Riz Ahmed's Accidental Bond Audition

Riz Ahmed penned and stars in "Bait," a series capturing the anxieties of the entertainment industry through the story of an actor auditioning for James Bond.

Ahmed shared recollections of his early career, including an audition for "Slumdog Millionaire" where his intensity reportedly went too far. He also detailed securing his first significant role in Michael Winterbottom's "The Road to Guantanamo."

This role led to challenges entering the U.S. due to passport stamps from Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan after 9/11, with an immigration officer later clearing him due to being a "Star Wars" fan.

Ahmed also discussed his beginnings as a musician, performing at house parties and university club nights, and his admiration for Jackie Chan's blend of action and comedy.

He recounted a past disappointment where a viral parody rap song was deemed too politically sensitive for radio play, which unexpectedly boosted his profile. Furthermore, Ahmed detailed his first music tour with the BBC Electric Proms, spanning various genres across the UK.

A full-circle moment occurred when he reconnected with "Bait" co-star Guz Khan, whom he'd previously forgotten meeting 20 years prior when Khan and friends attended his spoken word performance in Coventry.