Today, we are excited to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Insomnia, a groundbreaking dark comedy series that delves deep into the life of Nikhil, a queer Indian American navigating an identity crisis. We had the pleasure of sitting down with the series creator, Vishaal Reddy, to discuss his journey, the impact of Insomnia, and his future plans. Vishaal, an actor, writer, and producer from Tennessee, has made significant strides in the industry, challenging stereotypes and championing diverse stories. Join us as we explore his insights and celebrate this milestone.
Personal and Professional Journey
Q: Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in acting, writing, and producing?
Vishaal Reddy: Growing up in Tennessee, I always felt like an outsider. My fascination with storytelling started early; I began acting at the age of 6, playing a role in Hansel and Gretel (I was Hansel, duh), and at 7, seeing a Broadway show solidified my love for the craft. This passion for connecting through stories led me to Boston University, where I found a balance between the creative and practical aspects of the entertainment industry. I would actually sneak down to NYC to audition for theater and ride the Bolt bus back up. Moving to NYC was a pivotal moment for me, as it exposed me to a vibrant arts scene and countless opportunities to perform and create. So I knew that I always loved to perform but I didn’t realize I enjoyed writing until about 5 years into living in NYC. It came out of a time where I was frustrated with how South Asian characters were portrayed on screen and stage and so I decided to create my own stories.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as an Indian American in the entertainment industry?
Vishaal Reddy: One of the biggest challenges was the lack of representation and the stereotypical roles available for Indian actors. Additionally, the barriers to entry in the industry are significant, especially for black and brown folks—we aren't offered the same access to training and creative funding as others. I often found myself auditioning for roles that were one-dimensional and didn't reflect the complexity of my identity or experiences. This frustration pushed me to start writing my own stories and creating content that resonated with my truth.
Q: How did your experiences at Boston University and your transition to NYC shape your career?
Vishaal Reddy: Boston provided me with a strong foundation in both business and theater, which was crucial for navigating the industry. The vibrant Boston theater scene allowed me to dabble in singing, dancing, and acting on a smaller, more intimate scale before making the move to NYC. Once in NYC, I truly found my voice. The city's diverse and dynamic arts community encouraged me to experiment and take risks, leading to the creation of Insomnia and other projects. It wasn’t until I got to NYC that I found my South Asian creative tribe, dozens of people that looked like me and helf similar experiences, while also wanted to create similar stories. It’s rare to be able to truly be yourself in a creative environment with people who share your worldview.
Creation and Impact of Insomnia
Q: What inspired you to create Insomnia, and how did you come up with the character of Nikhil?
Vishaal Reddy: Insomnia was born out of my own experiences and the stories of people around me. A lot of Nikhil is a heightened version of me. Nikhil's journey reflects many of the struggles I faced as a queer Indian American dealing with identity. Because of expectations, and societal pressures. I wanted to create a character who was complex, relatable, and flawed, someone who could navigate the gray areas of life while exploring important themes like sexuality, racism, and loneliness. I aimed to shatter stereotypes that often plague South Asian characters in media and showcase us as messy, complicated, yet resilient human beings with a story to tell. Each episode tackles an element of identity and asks: “Am I being who I want to be?”
Q: What themes and messages were you hoping to convey through Insomnia?
Vishaal Reddy: The main themes of Insomnia revolve around identity, acceptance, and resilience. I wanted to highlight the struggles of marginalized communities and the importance of finding one's voice in a world that often tries to silence it. It's rare to see South Asian content that delves into sex and sexuality, so I felt it was crucial to highlight the complexities of being a brown sex worker, even if through a comedic lens. The idea of a South Asian sex worker is something I hadn’t really seen in American-produced projects, and it felt both fun and important to portray. By exploring sex work and the character’s South Asian identity, I aimed to tackle significant issues in each episode while keeping it seamless and engaging. I also love the dramedy genre because it feels authentic and aligns with the kind of content I enjoy performing.
Q: How has the reception of Insomnia influenced your perspective on storytelling and representation in media?
Vishaal Reddy: While the reception and accolades are great, what has been more eye-opening is realizing how many people want to see stories like this. There's a huge audience for content that delves into diverse and underrepresented experiences. It reinforced my belief that there's a hunger for stories that reflect the real lives of marginalized communities. This realization has motivated me to continue pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo in my work.
Q: Can you share any memorable moments or fan reactions from the past five years that have impacted you?
Vishaal Reddy: One of the most memorable moments was when a man approached me to share that he watched Insomnia with his family, which sparked important conversations about being queer. He said the show opened up a dialogue that they had never had before and helped them understand and accept his identity. Another fan sent me a heartfelt message saying Insomnia helped them come to terms with their own identity and feel less alone. Moments like these remind me of the power of storytelling and the profound impact it can have on people's lives.
Future Outlook
Q: You mentioned using Insomnia as a platform to launch your production company. Can you tell us more about your vision for this company?Vishaal Reddy: My vision for the production company is to create a space where the people making the content are truly reflected in the stories we tell. I want to produce content that challenges stereotypes, explores new narratives, and provides a platform for underrepresented communities, particularly Asian Americans and the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, I aim to weave education into every production, ensuring that our projects not only entertain but also inform and inspire meaningful conversations.
Q: What types of stories and projects are you most passionate about producing in the future?
Vishaal Reddy: I'm passionate about stories that push boundaries and offer fresh perspectives - the stuff that makes me aunties giggle and gasp at the same time. This includes everything from dark comedies to dramas and even genre-bending projects. For me, all of my project will be grounded in reality but are particularly interested in exploring themes of identity, family, and the human condition in ways that resonate with a wide audience.
Q: How do you see the landscape of representation in media evolving, and what role do you hope to play in that change?
Vishaal Reddy: I see the landscape of representation in media slowly but surely evolving towards greater inclusivity and authenticity. However, there's still a lot more work to be done. When execs start to realize that original, bold, and interesting stories are where they can make money and earn critical acclaim, that's when real change will happen. Until then, we have to change it from the ground up. I hope to play a role in this transformation by continuing to create and support projects that reflect the true diversity of our world and by advocating for more opportunities for marginalized voices.
Advice and Reflection
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring actors, writers, and producers from marginalized communities?
Vishaal Reddy: My advice is to stay true to your voice and your experiences. You have to LOVE this industry and storytelling because it’s tough and not for the faint of heart. Your unique perspective is your greatest asset, so don't be afraid to create your own opportunities and tell the stories that matter to you. Surround yourself with a supportive community and keep pushing forward, even when the odds feel insurmountable. And definitely invest in a therapist—you will need one.
Q: Looking back over the past five years, what are you most proud of regarding Insomnia and your career?
Vishaal Reddy: I'm most proud of the friendships and professional relationships I've built because of this show. It's hard to get anything made, and seeing Insomnia resonate with so many people is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What can fans expect next from you and from Insomnia?
Vishaal Reddy: Fans can expect more stories that push the envelope and explore new territories. I'm working on several exciting projects that continue the mission of Insomnia—to tell diverse, authentic stories. Stay tuned for more announcements and thank you for your continued support!
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