PTI

New Delhi, Jun 28: One of the most keenly awaited Hollywood flicks this season, 'Superman Returns' has an interesting Indian angle to it! An Indian-origin Hollywood actor Kal Penn plays a bad guy in the latest superhero venture.

Also known as Kalpen Modi, Penn is of Indian descent who was born and brought up in the United States. In 'Superman Returns', he plays the character of Stanford who is a henchman.

"There are three-four bad guys in the film. I am one of them. He is a whacky guy but is also one of the brainy characters in the film," Penn told PTI from Los Angeles.

Penn who has carved a niche for himself by appearing in most of the crossover films is "super-excited" ahead of the release of his film. He is cast alongwith renowned actors like Brandon Routh and Kevin Spacey and admits he has not done anything close to a big Hollywood venture such as this.

"It was a wonderful experience. Though it is a small role but it is a prominent part of the film. I have done many small films where I had more significant roles but this one is a big commercial film. It was a delight to work with Bryan (Bryan Singer- the director of the film)," he said in an telephonic interview.

Interestingly, Penn will also be seen this year in the cinematic version of 'The Namesake' -- authored by Pulitzer prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri -- to be directed by Mira Nair.

In fact, Penn says "the incredible" Mira is one of the reasons why he chose to become an actor.