writers came up with the first Jeffster appearance, and it seemed to have had an impact. (You will see more…)

10. What was it like performing at Comic Con?

Like a hallucination. I still have flashbacks.

11. How can we imagine a typical day on the set of “Chuck”?

By lying back, and closing your eyes.

12. Are there funny experiences you made on set that you can tell us about?

I've had some interesting photos to send my mom. An elf costume. A female Pilgram.

13. Is there anything you can tell us about what's coming up next?

Heroism and hilarity.

14. Do you have any other new projects you can tell us about?

I'm collaborating with a writer on a great misfit love story right now.

15. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favourite one?

At this second... "Dexter".

Annika Leichner - myFanbase