Rajiv Surendra starred as Kevin Gnapoor, or Kevin G., the memorable Mathlete captain in the 2004 film “Mean Girls,” but disappeared from Hollywood shortly thereafter.
It was never Surendra’s intention to give up acting. In a recent interview with GQ’s Michelle Yang, he opened up about how he worked hard to pursue a leading role in the 2012 movie adaptation of “The Life of Pi” before eventually being rejected.
The rejection would ultimately alter the course of his life.
Surendra, now aged 33, was in his first year of college while filming “Mean Girls,” and during this time he heard about how Hollywood was interested in adapting the bestselling novel into a film. “Determined to get that part,” Surendra subsequently took some time off from school to spend a few months in Pondicherry, India — where the titular book takes place — in order to prepare himself for the role of Pi Patel.
As it turns out, production on “The Life of Pi” did not go smoothly, and the project underwent a series of delays and changed its director four times. With each leadership change, Surendra worked hard to meticulously research each director and their filmography.
After six years, Surendra was ultimately turned down for the part.
“It was traumatic,” Surendra said. “I think I was in shock for a couple weeks. I felt dead inside for a long time.”
Following the rejection, Surendra briefly considered a banking job, but after realizing that he could not envision himself in a corporate environment, he worked for a year in Munich, Germany, as an au pair — a live-in nanny.
Now 34 years old, Surendra reflected on how his time in Europe became a pivotal moment for him as he reconciled his career aspirations with the reality of his situation taking care of two young children.
When he returned to his hometown in Toronto, Surendra started a small calligraphy business that took off before moving to New York City, where he now currently resides.
Since his home tour…
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