Actor Vik Sahay answers ten questions from the frontlines of modern manhood.
1.) Who taught you about manhood?
My dad, my brothers, my pets, my sports heroes.
2.) Has romantic love shaped you as a man?
It has kept me humble.
3.) What two words describe your dad?
Intelligent and playful.
4.) How are you most unlike him?
In the way I spend money.
5.) From which of your mistakes did you learn the most?
A black-diamond run on a ski hill is no place to show off to girls you don’t know.
6.) What word would the women in your life use to describe you, and is it accurate?
Intense. I guess it is.
7.) Who is the best dad you know, and how does he earn that distinction? There is no one great dad. Every father I know brings something special to fatherhood. I guess I’d say I really admire the ability to see your child as his or her own person from the very beginning, someone who needs help revealing himself or herself to you, rather than someone to be shaped.
8.) Have you been more successful in your public or private life?
I have been truly blessed to be balanced in that regard. I don’t know how, but that’s what has happened.
9.) When was the last time you cried?
Whilst reading Andre Agassi’s autobiography, Open.
10.) What advice would you give teenage boys trying to figure out what it means to be a good man?
Explore. Try new things. True strength never comes at the expense of kindness.
For Bonus Points: What is the your most cherished ritual as a guy?
My workouts. Reading great novels.
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Vik Sahay stars on NBC’s critically acclaimed series Chuck, as Lester Patel, a friend to Zachary Levi’s title character and a member of the Nerd Herd. Sahay, who was born in Montreal and studied theatre performance at Montreal’s Concordia University, appeared in many Canadian television movies and series before landing the role on Chuck. He also starred in Nickelodeon’s Roxy Hunter and had guest spots on Without a Trace and Las Vegas. Sahay’s film career includes appearances in such features as Good Will Hunting, eXistenZ, The Rocker, and Time Bomb. He also traveled to India to shoot the Canadian film Amal, which was nominated for six Genie Awards in 2009. Sahay now resides in Los Angeles, California.
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