EXCLUSIVE | Actor Darren Barnet says 'Never Have I Ever' touches on insecurities but without being preachy
Spoilers for 'Never Have I Ever'
'Never Have I Ever' is a teen drama that brings to life the realities of modern-day first-generation Indian Americans with relatable comedy. A highschool Sophmore, named Devi Vishwakumar, who has recently lost her father and bears an overbearing mother, has more than a few issues to sort out in her head. How does she do it? She has her two best friends, Fabiola Torres and Eleanor Wong, by her side, a nemesis, Ben Gross, to keep her on her toes, her sweetheart of a therapist, Doctor Jamie Ryan and a hunk of a crush, Paxton Hall-Yoshida.
Paxton Hall-Yoshida is played by Japanese American actor and writer Darren Barnet, a heartthrob with intense talent. In an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), Barnet speaks on how the series stands out in a sea of coming-of-age comedies, what the audience should take away from the dramedy and how it was like working with his castmates.
"I had my initial audition and it just seemed to click. Next thing I knew, I was in front of Mindy Kaling testing for the role," said Barnet. Being a high school heartthrob comes with its sets of judgments on looks and expectations and Barnet was no stranger to that attitude. "The role was really fun and I enjoyed the fact that Paxton has layers below the cover he is judged by. I can relate to that," he said.
Being part of a show that touches on many stigmas, insecurities and struggles that first-generation Indian Americans face, Barnet explained how it was being part of a show that brings awareness to such realities. "I think a show like this is needed. I love how it touches on those struggles and insecurities, but it does so without being preachy or overbearing; I feel that can lose an audience very quickly. Our show touches on real scenarios that are relatable, but it also keeps your attention with humor. Kudos to Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher," said the Los Angeles-born lad.
One of the most important aspects of the show that we thought stood out and possibly related to most Indian mindsets was Devi's ability to be able to speak to a child psychologist, Doctor Jamie Ryan. Devi's mother Nalini, who ends up on Dr Ryan's couch herself claims that "therapy is for white people" echoing the sentiments of most Indian households around the world.
The show while it highlights the ignorant thinking also gives it a narrative that makes you want to hear more. It's not a typical conversation between a child and a doctor, it's one of trust and protective empathy. Bringing a voice to a community that usually shies away from therapy, Barnet says, "The relationship between Devi and her therapist is anything but orthodox. It’s fun, lighthearted, but sometimes vulgar and awkward. Like chatting with a best friend. That allows Devi to open up about absolutely anything which is the key to a good therapy session in my opinion."
While on the exteriors of the show's platform we see a production that tells the story of young Indians growing up in America, among many other productions that do so, Barnet dishes on how that is not the case. "I feel the show tells the story of an outcast American teenager trying to navigate through high school. Being Indian is just a fact about Devi. It’s not her definition or identity, which is something Devi deals with during the show."
Speaking of working with his castmates and fan-favorite Mindy Kaling, Barnet said, "I can’t begin to explain how fortunate I am to have such strong castmates. We all clicked instantly. Mindy is a force to be reckoned with. What I loved most was although she is such a seasoned professional, she was totally open to input and collaborations from the cast." Barnet also dished on how his character, a complex hunk with a heart of gold came to life on the sets of 'Never Have I Ever' - "I remember that my character's name was originally just Paxton Hall. Then Mindy and Lang Fisher got wind that I was speaking in Japanese with our AD Yuko Ogata (my mom is Japanese and I took Japanese in school for two years.) Mindy and Lang then came up to me and were like “you’re part Japanese? Would you mind if we made your character part Japanese?” Thus Paxton Hall-Yoshida was born."
A man of many talents, if you had to choose from writing - screenplays or music, producing and acting - Barnet said that "I want to do it all. But I will say that diving into a character is true therapy for me. There is no feeling freer."
A coming-of-age series, the show touches on some heavy themes of sexual identity, the stigma of therapy, the expectations of "brown" culture and the need to just be "normal". As for taking away an aspect from the series, Barnet said, "not to be cliché, but 'be yourself.' Teenagers are constantly faced with expectations of who they should be or who everyone wants them to be and at such a vulnerable age they can become very uncomfortable in their own skin."
P.S. Even though Barnet said he wasn't able to tell us his favorite part of the series that he enjoyed filming, he did say it "involves a steamy car ride with me and Devi."
Catch Mindy Kaling's 'Never Have I Ever' on April 27, 2020, on Netflix.