It makes us proud to see histrionic talent of Indian origin beginning to make a mark on international TV screens, especially in America. We have had Kabir Bedi who made a splash in Italy with Sandokan. And now you must meet Sunkrish Bala, an American actor of Indian origin, whose name has been added to the list of global-Indians who are being noticed.

Sunkrish Bala's current claim to fame is his episodic stint on Grey's Anatomy: Season two, where he plays lead actress Meredith's one-night stand; who later develops a case of priapism. Few know that the 22-year-old actor has starred in television shows like Huff, Criminal Minds, Will & Grace, CSI: NY, My Name is Earl and the newest comic endeavor Notes from the Underbelly. The series chronicles the lives of three couples embarking on parenthood. Bala and his onscreen wife (Melanie Paxson) play the over-excited couple who find out they are going to become parents. Bala shares in the aches and joys of pregnancy with his wife on screen in an extremely funny performance.

Bala is a qualified actor, he graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles - School of Theatre, Film, and Television (BA in progress) and Bellarmine College Preparatory Theatre Arts.

Bala, as you can guess from his name, has South Indian ancestry, he made his debut in the Hinglish diasporic flick by White Feather Films American Blend. The film opened in India in September 2006 and is slated to release in North America sometime this year. The plot reloves around a hybrid family involving a mixed marriage between Anupam Kher and Dee Wallace. Bala plays the role of Brijesh, Anupam Kher's son.

Quoting Bala from an interview given to Nirali, he says "Thank God, it's not about cultural identity or some guy who changes or anglicizes his name because he's ashamed of his Indian culture and then learns a lesson. It's more the director's idealized version of America and about how a family deals with each other."

Apart from American Blend Bala has the award winning film The origin of Om, Nouveau Riche No.11 and The Savage to his credit.

Tell us how you feel about Sunkrish Bala's rise to fame in the U.S TV circuit and also if you have seen him on the show a little about his acting prowess. Write to Editor - telly chakkar.com

Kavita Dadhe