Every sitcom in the US has an Indian person: Aziz Ansari

Indian-American comedian Aziz Ansari says Hollywood is very receptive of Indian faces and almost every sitcom has an artist from the country.

New Delhi: Indian-American comedian Aziz Ansari, who juggles movies, TV shows as well as his stand-up acts, says Hollywood is very receptive of Indian faces and almost every sitcom has an artist from the country.

The 28-year-old stand-up comedian, who has appeared in movies like `Funny People`, `Get Him to the Greek` and currently stars in the series `Parks and Recreation`, says western audiences are quite open to Indian-origin performers. "The western audiences are open to Indian artistes. Almost every sitcom in the States has one Indian person on the show. It is really amazing. I see so many Indian actors here," Ansari told reporters over the phone from Los Angeles. Ansari, whose parents migrated to the US from Tamil Nadu, grew up in South Carolina. He began his career as a stand-up comedian sometime around 2004 and landed his first movie `School For Scoundrels` in 2006. The funnyman says his struggle to establish his career has been the same as everybody else and he did not have to face any extra hurdles because of his ethnicity. "My struggle was the same as anybody else regardless of their ethnicity. Comedy is such an art form where it is hard to deny someone who is really good at it. If you perform well, people will like you. "I worked my way up just like anyone else and did not face any kind of discrimination," said Ansari, who will next be seen in the film `30 Minutes or Less` alongside Jesse Eisenberg. Ansari plays a school teacher in the film, whose best friend, played by Eisenberg, is forced by some goons to rob a bank. The film, directed by `Zombieland` helmer Ruben Fleischer, is all set to release here on September 30 and Ansari hopes that his India connection will lure audiences to the theatres. "I hope the people in India go watch the film because I am an Indian and no other Hollywood film starring me has released in India before," said Ansari. He hasn`t been to the country for sometime now, but is hoping to come in December. Even though he was born and brought up outside, Ansari says he has a love for all things Indian. "I haven`t been to India in the past few years, but I think I would be coming in December. I really like the country and I wish I could spend more time there. I think I am pretty close to Indian culture; even though I was brought up in the US my parents are after all Indian." "I wear a lungi at home and drive my auto in LA," Ansari jokingly added. He shot to fame as Tom Haverford in the NBC show `Parks and Recreations` and also hosted the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. "I enjoy both performing live and acting in front of the camera and I hope to continue with both," said Ansari. He is also featuring in the next `Ice Age` film. "I am lending my voice to a pre-historic rabbit who is part of a pirate gang. Its really fun working on the animated film," Ansari said. PTI