Ajay Naidu

**Ajay Kalahastri Naidu**, born on February 12, 1972, is an acclaimed American actor and director. He is most recognized for his role as Samir in the cult hit *Office Space*. Naidu's rich acting repertoire includes guest appearances in esteemed television productions like *The West Wing* and *The Sopranos*. His gripping performance in the film *SubUrbia* earned a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Naidu's acting career began with a lead role opposite Michael Keaton in the 1986 film *Touch and Go*. He displayed his acting versatility by undertaking a range of films and TV series, such as *Where the River Runs Black* and the first season of *MacGyver.* Between 1988 and 1995, Naidu dedicated his career to classical theatre, proving his adaptability as an artist. In 1996, he returned to cinema with a noteworthy performance in Richard Linklater's *SubUrbia*. His other works include successful films like *K-Pax, Subway Stories, π, Requiem for a Dream, Bad Santa, The War Within, The Guru, Waterborne,* and *Loins of Punjab Presents.* Naidu also made significant contributions to music, working with musicians from the Asian underground music movement. In 2006, he extended his creative reach by directing his first feature film *Ashes*, where he won Best Actor accolades from the MIACC Film Festival in New York and the London Asian Film Festival. With an already illustrious career, Naidu was presented with the Excellence in Performing Arts Award by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White in 2019.