CURRY BEAR

Everyone knows Scrubs is one of Curry Bear’s favorite show of all-time. If you didn’t, well you don’t know me at all and I hope you fall in a well and die. Scrubs was the reason I got through college. After every horrible Calculus exam, Scrubs was there to cheer me up on a Thursday night. Last year, we interviewed one of the awesome writers of the show, Aseem Batra. Well, we traded her in for a newer model. Just kidding, Aseem (not really cough* where is our curry bear reference *cough on Scrubs). Ever since the show came back on ABC, they have started airing mini webisodes on abc.com. Now what is so special about these webisodes? The episodes center on a new cute Indian intern. Sonal Shah is playing new intern Dr. Sunny Dey on “SCRUBS” this season (7 episodes) and is the star of the web series “SCRUBS: INTERNS” on ABC.com (12 episodes). I have seen the mini web series and they are hilarious. Sonal performs regularly at The Second City Studio Theatre and with various improv/sketch groups around Los Angeles. Scrubs is Sonal’s television debut (and also the debut in my heart). She is also known to be stalking a certain desi bear with whom she had a booty call a long time ago. True story.

Sonal grew up in Wheaton, Illinois and has always been a performer. Sonal started her career as a competitive dancer and has choreographed many award-winning dances. She was honored with the Burshtan/Kiwanis Leadership Award and attended Loyola University as a Presidential Scholar. While at Loyola, Sonal was inducted into the national Psychology and Biology Honor Societies and later received the Weinig Travel Fellowship. She graduated with a major in theatre, minors in psychology and chemistry, and a concentration in pre-medicine. She earned the Philanthropic Leadership Award and at graduation, she was selected to give the keynote address. Wow talk about an over-achiever. I graduated with a major in slacking, minor in girls, and got an A in advance crip-walking. I also earned the Sexiest Bear award! Take that, Sonal! Check out our interview with Sonal Shah and be sure to catch her on “Scrubs” every Wednesday on ABC. That means today or tomorrow (depending on when you read this article)!!!

1. Were you a fan of the show (Scrubs) before you auditioned?
I’m more of a stalker of the show. See I have kind of an addictive personality…so if I see something and really want it, I will do everything that is humanly possible to get it. I was premed in college, and no- not bc I’m brown (bc there is some stereotype floating around out there that states that a lot of brown people go into medicine)…I have a huge amount of respect for anyone that goes into medicine. I have a huge amount of respect for anyone that goes into anything, but that is whole other interview. Anywho, I was obsessed with Scrubs from the moment it started and so after I did the whole Felicity premed to Theatre switch, I set my heart and soul into one day playing a funny doctor on tv. Not that I think I’m funny but for some reason people laugh at me (or with me?)…or maybe they just think I’m weird. In any case, I’ve seen every episode like 5000 times (yeah, I don’t have much of a life outside of my obsession with Scrubs) and I just love it. I love it so much. I think the show is so smart/funny/sad/entertaining/and full of so much heart! That doesn’t really explain the whole addictive personality thing but I wanted to just show-off on how hard of a hard worker I am. I like saying hard. Now don’t let your mind go there…gross… not that you were going there…but maybe you were. What was the question again?

2. I don’t know. I kind of got lost in your Sarah Palin-like hurricane of words. I think I might have just asked you about the Bush Doctrine. Anyway, next question: Do you think there will be a Scrubs intern spin-off?
Dude, that would be so groovy. On a personal note…because I like to be personal (primarily because my name is in the word “personal”)…aside from a pilot I shot 2 years ago, Scrubs is my first real tv experience so obviously I was freaking super nervous at the beginning…It was such a surreal experience I didn’t know what the heck I was doing. I feel like by the time I got comfy on set, it was all over. It would be so fabulous to have the opportunity to go back to set and utilize everything I learned. Regardless of my own neurosis, the entire cast and crew was soooo amazing, welcoming, and kind. Also, Bill Lawrence is a true genius and I am just so thankful to him….awww, I’m having a Bill moment. That happens a lot. Actually, I do have one more thing about Bill. When my best friend (also known as my mom…also known as superwoman) came to set, he took so much time to talk with her and told her to make herself at home…that warmed my heart and made me cry a little. I just realized I go on a lot of tangents. I hope that’s okay. I just like to listen to myself talk. (that is actually a total lie- because I really, really hate to talk about myself- but I’m doing it now because you’re cute.)

3. Hey I’m the one that does all the flirting in the interviews! Stop that! It throws me off my game. But I am cute, true story. Now, I saw you in a dance off in one of the webisodes. Was that really you? If so, where did you learn to dance like that? Please let the answer be strip club!
No it was my dance double. She’s pretty cool. I’ll give you her number if you wanna hang. But, she only speaks in dance. Its like sign language, only with the body. That sounded dirty. In any case, I’m totally joking (in case you didn’t get the sarcasm…I’ve learned (the hard way) that sarcasm doesn’t always translate when you don’t actually hear the person… that sucks.) In any case, I’m a freaking good dancer…not to be confused with a freaky dancer. Yeah I said it. Seriously, I’m very cocky about my dancing, I know I’d win a freestyle dance-off with most anyone (unless they have been on dancing with the stars)… I’ve been dancing since I was about 5…I have mainly performed solo improvised modern Indian dances at competitions, talent shows, weddings, etc. I used to and (still sometimes) break/hip-hop dance. I’ve learned all my dance moves from my older brother Raj (who is also my best friend along with my parents). He is an amazing dancer and we still like to get in circles and have brother-sister dance battles because that’s how we roll.

4. Nice! Curry Bear is kind of a big deal when it comes to reviewing dances. Just ask popular East coast dance teams like SJU Raaz and VCU Jhoom. Now, were you ever on a dance team?
Yeah man I was a proud member of the Tiger Pom Pon squad in high school. Of course, I didn’t get in right away (as I feel is similar to most things in my life- I will usually not get something until I stalk it to death)… I tried out every year and finally made it my senior year. I had dreams of carrying my poms in my backpack and let them show through my zipper ever-so-slightly so I could be like “yeah, I’m on poms- its no big deal,” I so wished to be able to wear my cute uniform to school on spirit Fridays and run out into the field and dance at the football games and scream “Go Team!” Yes, this was my dream. I had a dream. Oh I just remembered I was on another kind of dance team. An Indian one!!! Jai Ho! There is a competition called FOGANA (an intense garba/raas/folk dance competition) and I was pretty involved in that. I danced in some and choreographed others. We had so much fun…those were the days (insert long overdrawn sigh here.)

5. Ha, awesome. I bet half my readers feel more connected to you now than ever. Speaking of connecting with people, I love your character on the show. Would you say you are very similar to your character or the opposite?
Hmm. That is a toughy. I mean we both look the same. I’m not actually a doctor (shocking I know). I’d say we are exactly the same and totally different all at once. Complex, I know. Yes, Im not gonna lie, I’m very positive (in that annoying way) and I do aim to brighten days and make people smile. I love people and I try to always make new friends and strengthen my relationships with old ones (wow- it just got serious in here)…I try to help others in any way that I can and make people feel at ease. Like Sunny, I am kind of a innocent (not)/nervous/hardworking…and I always tend to try to do what is right. Like for example, I don’t speed because it is illegal (nerd!) And I don’t do drugs because they are bad. Sunny is like me times ten. My voice is not that high (I swear- and I don’t usually swear because it is bad to) and I don’t think I’m as annoying, chipper, and naïve as her. As (I hope) you can gather, I am very sarcastic, rough and tough, easy-going (unless it comes to my career- then I’ll break your nose if you get in my way), and I don’t “go out for drinks” every night like Sunny does. All of a sudden I’m thirsty. And I just realized I used the word “gather” in a sentence. Thats cool.
6. Haha, I hope when people read this they imagine you saying this all in one breath. Now pop quiz hotshot, if you couldn’t act, what would you be doing besides trying to marry me for all my blog money?
I was just thinking that the other day… I said “gosh darn it, I wish I wasn’t so damn talented…” (I really hope you feel the sarcasm in that statement…I just picture it now “Sonal Shah is so full of herself” Ha…I wish. Sadly, the opposite is so much more true…you know, the whole depressed comedian thing). I think pursuing a career in acting requires a certain kind of, oh I don’t know- insanity! Unless you hit it big right away, it is freaking brutal. It just is. Pursuing acting requires a lot of sacrifice, and for me, the absolute WORST part is being away from my lovely family. My family is absolutely incredible, supportive, funny, loving, understanding, and I talk to them at least 5 times a day. I couldn’t do anything without them. I love them more than anything and I wish that Hollywood was in Chicago so that I could be near them. I HATE being so far away from them more than anything and constantly feel like I am missing out on so many important things in life just so I could be here to follow my dream. BUT something inexplicable drives me to stay and continue this roller coaster of a journey. I don’t know what it is. Needless to say, If I couldn’t act, I would definitely be trying to marry you…but not for your blog money… more for your good looks. That’s right. No, but SERIOUSLY (geez), if I couldn’t act, I would work for a not-for-profit company that aspired to relieve homelessness. It is such a horrid problem that exists everywhere… I do as much as I can right now…but if I wasn’t acting, that is what I would commit myself to full-time. I would also like to teach acting/improv/dance to children (who may not necessarily be able to afford going to a big studio).

7. Aww, well that’s really cool of you. I would kind of do something similar except instead of teaching kids who can’t afford to lean how to act and sing, I would teach hot girls how to kiss. Now, are you a fan of Bollywood? If yes, name your favorite Bollywood movie.
I’m a huge fan of Bollywood. Like butter is to popcorn. I love Bollywood movies…from the artsy fartsy ones to the blockbusters. I love taking my parents to see them in the theaters! I grew up watching them and have loved so many, it is hard to pick just one. Hmmm…maybe Taare Zameen Par and Black and Devdas…and Chandni…gosh I could name so many that I love!

8. Nice, are there any new projects other than Scrubs you may be working on that we can let our readers know about?
Dude I’m always doing something in terms of readings, sketch shows, blah blah acting… but at the moment I’m focused on auditioning. I’m secreting something huge is going to happen soon. I mos def feel on the verge of something spectacular.

9. Damn why so secretive? Who do you think you are? Me? Curry Bear heard this rumor that you did a lot of stage work in Chicago. Is that true? If that is true, when did you start?
Yeah man, I did a lot of stage work in Chicago- tons actually. The Chicago Theatre scene is way dope. Did I just say “dope” out loud? After I graduated college I moved home and immersed myself into doing any show (big and small, paid and not) I could and auditioning for anything and everything (even if I wasn’t right for the part)…just so I could get as much experience as possible…and because I’m pretty much addicted to and love acting and theatre itself. I worked with Running With Scissors, Collaboraction, Serendipity, Stir Friday Night, Rasaka, and The Goodman. I studied at a lot of the acting studios in Chicago (including Act One, Second City, and Improv Olympic) and did a program with The Moscow Art Theatre School at Harvard (which was entirely taught in Russian)…and I do realize that Harvard is not in Chicago. I just threw that in there bc it makes me feel cool to say I went to Harvard. I mean, I’m not lying… I really did go there, but…well…you know what I mean. Word.

10. Did you just go “gangsta” on us by ending your answer with “word” while mentioning Harvard in the same sentence? Haha, I think I am falling in love with you. I heard another rumor that you did a one-person Afghani show. What’s that all about? Are you a closet Taliban?
No I’m not a closet Taliban. Yes I did do a one-person show in LA called “To The Death Of My Own Family” for The Lonestar Ensemble. It was a very intense experience…to go inside the true story of the soul of this woman who basically recounts the death of all of her family members in an effort to get out of a holding room by the US Government (who suspects her to be a terrorist). It was brutal/exhilarating to go that “place” emotionally every Friday and Saturday night for weeks. It was an honor to be true to the playwright in portraying this strong woman’s story and it was a powerful piece that I hoped touched the lives of those who saw it. I truly believe that art is one of the many ways to spread knowledge in hopes that the knowledge will slowly abolish hatred and inspire peace in this world.

11. Can you tell us anything about your personal life? Siblings? You got a Boyfriend? You got a boyfriend? Can I have your number? Can I have it? Can I have it?
Sure, why the heck not. Siblings- yes, I have a super rad older bro Rajan who is married to a lovely gem Sejal. Boyfriends- 6 (one for each night of the week). Can you have my number- of course! I need a 7th to complete the semana. I’m as single as a free bird in the wind of a bright yellow field. So hit me up if you wanna hang out (and I don’t already have plans with Curry). What else about my personal life? I believe in peace, hope, and love. I am kind of weird. I am low maintenance, but eccentric at the same time. A wanderer… I LOVE to travel and wander, but I can also really focus on one thing for a very long time. I am a great listener and I also love to talk (as you can tell). My mind is pretty messed up. I tutor high school students in Calculus. I am kind of a huge nerd. I am very intuitive. I am crazy. I am optimistic. I love coffee and I have an obscene amount of energy, therefore, I am an insomniac. Nothing really bothers me. I never really get angry- annoyed maybe- but not angry. I take life lightly and my career passionately…I cry a lot… I type ellipsis (and parentheses) a lot because that is how I think… I take life one moment at a time. I live moment to moment but then… I’m always late and I don’t plan anything. I am a workaholic. I am kind of a loner but a social freakshow at the same time. I love meeting people and I love people but i also love doing things by myself. I’m independent and dependent…I will move back to Italy one day when I’m older (I studied in Rome for a semester in college (and deepened my passion for acting via epic train rides throughout Europe)). I’m trustworthy and honest…very accepting. I can get along with most anyone (unless they don’t want to get along with me- then I call them really mean things). I’m a very good friend and I am always there for a friend in need. I’m basically a big kid. I love to have a great time and usually do have a great time doing anything. I prefer dive bars and stoner comedies over fancy places and…non-stoner comedies. I am not a stoner. I like to build things and get dirty. I love to ride my bike and wear my bright purple helmet. I look for signs and symbols in the world and in movies. I seize moments of inspiration. I am constantly trying to figure out the meaning of life and all that. I try never to complain about anything or take anything for granted because I am so appreciative of being able to simply be alive. I try to live life to the fullest! My mission on this earth is to inspire and heal people. I’m kind of a tomboy and a girly girl all at once. I love the outdoors and adore hiking. I am an open and adventurous free spirit (or at least try to be). I also like to go running and eat a lot of junk food (but not in that order). I am very random. As I mentioned before, I hate to talk about myself, but look…I’ll do anything for you Curry.

12. Wow, did you just recite your shaadi.com bio-data? Ok let’s try a question with a short answer. When you see the Todd, do you give him a hi-five?
Absolutely…With my hands and my feet. He is really fun, funny, and cool!

13. Awesome! So, who is the funniest cast member on the set?
Oh gee… they are all funny! I know I’m one of the most indecisive humans on this planet, but…everyone is always making everyone laugh. I hope you don’t beat me up because I can’t choose just one, but its true…they are all hilarious, awesome, down-to-earth, cool, and kind humans.

14. Fine, but here is a question you have to choose from. If you had to choose from Chocolate Bear (Turk), Vanilla Bear (JD), and Curry Bear (me), who would you marry?
You chose to leave the easiest question last. Obviously, I’d marry you Curry Bear. I’m a good Indian girl…and I cook really delicious…wait for it… CURRY!

Ok if you made it this far into the interview and don’t have an epileptic seizure from the words Sonal just flashed at you, check out one of my favorite episode of “Scrubs: Interns”, and see little Sonal’s dance moves.