Kal Penn Is Now Kalpen Modi Kalpen Modi

Kal Penn, the Indian American star of Mira Nair's "The Namesake" and a long time supporter of President Barack Obama, has started his new job as a liaison between the White House and Asian communities.

Born as Kalpen Suresh Modi to Indian immigrant parents of Gujarat, the 31-year-old actor has taken a break from Hollywood for doing the job of the associate director in the Office of Public Liaison. Penn said on Monday that his new job has a focus on connecting Obama with the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

"I expect to be treated just like any other staff member," he told the reporters on a conference call describing the public liaison office as the "front door to the White House."

His job will be to engage with constituent communities and making sure they feel that they have a seat at the table.

He is even applying this quest for a fresh start to his identity, saying he will use his given name, Kalpen Modi. 

Penn had a recurring role on Fox's TV show "House" and starred in several films including "National Lampoon's Van Wilder", "Epic Movie", and "Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay".