Meeting Dwight Schrute in India: Rainn Wilson on ‘The Office’ and his spiritual journey

In an exclusive interview, actor, author and podcaster Rainn Wilson talks to us about why he’s visiting India, what Dwight Schrute and ‘The Office’ will always mean to him, and his new podcast ‘Soul Boom’

“Dwight Schrute is in India!”

These were the words that resonated across The Office fan forums and social media groups last week when actor Rainn Wilson posted pictures and videos from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh on Instagram, sending fans across the country (and indeed, Asia) into a frenzy.

There was no press, no announcement or no information on why Rainn was here. Was he vacationing? Shooting for a new film or show? Pretending to be just another regular tourist? (Identity theft is not a joke, Jim...)

Along with other actors like Steve Carell, John Krasinski and Jenna Fischer, Rainn was at the forefront of the the mockumentary sitcom that ran for nine seasons between 2005 and 2013 and became a worldwide phenomenon. The show’s popularity endures even a decade later, and characters like Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute (and their zingers) are the stuff of television folkore today; in a way, it was difficult for all the breakout stars to be recognised for their roles in other projects.

Still, Rainn has enjoyed experimenting with his career since then, starring in comedies such as Super (delivering a criminally-underrated performance) andWeird: The Al Yankovic Story, and being the voice of Lex Luthor in the DC Animated Movie Universe. Along the way, he’s also turned author and entrepreneur, while being involved in numerous causes such as empowering girl child education in developing countries and spreading climate change awareness.

In recent years, the 58-year-old has found meaning in spirituality which led to his bestseller Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution (he himself sees the comical side to the guy who played Dwight writing a book on the topic), and a spanking new podcast birthed from the same idea.... which is why he’s in India, perhaps?

I put all my journalistic prowess to the test, and just a couple of days later, I am wearing my trusty old Dunder Mifflin T-shirt, all set to get on a video call with our favourite Assistant (To The) Regional Manager.