Inside Karan Brar’s Rise from Jessie to Screen Roles
Fans of Karan Brar know him best as Ravi on Jessie and as Chirag Gupta in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid films, but his talent stretches far beyond those beloved characters. His natural timing and warm delivery have made him a memorable presence across projects, from live-action TV to animated voice work. In recent years, Brar has popped up on Austin & Ally and lent his voice to Sofia the First and Mr. Peabody & Sherman, showcasing versatility that spans genres and formats. This conversation offers a deeper look at life in the entertainment business, what it is like to film episodes of Jessie, and the energy that keeps him motivated as a working actor in North America, including opportunities within Canada’s Family Channel audience. He approaches each role with curiosity, professionalism, and a sense of humor that endears him to co-stars and fans alike.
How did Brar first become interested in acting?
Brar explains that academics and sports didn’t come easily, and his father suggested trying acting since he once performed in college. With nothing to lose, Brar gave it a shot and found a surprising affinity for the craft. Acting became more than a pastime; it emerged as a calling that shaped his daily life, demanding discipline, creativity, and a willingness to learn from every set, audition, and rehearsal. From that moment forward, the camera became a place where he could channel energy, humor, and a genuine connection with an audience.
If Brar met his on-screen character in real life, would they get along?
He believes they would. Ravi and Brar share several natural traits—an easygoing posture, a kind demeanor, and a steady desire to understand others. This resonance suggests a friendly rapport and a shared approach to navigating both humorous moments and more challenging scenes. Brar sees a kinship in their outlook, which translates to a relaxed, collaborative vibe when the cameras roll.
What’s it like working with the monitor lizard on Jessie?
Brar describes the experience as a highlight of set life. The production uses three lizards to deliver different on-screen effects. One is a real lizard named Frank, another is a convincingly crafted dummy called Fake Frank, and the third involves a puppeteer with a collection of adaptable tails. When a scene requires Kipling to interact with objects using his tail, the puppeteer takes the moment, choreographing precise moves that look effortless on screen. This blend of real animal behavior, practical effects, and puppetry creates a playful, authentic feel that audiences enjoy while keeping the on-set process safe and efficient.
What’s been the most challenging role so far?
Jessie stands out as Brar’s most demanding part to date. Each week presents fresh challenges as the writers unveil new twists and scenarios, demanding rapid adaptation and improvisational skill. The ongoing shift in storylines keeps the performance lively and unpredictable, pushing Brar to stretch his range and refine his instincts. He embraces the weekly surprises, viewing them as opportunities to grow while maintaining the authenticity that fans expect from his characters. The experience underscores how dynamic a long-running project can be, blending humor, heart, and occasional improvisation into a cohesive performance that evolves with every episode.
Thanks, Karan!
Viewers can catch Karan and his monitor lizard on Jessie on Family Channel as new episodes air.