JANINA GAVANKAR

Janina

Interview Janina Gavankar "Papi" on Showtime Hit Series The LWord Los Angeles (03/07) - Little did I know how my day would unfold when I grabbed a quick bite to eat at famed LA eatery Cheebo in West Hollywood. I was still recovering from Curve's LWord Party the previous Saturday night and bummed that I was unable to grab a scheduled interview with Janina Gavankar (Papi) because of all the fan attention. It was planned to just have her publicist pass on my questions via email but then my day quickly changed as fast as Shane's next trick. When I was just about to pay my bill, who walks into Cheebo but "Papi" herself. Our freak interaction turned into an impromptu interview that allowed me gain some insight beyond the smooth character we see on-screen. Joined by Janina was her BFF and fellow actress Linara Washington. We all chatted like old college friend and shared a few laughs. Here's what she had to say...

Exclusive interview by Amy Alexander for ADVENTURE OUT WOMEN

INTERVIEW WITH JANINA GAVANKAR

AOW – So how do you channel this inner-Casanova?

JG: I am not like this character at all, so I basically took sexy bits from strong women and men I know in my life. I picked up on their beauty and went with it. Papi is a character that connects with all women and loves each one individually.

Janina as the character "Papi" on the L Word

AOW – Do you feel pressure to represent the Latin community even though you are not?

JG: Nope. Papi is such an individual personality. I don't think that has anything to do with her ethnicity.

AOW – Has your Midwestern upbringing influenced your approach to life in LA?

JG: A huge influence! But, I had the best of both worlds, really. Growing up, I traveled with my family extensively. They made it known that there was more to the world than the American Ideal. But I also had a super stable Midwest experience. Moving to LA was not a big deal for me because I know that I have a safe haven to retreat to if life gets a little too crazy for me out here.

AOW – Your parents are successful in their own right. Was this an influence on you growing up?

JG: I think they say that when you're around successful people from day one, it can "rub off" so to speak, or it can hurt you if you feel you're in a shadow. I think what has influenced me more has been their love and support.

AOW – Any tattoos?

JG: No, but if I did, I'd love a white ink tattoo. I saw this girl the other day with one angel wing on each wrist so when she put her hands together they fit. Very cool...

AOW – Where do you see yourself in the industry. More as a singer or actress?

JG: When I moved to LA, I had to see if and how the world would accept me. So far, it's been as an actress.

AOW – What's it like to play a gay character?

JG: To me it's a non-issue. There is no difference in playing a gay character or a straight one.

AOW – I hear you are an "old school" Nintendo fan. Can you save the Princess in Super Mario Brothers?

JG: Yes! I love Nintendo and I have to say I'm addicted to Zelda on the Wii. I didn't get to play video games as a kid so I'm making up for it now. I'm a huge Dr. Mario fan.

AOW – You are a self-proclaimed "tech geek" - can you list 3 of your favorite things you cannot live without.

JG:

1. My Laptops. One is for making music, the other is a staple to my daily life.
2. deviantART.com - A community for artists - Social Networking done right...
3. Twitter.com - So check this out... twitter.com . it's a blog-minded way of texting. You text what you're doing, and it get sent to all your friends. It's a real-time update. (Types into her Razr phone: talking about twitter.com to adventureoutwomen.com )

AOW – Word on the street is that two of your vices are food and rock n roll. Care to share your favorite dish, or musician right now?

JG: Music: I'm loving Robin Thicke, Amy Winehouse, and can NOT get enough of BT's "This Binary Universe"
Favorite Food: i'm a burger and fries type of girl and I love chocolate and cookies, cakes, baked goods... it's problematic! I just left Toast about an hour ago and had a Red Velvet Cupcake. They are to die for! (We both agree!)

AOW – So you like story tellin' ... tell me something funny that you've come across with The LWord.

JG: Well, there is a lounge here in LA and every Sunday they present the L Word on big television screens while the ladies of LA sip cocktails. After the show, I'm standing in the bathroom with Alex Kondracke, a writer on the show. And you know how you can feel when someone notices you? I got nothing. [L Word creator] Ilene Chaiken comes out of the stall , and they all go completely silent. It's perfect because I get to do what I love without having to deal with the weirdness of being recognized.
Last weekend, at the Curve LWord party in LA, I ran into Margaret Cho. I totally spazzed out because I'm a huge fan and my boyfriend and I always act out her voicemail bits. She is one of the first Asian actors to really make it in the industry so I admire her for that! It was a pretty cool moment for me to meet her...

AOW - What was it like to make out with Pam Grier even though you are tight on-set?

JG: Awesome! Not many people can say they made out with Pam " Mother-Fuckin' " Grier! What an honor it was to work with her because she really was a role model for me and mentor while on the set. And yes... she really is that cool!

AOW- Did you know of the world you were entering when you got the part of Papi?

JG: No clue. But it's a wild ride, let me tell you. It's quite an experience. The Curve Magazine event was an eye opener, because I've never had that kind of contact with fans of the show before.

Janina in the cover of Curve Magazine, "the best selling lesbian magazine"

For more information on Janina visit her official web site.

For information on Curve Magazine visit their web site.