You may not know him yet, but he is about to take the comedy scene by storm. I’m talking about groundbreaking Indian American comedian and actor out of Los Angeles, California, Sanjay Rao. The multi-talented star is ready to make a name for himself starring alongside Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, and Retta in the action-comedy film Hit Man. The film is loosely based on the true story of Gary Johnson, a man who posed as a contract killer for the Houston Police Department in the late 1980s and 1990s. The film was released in select theaters in the United States on May 24, 2024, before its streaming release on Netflix June 7, 2024. It received critical acclaim and was the most-watched streaming Netflix original movie of the week of its release. As Sanjay is booking acting gigs, he also hones his comedy skills at local LA comedy venues such as The Pack Theater and Second City. While Sanjay is undoubtedly thriving in his comedy career, it wasn’t always this way.

Born in Arizona, Sanjay took an early interest in the world of STEM. He even aspired to be an astronaut after meeting the legendary astronaut, John Glenn. Coming from a STEM oriented family, it seemed evident that he would fall into the field. He decided to continue his STEM journey through college, graduating with a major in Biochemistry from the University of Texas in 2009. With an education as a doctor and engineer, Sanjay found a way to hit the funny bone. Working as a medical assistant, he was encouraged to do stand-up comedy by his brother and friends. It wasn’t easy, but Sanjay managed to embrace his failures and pursue his passion for making people laugh. His resilience and dedication proved to be successful after booking commercial work and moving to LA, performing his first notable tv role in The Flight Attendant.

While studying Biochemistry at the University of Texas, you turned to the open mic. What sparked your interest in comedy?

 Sanjay Rao: I was always a fan of comedy. I used to stay up late every night to watch Conan O’Brien or SNL. I religiously watched The Simpsons every Sunday, but I actually started doing comedy after college.

I was trying to get into medical school, and it just wasn’t happening. I tried comedy out of desperation. Thankfully, my brother encouraged me which was fitting because he was my first ever audience. I would do impressions of cartoons for him, and he always LOVED it. He believed in me so I sheepishly went to an open mic. I bombed that night but I got bit by the comedy bug, might’ve been a tick.

Have you experienced any challenges pursuing a profession in both STEM and Comedy?

Rao: The main challenge was which path to follow. I couldn’t do both. I chose the path of comedy and acting. Part of what made that difficult was that my family were all in STEM fields. It felt like leaving the family business and, in fact, I kept my early years of comedy a secret from my parents in fear of their disapproval. Over time, I won them over. Netflix graciously sent me an early screener and I got to see ‘Hit Man’ for the first time with my family and friends in Houston, TX. Things felt like they had fully come around when afterwards my mom exclaimed “it was so good, nobody got up to go to the restroom!”.

What did you enjoy most about working on your upcoming movie, Hit Man?

Rao: I enjoyed being able to work with world class professionals. The people I got to share the set with are some of the very best in their field and I learned something from each and every one of them.

Perhaps moreso, is the joy of seeing everyone really respond to this movie. It feels so amazing to be a part of something that is so well-received. At the end of the day, we are entertainers and without an audience we are nothing. So I’m extremely grateful and proud that I got to be in a movie that people love.

Who is someone you would like to work with in the future?

Rao: There are so many people I would consider myself lucky to work with. Selfishly, it would be Tom Hardy. I practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and I think he’s really into it too. We’d act all day and then hit the mats and wrestle with a good room of training partners. That would be a dream date and it would be an honor to work with an actor the caliber of Tom Hardy.

Do you have a dream role you would like to play?

Rao: Too many to name. Shakespeare has always captivated me. I go back to him quite often. I would love to one day play some of the great Shakespearean characters like Hamlet, Macbeth or Iago.

In the world of film, it would be cool to be in a sci-fi story. I love space and everything about it. In fact, my father worked for NASA as an engineer for over 30 years. I grew up across the street from The Johnson Space Center in Houston, TX. I would love to bring to life a story about space, exploration and the final frontier of humanity.

What are you most excited for people to see in Hit Man?

Rao: I’m really excited for people to enjoy this cinematic experience. I’ve been able to see Hit Man several times with a packed audience and it never fails to crush. The characters that Glen Powell created are wonderful, the chemistry between Adria Arjona and he is sizzling, Austin Amelio is just perfect in his role as Jasper, Retta is the queen of comedic timing, and Rick Linklater puts on a masterclass of filmmaking and how to tell a story. I’m excited for people to experience all of this and more.

If you could describe Hit Man in three words, what would they be?

Rao: Fun. Sexy. Smart.

Simple but powerful words for an amazing movie. Check it out on Netflix or even better, go to the theater and see it on the big screen. I guarantee you’ll leave agreeing “All pie IS good pie!”.

Indeed, we will. Sanjay has proved that he is ready to further immerse himself in the world of comedy and acting, and audiences around the world are anxiously waiting.

Make sure to check out Hit Man, now on Netflix!