One of Kal Penn’s breakout roles was playing the character Taj Mahal Badalandabad in the 2002 comedy hit “National Lampoon’s Van Wilder.” At the end of the audition process, Penn was up against one other actor that ended up inspiring him to work hard to win the part. Penn recounted the story on the Feb. […]
Kal Penn Reveals He Won ‘Van Wilder’ Role of Taj Mahal Over a White Actor in Brownface: ‘He Is Not Allowed to Get That Part’
Feb 11, 2026 | 4:19 PM