The newest addition to the cast of this season of NBC’s, “This Is
Us,” Bahara Golestani’s road to acting was not your ordinary sto-
ry. Born in Kabul, Afghanistan, she and her family were forced
to flee the country and became refugees in Moscow. Bahara and
her family were sponsored by the UN and received help to settle
in the U.S. Though she faced many struggles growing up, she
never lost the passion of one day becoming an actor. Read our
exclusive interview with the multi-faceted actress.
Season four of NBC’s smash hit series “This Is Us,” introduced
an ensemble of new faces from veteran actor Omar Epps to ris-
ing star Asante Blackk and yourself, of course. Where were you
when you got the call that you got the role?
I remember very vividly I was at the Grove in LA. It’s an Ital-
ian restaurant where I always go. I had sat down and ordered
my food when I got the call. I was really excited, and basically
ended up not eating. My manager, called and he was like you are
pinned (basically when you are pinned in LA, it means you are
on hold but that the production sees something in you) so I kind
of knew I got the part. During the auditions, I felt so connected
to the character and her emotions. There is something that hap-
pens when you are auditioning. It’s this magical thing of where
you are in the moment, as an actor so I kind of had a feeling and
then obviously you never know. It’s like a lottery. When I got that
phone call, I kind of teared up and called my mom immediately.
She is the first person I always call.
Viewers have been in love with “This Is Us” since the season 1
premiere. Did you have an opportunity to work with any of the
original cast members? If so, what was that experience like?
I did get to work with Jennifer Morrison, who was just amazing.
I also got to work with executive producer, Dan Fogelman, and
our director, Ken Olin, as well as the entire production team
and everybody from A-Z who works closely with everyone. It’s
one thing to watch the show because I was a huge fan from day
one. And I never missed an episode. But it’s a cooler experience
when you are there watching everything happen before your
eyes. What I took away from the experience was now I know why
this show is one of the best. It’s because of everything that goes
into it, and each person who is involved is so hands-on. They
want to tell the story in a way that is real, and that’s why the
show is phenomenal. It was amazing to work with Kurt Kennel.
I have so much respect for him as a great director. He brought
the character of Dr. Asmaan to life, and he talks to you the way
he directs. It’s very powerful.
By The Twins of Media • Photo by: Russell Bae
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