Rizwan Manji is a self-described "dark-skinned, so Indian" actor - one who, even if he chose a stage name like Chris, would still be "the Indian guy." But when his new show, Outsourced, premieres on September 23, he will be in the company of many other Indian actors on a comedy set in the Southeast Asian nation. NBC has enough faith in the show to give it the coveted 9:30 Thursday night slot, following hit shows 30 Rock and The Office and forming a triumvirate of workplace-based programs. Manji is enthusiastic about the new show, on which he has a leading role, saying, "We're telling real stories of real people, and it's very funny."
He rejects fears expressed by some critics that the show is racist. "NBC has screened Outsourced for many people in the Indian community, and the response has been surprisingly positive," says Rizwan Manji. "Indian people are okay with laughing at ourselves." The new show is based on the 2006 film of the same name, and follows an American novelty sales manager played by Ben Rappaport who is sent to India when his entire department is outsourced. Rizwan is the ambitious and manipulative Rajiv Gidwani, assistant manager of the Mid America Novelties call center in India, who aspires to take over the top job.
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