Aasif Mandvi: Actor and 'Daily Show' Star

SAJA, the South Asian Journalists Association, and SAMMA, South Asians in Media, Marketing and Entertainment Association, present the latest in their series of high-profile webcasts - via BlogTalkRadio.com - with some of the leading South Asian names in global media, arts, entertainment, politics and much more... Meet Aasif Mandvi, one of the most recognizable South Asian names working in American entertainment today. He's a star on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and a film and stage actor. He'll discuss his new movie, "Today's Special." From the production notes: This super-feel-good foodie comedy, young Manhattan chef Samir rediscovers his heritage and his passion for life through the enchanting art of cooking Indian food. Samir (Aasif Mandvi) is a sous chef who dreams of becoming the head chef at an upscale Manhattan restaurant. When he is passed over for a promotion, he impulsively quits and intends to go to Paris and apprentice under a master French chef. His dreams must be put aside after his father has a heart attack and Samir is forced to take over Tandoori Palace, the nearly bankrupt family restaurant in Jackson Heights. Starring and written by Aasif Mandvi. The film also stars Madhur Jaffrey, Harish Patel, Naseeruddin Shah, Jess Weixler, Kevin Corrigan, and Dean Winters.

More on the film at http://www.todaysspecial.com * Questions to saja@columbia.edu