Interview: Jersey Shore’s Arvin Lal

By Sneha Goud

I’ve been open about my love for guilty pleasure Jersey Shore before. But given the show’s reputation for debauchery, I was surprised when a major plot point this season revolved around a twenty-six year old Indian-American “guido” named Arvin Lal. Lal stirred up conflict between on and off again couple Ronnie and Sam, when it was revealed Sam contacted her old friend Arvin during one of the couple’s breakups.

I spoke to East Brunswick, NJ native Lal to set the record straight on his involvement in the show and his future endeavors.

So how are you connected to the Jersey Shore cast?

Mike is a friend of mine. I was with the cast when they shot the pilot. I’m also good friends with Samantha.

What exactly happened between you and Sam, and how did you become involved in the couple’s relationship drama?

After seeing the Miami season, I assumed Ronnie and Sam were not together [based on Ronnie cheating on Sam]. When Sam contacted me, I thought she just wanted to hang out. But when I saw Snooki and Jenni and everyone’s face when they saw me, I knew something was up.  Sam was portrayed badly on the show, when really I was just being a friend. I never thought our past would be brought up.

How did people react to your appearance?

I didn’t know how much I would be in the show. I had some friends over to watch and afterwards, they said [of my appearance in the show] ‘that’s huge.’ (Arvin’s plot line was extended over three episodes.) Everybody started to ask me questions, I received a lot of publicity.

Have your parents seen the show?

Everyone assumes that because my parents are Indian, they are really strict. But they saw me on the show and liked it.  People are surprised to even find out I am Indian-American, but I want to show people how big the Indian community is and how there is so much more to it than the stereotypes.

What are your next moves?

I can’t talk too much about it, but I am in talks with some production companies. I will keep my website updated. When I was younger, people always said I should be in Bollywood movies, but I never thought about anything like that until now. I feel like American TV has only seen a piece of me. I have a lot to offer.

The guys on the show are famous for the personal grooming habits. What are yours like?

I go to the gym five times a week…My favorite part of my body is my chest and abs. You definitely have to have the clothes and nice hair.

Visit Arvin’s website to learn more!

Follow him on facebook or Twitter.