Meet Abi Varghese | Writer/Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Abi Varghese and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abi, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The decision to start our own business stemmed from a fundamental desire to tell stories that we were deeply passionate about. When we were pitching our films and TV series to big production companies, we encountered a common challenge – a gap in understanding our unique narratives. Our shows like ‘Brown Nation’ and ‘Metro Park,’ focusing on the lives of South Asians in New York and New Jersey, filled a void no one else was addressing. Much of the humor in these shows emanated from observing our family dynamics and the wonderfully chaotic environment of our upbringing.

This led us to a pivotal realization: to authentically share the narratives we knew, we needed the creative freedom to shape our own path. Thus, the idea of starting our own production team called “Infamous Coconuts” was born. It wasn’t just about establishing a company; it was about creating a space where our stories could thrive without compromise, resonating with audiences who would appreciate content like this.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
; Our journey began with “Akkara Kazhchakal,” a unique sitcom set around an Indian family in New Jersey. About a decade ago, we shot the entire series at my parents’ house. The sitcom, centered mainly around my parents, captured the essence of their 90s outlook, a cultural time capsule resulting from their migration to the US in the early ’90s. While India evolved, my parents, intentionally or not, preserved their cultural roots, providing a comedic goldmine. Surprisingly, the show resonated universally, connecting with immigrants across the board. What started as a personal narrative turned out to be a shared experience. Realizing this universal appeal, we embarked on creating more content that genuinely reflected our experiences and stories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Navigating Los Angeles as a newcomer has been an adventure, given my frequent travels for shoots. Despite the brevity of my stays, returning home to LA is so beautiful. The contrast with the hustle of locations like Mumbai is stark, making LA a tranquil haven. The city, with its beaches, coffee shops, and mountains, feels like a perpetual vacation. The irony lies in the post-shoot dilemma with my wife. While she suggests vacations, I find solace in the simplicity of being home, cherishing the small things as my ideal getaway.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A sincere shoutout to my amazing wife and daughter, the unsung heroes behind my creative journey. Their sacrifices, understanding, and unwavering support have been the driving force behind the narratives we’ve brought to life in our shows and films. Being away for months during projects is a challenge, and I often reflect on the precious moments missed with my family. Their sacrifices are always in my thoughts, and I’m hopeful that, one day, these efforts will culminate in something truly meaningful. Grateful for their constant support.

Website: infamouscoconuts.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abivarghese/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abi-varghese-b393953/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbiVarghese

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abi.varghese

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/infamouscoconuts

Image Credits
Nirmal Sahadev,