AILSA CHANG, HOST: Welcome to the world where Poorna Jagannathan not only breaks South Asian stereotypes but throws them a surprise birthday party. She’s the actress who gave us a mom in the comedy series “Never Have I Ever” who cares—despite also being the ultimate gatekeeper of teenage love.
(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, “NEVER HAVE I EVER”)
POORNA JAGANNATHAN: (As Nalini Vishwakumar) Even though I won’t let you date, I do care if you’re heartbroken.
MAITREYI RAMAKRISHNAN: (As Devi Vishwakumar) Yeah. It’s about a boy. And I really, really liked him.
JAGANNATHAN: (As Nalini Vishwakumar) Come here.
CHANG: Ah, maternal love with a side of “You’ll rue the day you crossed me!” Stunning. She also traded in her “mom” hat for a doctor’s coat in “Wolfs,” where she did favors for the likes of Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Because, you know, what’s more relatable than drug deals and heart surgery?
(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, “WOLFS”)
JAGANNATHAN: (As June) Do you know what he took?
GEORGE CLOONEY: (As Margaret’s Man) No.
BRAD PITT: (As Pam’s Man) Not sure.
JAGANNATHAN: (As June) Well, it must have been some bad combination or something extremely pure.
CHANG: Now let’s get to her latest role as Lucky in Hulu’s “Deli Boys.” Yes, it’s a crime drama featuring two privileged Pakistani American brothers who discover their family business is actually a drug front. Because, of course, when life hands you convenience stores, toss in some illegal activities for good measure. Jagannathan’s role as a crime boss is a pristine blend of that warm auntie vibe—think cookies and murder.
(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, “DELI BOYS”)
JAGANNATHAN: (As Lucky) Oh, I know what you’re thinking. Huh? Has Lucky actually gone crazy? I just didn’t expect both of you to show up here. Come on. But I guess this is the kismet Allah chose for us. Go eee (ph).
ASIF ALI: (As Mir Dar) Eee.
JAGANNATHAN: (As Lucky) Very nice. Good boy.
CHANG: When we chatted, I had to inquire: What inspired you to become a mix of half Pakistani auntie, half mobster? I mean, is this the career progression parents warn against?
JAGANNATHAN: I have a teenage son. Do you have kids, Ailsa?
CHANG: Nope, but I can only imagine the chaos.
JAGANNATHAN: When you have teenage kids, you practically need to bring out your inner gangster just to keep up. You’ve gotta be cooler than them, or at least try to be!
CHANG: Sounds like a challenge. Flip the maternal switch to “murderous” and voilà!
JAGANNATHAN: Exactly! Lucky’s character walks that fine line of being extremely affectionate while also being more dangerous than your average family pet.
CHANG: You’ve hit your fab 50s now. What’s it like to be cast as a gangster at this stage of your career? It sounds like the pinnacle of midlife crisis dreams.
JAGANNATHAN: Honestly, I’ve been offered “power roles” for a decade, and let me tell you, they were exhausting. You know, the kind where a woman fires someone or acts like she’s in control of her life? It was hard work, my friend. The day I turned 50, it all just clicked. Now, when I walk into a room, I own it. No more peeking in awkwardly!
CHANG: Well, that’s one way to fully embrace aging!
JAGANNATHAN: Yup! And let’s talk about “Deli Boys,” which brilliantly dismantles clichés about South Asian immigrants. The whole “convenience store” stereotype? We’re flipping it on its head with a twist of crime. America has feasted on the idea of Indian characters owning convenience stores for ages—looking at you, Apu.
CHANG: The punchline of a pretty warped joke!
JAGANNATHAN: Exactly. “Deli Boys” showcases how ridiculous that stereotype is by turning it into a narrative. Now we have a true plotline rather than just a punchline. It’s like saying, “Oh, you think we’re just store owners? Watch us run a drug empire.”
CHANG: Impressive character development. But let’s not ignore that this is a humorous show that could have easily avoided the specifics of Pakistani identity, yet it doesn’t!
JAGANNATHAN: Yes! Pakistani identity is certainly infused throughout—from our meals to how we express anger (which, spoiler alert, often includes cursing in Urdu). Yet it’s universal enough that anyone can relate to the madness. The laughter? That transcends culture!
CHANG: A universal narrative cloaked in cultural specifics! And Lucky is the one who demonstrates clarity and decisiveness, unlike her hapless male counterparts.
JAGANNATHAN: Hello! It’s a delightful switcheroo. Lucky, inspired by real powerful women around me, is the quintessential clean-up crew; she has to bear the weight of everyone’s stupidity.
CHANG: So now that “Deli Boys” is out, what’s next after your “gangster auntie” era? A superhero role perhaps?
JAGANNATHAN: Honestly, I foresee being in my gangster phase for a while. It feels appropriate right now and liberating!
CHANG: If 50s yield such thrilling roles, sign me up!
JAGANNATHAN: Trust me, it comes to you. I used to dread saying “no,” but now it’s my favorite word. Welcome to my gangster era!
CHANG: Poorna Jagannathan stars in “Deli Boys.” Thank you for such an entertaining conversation. This was an absolute joy!
JAGANNATHAN: I’m grateful for this opportunity, Ailsa. You made it so much fun!
(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)
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