SXSW 2019: Pej Vahdat talks The Day Shall Come

Marchánt Davis in The Day Shall Come. Photo Credit: Dean Rogers/Vague Films Limited

Pej Vahdat spoke on the red carpet with Solzy at the Movies shortly before the start of the world premiere of The Day Shall Come.

Can you talk about your role in the movie?

Pej Vahdat:  I play Nura. I’m an FBI informant. I can’t say too much because it will give it away.  I play an informant that it is basically after something from the FBI and they’re after something from me.  That’s much as I can say.

Nicole Ari Parker, A.Z. Kelsey and guest star Pej Vahdat in the "Had It From My Father" fall finale episode of EMPIRE.
EMPIRE: L-R: Nicole Ari Parker, A.Z. Kelsey and guest star Pej Vahdat in the “Had It From My Father” fall finale episode of EMPIRE airing Wednesday, Dec. 5 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ©2018 Fox Broadcasting Co. Photo credit: Matt Dinerstein/FOX.

You’re also on Empire and that shoots in Chicago, correct?

Pej Vahdat:  Yes.

Do you have a favorite place to go for deep dish?

Pej Vahdat:  Oh!  You want to know the truth?  I’ve never done it.

Really?

Pej Vahdat:  Isn’t that crazy?  I love deep dish pizza.  I think it’s called Giordano’s.  That’s the only place—when I was on Shameless, we shot in Chicago and I ate it then but since I’ve been on Empire, I’m actually enjoyed other cuisine there quite a bit and haven’t gone to deep dish.

Were you in town for the polar vortex?

Pej Vahdat:  No, I missed it.  I was shooting The Village for NBC in New York so I missed it.  I thankfully missed it.

Can you talk about what it’s like to be here for the SXSW experience?

Pej Vahdat:  It’s been an awesome experience.  This is my first time here and I’m pretty excited.  The energy here is intoxicating.  I’ve only been here for a couple days but I definitely want to come back.  It’s awesome here.  It’s a great festival.

Pej Vahdat will next be seen in Empire on FOX and The Village on NBC.

Danielle Solzman

Danielle Solzman is native of Louisville, KY, and holds a BA in Public Relations from Northern Kentucky University and a MA in Media Communications from Webster University. She roots for her beloved Kentucky Wildcats, St. Louis Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Boston Celtics. Living less than a mile away from Wrigley Field in Chicago, she is an active reader (sports/entertainment/history/biographies/select fiction) and involved with the Chicago improv scene. She also sees many movies and reviews them. She has previously written for Redbird Rants, Wildcat Blue Nation, and Hidden Remote/Flicksided. From April 2016 through May 2017, her film reviews can be found on Creators.