22 August,2026 01:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Conan O` Brien, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal (Pictures via Instagram)
American television host and comedian Conan O'Brien is turning Bollywood hopeful in a hilarious new promo for Conan O'Brien Must Go, leaving actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal stunned with his unconventional audition. The upcoming season of the HBO Max travel-comedy series will feature O'Brien's India journey, including a stop in Mumbai.
In the promo, Conan approaches Richa and Ali with a straightforward question: does he have what it takes to become a Bollywood star? Richa responds with a dry, "Everyone can dream," while Ali tells him that he cannot simply arrive, pitch himself as a star and expect to belong in Bollywood. Their reactions leave Conan visibly shocked, but instead of backing down, he decides to prove his acting credentials.
Richa, while making it clear that she and Ali are huge fans of Conan, tells him that she does not think he is "Bollywood material". Rather than taking the rejection seriously, Conan launches into an enthusiastic pitch. He claims that he can sing, dance and even play the sitar with one hand, attempting to convince the actors that he has everything required to make it in the Hindi film industry.
However, Richa and Ali have one important question for their prospective star: can he speak Hindi?
Conan admits that he cannot actually speak Hindi, but quickly offers a hilarious alternative he can "sing Hindi". He then breaks into a playful performance, singing, "Namaste, mera naam Conan hai," while dancing. The unexpected audition leaves both Richa and Ali speechless, turning the promo into a comic clash between Conan's Bollywood ambitions and the actors' brutally honest assessment.
The clip has also sparked plenty of amusement online, with viewers praising Conan's comic timing and joking about his imagined Bollywood debut. Fans called the sequence an unexpected crossover between Conan and Bollywood, while others admitted that his Hindi "song" was already stuck in their heads.
Conan O'Brien Must Go, which premiered in 2024, follows the comedian as he travels across the world, meets international fans and immerses himself in local cultures. The upcoming third season includes India, Morocco, the Netherlands and the Philippines. During his India visit, Conan is also set to explore Mumbai and try his hand at activities including cricket.
Richa and Ali, who appear on the show during Conan's India journey, have described him as a legend and said they have admired his humour for years. They added that filming the episode was surreal, spontaneous and filled with the kind of chaotic humour Conan is known for.
For now, Bollywood may not have found its newest leading man, but Conan has certainly made a memorable audition.
