Kavi Raz

Kavi Raz is a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, known for his work as an actor, writer, director, and producer. Originally from Punjab, India, Raz relocated to the United Kingdom during his childhood, where he excelled as a prominent hockey player in the Midlands.

His educational journey took him to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he became the founding artistic director of The Wandering Players Theater Company. This pioneering company was instrumental in introducing Western audiences to Indian theatrical works, including plays by Rabindranath Tagore, as well as notable pieces like "Sakharam Binder" and "Shakuntala." It marked the establishment of the first professional South Asian theatre company in the United States.

Raz ventured to Hollywood in the mid-1970s, a challenging era for South Asian actors seeking opportunities in film and television. Despite skepticism from friends and family regarding his aspirations, he pursued his dream of acting. Notably, he became the first South Asian actor to secure a regular role in a major TV series, "St. Elsewhere," where he was part of the cast for its first two seasons and continued to appear on a recurring basis thereafter.

Over his career, Raz has participated in more than 200 plays, television shows, and films, including guest spots on iconic series like "The A-Team," "M*A*S*H," and "Star Trek: The Next Generation." In 1978, he established K.R. Films Hollywood, launching the variety series "Lehren" aimed at the Asian audience across the U.S. and Canada. His K.R. Studios, founded in 1988 in Granada Hills, features state-of-the-art facilities for various production needs and has become a hub for award-winning creators. Raz's film career began with "The Gold Bracelet," a poignant narrative about a Sikh man navigating life post-9/11.