Pop Culturalist Chats with Vas Saranga
Vas Saranga is a man of many talents. He has written and directed dozen of digital shorts. He has acted in a variety of genres in both film and television. Vas began his journey to screen work in high school, and he hasn’t stopped since. He landed a breakout lead role in TVO’s A World of Wonders. From there, you can see him in Mudpit, Unnatural History, The Strain, and many others. He’s joined two wildly popular TV shows—Orphan Black and The Girlfriend Experience—which we were able to chat with him about.
PC: What was it like joining Orphan Black, a very critically acclaimed show, in its final season?
Vas: It was exciting because I’ve been a fan of the show since it started. It was also daunting because it was the final season, and I didn’t want the show to end. Everyone was very welcoming of the new cast members, and we fit right in as soon as we started shooting.
PC: How did you prepare for your role as Amar?
Vas: I researched how to work with tracking dogs and actually did physical training—lots of running as well as extra resistance training for the muscles required to pull heavy dogs. I also watched all the previous episodes again to remind myself of the tone and plot details.
PC: Can you give us a little sneak peek at what your role on The Girlfriend Experience is going to be?
Vas: I can’t say much except that mmy character, Tim, works with the leade character, Erica Myles, at a Washington, D.C. Super PAC (Politician Action Committee).
PC: What has been your biggest challenge in your career so far?
Vas: Definitely maturing into older roles after having played younger characters for so many years.
PC: What is the best piece of advice you’ve received that you would pass on?
Vas: Never stop learning.
Pop Culturalist Speed Round
Guilty pleasure TV show or movie
The O.C.
Favorite play or musical
Glengarry Glen Ross
Favorite Book
The Power of Now
Go-to karaoke song
“Believe it or not” by Joey Scarbury
Hidden Talent
Piano
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