Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Outpost’s Anand Desai-Barochia

Actor Anand Desai-Barochia is brewing up a magical performance as Janzo in The CW’s The Outpost. Now in its second season, The Outpost follows one woman’s quest for vengeance after her entire race and family is wiped out. Along the way, she meets alchemist Janzo who proves to be more than meets the eye. Pop Culturalist caught up with Anand to chat about the action-packed new season.

PC: We read that you were initially supposed to audition for Garret, but the character of Janzo spoke to you more. Walk us through the decision to audition for Janzo instead. How did you prepare to get into his mindset?
Anand: The Outpost is a genre that I have never worked in before, partly due to the fact that I had barely worked before. When you are a struggling actor desperate for any audition that comes your way, you jump at any opportunity. The Outpost audition was no different in that sense. I’d be lying to you if I told you it was presented to me on a silver plate and “I chose” to work on the project.

The major difference to other auditions was that I was asked to audition for a role that was different than the one I had been called in for. When you get used to auditioning, you start to know your strengths. It’s safe to say I also take risks and make bold choices with my work. Nine times out of ten, it’s not what they want, but the one-time creatives are open to seeing something new, so it can land pretty well. I knew I could make some bold choices with Janzo given his writing in the pilot. Something about him made me want to try out something new and weird and wonderful. That’s why I do this, and that’s why I asked to switch.

PC: Did you feel like you were taking a gamble at the time?
Anand: Not at all! The part of Garret was never mine. It’s never a gamble going from one part that you don’t have to another. It was a happy discovery to find a character I love buried in an audition that I knew wasn’t for me.

PC: Janzo and Garret have an interesting relationship. Is it strange to look back and realize you almost played him?
Anand: Jake Stormoen plays Garret as I could never have done. He obtains and excels in skill sets that are so key to Garret’s character and being. I don’t think it was ever on the cards for me to play him; Garret is a strong warrior who rides horses and has an incredible physique. My producers don’t let me go near a horse and I like doughnuts.

PC: What can you tease about Janzo’s story arc in season two?
Anand: Janzo finds love! Not everyone you meet is as they seem. I’m going to leave it there. [laughs]

PC: How has he grown/changed since season one?
Anand: Where to even begin? In the first season, we saw Janzo was an incredibly insecure, introverted character—he still is to some extent. However, now Janzo has the confidence in feeling supported. He will often overstep the mark with folks who he doesn’t know because he feels comfortable in speaking with more gusto than he sometimes should and more balls than he actually possesses. This is purely down to the support of his comrades. Talon and co. give him a level of belonging and protection that allows him to truly be himself whilst somehow remaining alive…for now.

PC: There are a lot of layers to your character. Which is your favorite to explore? Which is the most challenging to bring to life?
Anand: Without a doubt, my favorite trait of his to play is his blunt humor and wit. Sarcasm just comes so naturally to him…not sure why. [laughs]

PC: You come from a theatre background. What has the transition been like going to film and television?
Anand: Theatre will always be my first love. There is nothing like the stage and a live audience. Luckily, the job I currently have allows me to continue my theatrics on camera. I’ve found a happy medium and I couldn’t be happier.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Anand: Can I choose a network? HGTV

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Anand: Sister Act 2! I don’t feel guilty about it; it’s proud pleasure.

PC: Favorite book?
Anand: Powerhouse by James Miller. It almost made me quit acting and become an agent.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Anand: The Color Purple revival with Cynthia Erivo

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Anand: Yebba, Jasmine Sullivan, Lauryn Hill, anyone that Terrell invites to his blue wall. If you know, you know.

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Anand: A French TV show, Call My Agent

PC: Hidden talent?
Anand: I used to dance to the sound of the microwave as a child. Including the finale “Ping” at the end.

To keep up with Anand, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and catch The Outpost every Thursday at 8/7c.

Photo Credit: Justin Wu