Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Stand’s Tarun Keram

Tarun Keram has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after young talents. He’s made a name for himself with the diverse characters he’s brought to life in projects such as Supernatural, iZombie, Lucifer, Charmed, and most recently, The Stand.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Tarun about his career, working in front of and behind the camera, and all things The Stand.

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling?
Tarun: I discovered it from watching movies as a kid. I wanted to do that over anything else. In grade ten, I had a video and film class where we would mess around with cameras and make short films. That definitely had a huge impact on my choice to go to school and start acting!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Tarun: My dad was the first person to believe in me and pushed me to go to film school to pursue it. He was an artist himself. When we were little, he would take my brother and me to the flea market every Sunday. We’d always walk away with a VHS. I ended up watching all the classics, starting with Rocky.

PC: In addition to acting, you’re also a director and producer. How has your work behind the scenes made you a stronger actor and vice versa?
Tarun: The first thing I noticed was that it’s very hard to do both. I’m glad I started with a short film before going on to a feature! As an actor just starting off, you think it’s all about one moment in a scene or maybe what you wore to the audition that booked you this job. Sometimes it has nothing to do with any of that. It could just be a height issue or maybe the hair color makes these two actors look like siblings instead of lovers. I’ve definitely learned to let go and just know that auditions are completely out of my hands!

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Tarun: The first episode I shot of The Stand was the finale. I was there with James Marsden and other heavy hitters. For the first time, I realized that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life and these are the projects that I love the most.

PC: You’re one of the stars of The Stand, which is now available to binge on Paramount+. Tell us about the series, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Tarun: I pretty much auditioned like any other person, but I didn’t know what it was for. I believe the code name was Radio Nowhere at the time. I will say that I didn’t think I’d get the job because it asked for a vet technician turned doctor and at the time I had long hair with a very large beard. I don’t often see that look for doctors on TV, you know? I just remember leaving the casting office and running back in to say “I’ll cut my beard and hair if you want me to!” [laughs]

PC: Your character wasn’t in the original book. For you as an actor, is that more or less challenging?
Tarun: That relieves so much pressure. I have a clean slate to build my character from. At the same time, I had a tough time sometimes with staring at blank pages!

PC: Besides The Stand, what is next for you?
Tarun: I just shot an episode of Nancy Drew for Warner Brothers and a new show called Debris, which airs on NBC! Up next, I’ll be shooting something, but that’s a bit of a secret for now!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Tarun: I will have to say the UK version of Shark Tank. I’m not sure why, but I always picture myself pitching a movie to them one day!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Tarun: Starship Troopers! I tried showing some of my friends, and they just didn’t get it.

PC: Favorite book?
Tarun: Eragon.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Tarun: Things We Want by Jonathan Marc Sherman!

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Tarun: Marianas Trench.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Tarun: Dev Patel.

To keep up with Tarun, follow him on Instagram. Binge-watch The Stand today.

Photo Credit: Noah Asanias