From Charming Des To Firefighter Ravi: Anirudh Pisharody’s 15 Must-Watch Movies And TV Shows (Updated 2025)

Anirudh Pisharody has rapidly established himself as one of the most compelling rising stars in Hollywood, expertly navigating the transition from charming teen heartthrob to serious dramatic actor. As of late 2025, his career trajectory is soaring, marked by pivotal roles in major network dramas and streaming hits, making his filmography a must-explore for fans of contemporary television and cinema.

The Indian-American actor first captured global attention as Des in the Netflix hit Never Have I Ever, but his ongoing, fan-favorite role as Paramedic Ravi Panikkar on the procedural drama 9-1-1, alongside a growing list of feature film credits, proves his versatility. This article delves into his complete career, highlighting his most significant performances and looking ahead to his highly anticipated upcoming projects.

Anirudh Pisharody: Biography and Career Profile

Anirudh Pisharody is a dynamic Indian-American actor and producer known for his engaging performances across various genres. His background provides a unique perspective that he brings to his roles, often challenging traditional stereotypes in the industry.

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• Full Name: Anirudh Pisharody
• Date of Birth: February 2, 1994
• Place of Birth: Pune, Maharashtra, India
• Hometown/Upbringing: Grew up in Austin, Texas, USA
• Nationality: Indian-American
• Occupation: Actor, Producer, Entrepreneur
• Notable Roles: Des in Never Have I Ever, Ravi Panikkar in 9-1-1, Jordan in Unit 234
• Career Start: Began his acting career around 2017
• Production Company: Co-founder of Black Velvet Films
• Education: Attended the University of Texas at Austin

The Breakthrough: From SEAL Team to Netflix’s Never Have I Ever

Pisharody's early career was built on a series of guest and recurring roles that showcased his potential and ability to adapt to different series formats. These initial credits laid the groundwork for his major breakthrough on a hit Netflix show, which catapulted him into the global spotlight.

The Early Years: Establishing a Footprint

Before becoming a household name, Anirudh Pisharody secured roles in several well-known television shows, demonstrating his range early on. His first major recurring role was on the digital series Chicken Girls as Benji. He also appeared in the comedy series The Goldbergs and Last Man Standing, gaining valuable experience in the sitcom world. In the action-drama genre, he appeared in SEAL Team as Rashad, a role that hinted at his capacity for more serious, high-stakes narratives.

The Des Effect: Never Have I Ever (2022)

His most recognized role to date is Des, the intelligent, charming, and seemingly perfect new love interest for Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) in Season 3 of the critically acclaimed Netflix series, Never Have I Ever. Des was introduced as a new academic rival and potential romantic partner, immediately creating a dramatic conflict with Devi’s existing love triangle. The character, whose full name is Nirdesh, was a pivotal figure in the season, representing a new kind of Indian-American representation in teen media—one that was successful, well-adjusted, and highly sought after.

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The role of Des resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, not only for the character's appeal but also for Pisharody's natural performance. This role was a significant step, moving him from supporting parts to a major recurring character on a global streaming platform and solidifying his status as a talented young lead.

The Action Star: Anirudh Pisharody’s Roles in Procedurals and Thrillers

Following his success in the teen comedy-drama space, Pisharody quickly transitioned to more demanding roles in network television, showcasing his ability to handle intense, serialized drama. This move highlights his intention to pursue a diverse and long-lasting career beyond a single breakout role.

Ravi Panikkar: The Fan-Favorite Firefighter on 9-1-1

Currently, Anirudh Pisharody is widely known for his recurring role as Ravi Panikkar on the popular procedural drama 9-1-1. Ravi is a dedicated and growing firefighter/paramedic at the 118 station, a character who has become a fan favorite for his earnestness and commitment to his job. Pisharody’s portrayal of Ravi has allowed him to explore a different kind of character—one facing high-pressure situations and the daily risks of a first responder. The popularity of the character has led to ongoing discussions and fan speculation about whether Ravi will be promoted to a permanent main cast member, a testament to the actor's impact on the series.

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The Thriller Genre: Big Sky and Cerebrum

Pisharody has also dipped into the thriller and crime genres, further expanding his topical authority. He appeared as Luke in the ABC crime drama Big Sky, a series known for its intense, twist-filled storylines. Furthermore, he starred in the indie sci-fi thriller Cerebrum, a film that explores complex, high-concept themes. These roles demonstrate his commitment to challenging material and his desire to work across different media, from major network shows to independent feature films.

Upcoming and Latest Projects: 2024 and 2025

The most exciting aspect of Anirudh Pisharody's career is his focus on fresh, upcoming projects, which include a major feature film and a highly anticipated series that addresses contemporary Asian-American experiences. These roles are set to define the next phase of his career.

Unit 234 (2025)

Pisharody is set to appear in the upcoming thriller film Unit 234, which is slated for release in 2025. In the movie, he plays the role of Jordan, the longtime boyfriend of the main character, Laurie Saltair (played by Isabelle Fuhrman). The plot centers around Laurie, who discovers a comatose man hidden inside a storage unit, leading to a suspenseful mystery. This role marks a significant feature film credit, positioning him alongside established actors like Don Johnson and Jack Huston and confirming his move into major motion pictures.

Angsty Asian Support Group (2024)

Another highly anticipated project is the series Angsty Asian Support Group, which is expected to premiere in 2024. While specific details about his character remain under wraps, the title itself suggests a project that delves into the nuanced, modern experiences of the Asian diaspora. This show is a strong indicator of Pisharody’s interest in projects that offer meaningful representation and explore complex cultural themes, aligning with the topical trend of diverse storytelling in Hollywood.

Anirudh Pisharody: A Complete Filmography (Movies & TV Shows)

Anirudh Pisharody's filmography is a testament to his consistent work ethic and versatility since beginning his acting journey. Below is a list of his key movie and television appearances, showcasing his career depth.

• Movies:
  • Unit 234 (2025) - Role: Jordan
  • Cerebrum (2021) - Role: Tom
  • Morgan's Secret Admirer (TV Movie, 2020) - Role: Derek
  • Killer Competition (2020)
  • Chimera (2015)
• Television & Series:
  • Angsty Asian Support Group (2024) - Upcoming Series
  • 9-1-1 (2021–Present) - Role: Ravi Panikkar (Recurring)
  • Never Have I Ever (2022) - Role: Des (Recurring, Season 3)
  • Big Sky (2020) - Role: Luke
  • SEAL Team (2020) - Role: Rashad
  • Chicken Girls (2020) - Role: Benji
  • The Goldbergs (2019) - Role: Chad
  • Last Man Standing (2019) - Role: Bartender
  • Totally TV (2018–2019) - Role: Aladdin
  • People Magazine Investigates (2017)

The Future of Anirudh Pisharody’s Career

Anirudh Pisharody’s career trajectory demonstrates a clear and ambitious path forward. By successfully navigating the transition from a teen drama star to a regular presence on major network television and securing roles in upcoming feature films, he has proven his staying power in a competitive industry. His work with his production company, Black Velvet Films, also signals a long-term interest in shaping the narratives he is a part of, moving beyond acting to producing. With the release of Angsty Asian Support Group and the thriller Unit 234 on the horizon, Pisharody is poised to become one of the most prominent Indian-American actors of his generation, continually choosing roles that are both commercially successful and creatively challenging.