Kumar is going to another white building. This time, it's the White House.
Today Kal Penn, the actor who starred in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, started his new job as liaison between the Obama administration and Asian communities in America. Penn also starred in Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantánamo Bay and the American television series House.
Penn's new role is associate director in the office of public liaison, in which he will focus on connecting the president with arts groups and Asian-American and Pacific Islander communities.
The actor, who backed Obama in the presidential election, described the public liaison office as the "front door to the White House" and said his job would be engaging with constituents to make sure they feel they have a seat at the table.
Penn said he expects "to be treated just like any other staff member," and wants to be referred to as Kalpen Modi, his given name, while working for the Obama administration.
How did he prepare for his first day? "I brushed my teeth; I did floss, used mouthwash ... took the bus to work, same thing that everybody does."
