Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 7, 2017)

After Priyanka Chopra stormed the global platform with her TV series, Quantico, Mirror has learnt that Vir Das is set to have his own show with a leading American network. The series, In Theory, will be written by Vir and Chris Case. The 38-year-old actor-comedian plays a self-destructive math genius-turned-Indian radio jockey, Jazz, who moves from Mumbai to a small mid-western college town where he becomes obsessed with completing his late father’s unfinished work, the “Theory of Happiness.”

“I pitched the idea to producer Doug Robinson who liked it. I wanted a story that represented the brand of comedy one is putting out into the world today and this seemed like the perfect universe. To lend a genuine Indian perspective to comedy from India in an American setting is the focus of the show. I’ve received a fantastic response for my online comedy special and this seemed like the next logical step,” says Vir, adding that the show will primarily be shot in America but they are yet to zero in on a date.

He reiterates that Priyanka has contributed immensely in the international space, resulting in a blend of cultures and a need for good stories. “It doesn’t matter where those stories are coming from. This is the golden era of American television and I wanted to be a part of it,” asserts the actor, who wishes to strike a perfect balance between stand-up and movies.

Is he good at math? “Let’s just say some amount of acting will be required there,” he quips.