Can you tell us a little bit about its origins? Kirkus, in their starred review, said, amongst other things, that it contained “squeeworthy joy” (a phrase I am now stealing). First off, congrats on the reviews you’ve been getting for NIKHIL OUT LOUD. And some mysteries-like new friendships or a sick grandparent or finding the courage to speak out about what’s right-don’t wrap up neatly between commercial breaks.īetsy Bird: Hi, Maulik! Thanks so much for answering my questions today.

Life on earth is way more complicated than life on television. Then Nikhil wakes up one morning and hears a crack in his voice, which means his job playing Raj will have to come to an end. And when a group of conservative parents start to protest, making it clear they’re not happy with an openly gay TV star being in the starring role, Nikhil feels like his life would be easier if only he could be Raj Reddy full-time. Nikhil’s fame lands him the lead in the school musical, but he’s terrified that everyone will realize he’s a fraud once they find out he can’t sing. When his mom temporarily moves them to the small town in Ohio where she grew up to take care of Nikhil’s sick grandfather, Nikhil feels as out of orbit as his character. But being a star on TV doesn’t mean you have everything figured out behind the scenes. Thirteen-year-old Nikhil Shah is the beloved voice actor for Raj Reddy on the hit animated series Raj Reddy in Outer Space.

Today he’s talking with me about his new novel NIKHIL OUT LOUD which is probably best described this way: Maulik Pancholy is the kind of actor you’ve probably seen on shows like 30 Rock or Only Murders in the Building.

The best at it by maulik pancholy