If you were like us, you probably were wondering who was that guy who showed up in the middle of the Oscars on Sunday, only to rap-recap the first half of the show. Luckily, that’s what we’re here for.
That was Utkarsh Ambudkar, who is best known as a member of the freestyle live performance rap group, “Freestyle Love Supreme.”
Back in 2003, future Tony-winning director Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”) helped form the group with other soon-to-be stars, including Christopher Jackson (“Hamilton”) and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Ambudkar joined the group in 2005, and performed in the group’s self-titled Broadway show last year. You can read a recap of that show here.
Ambudkar was actually the original Aaron Burr on “Hamilton,” performing the role in the developmental readings at Vassar Workshop. He was replaced by Leslie Odom Jr. when it went to Off-Broadway, then later becoming a massive hit on the Broadway stage.
Ambudkar is also known for his roles on “The Mindy Project” and ABC’s short-lived “The Muppets” series. He has also appeared in films “Pitch Perfect” and “Brittany Runs a Marathon.” He will play the con-artist Skatch in Disney’s upcoming live-action “Mulan.”
Before all that? Ambudkar was an MTV VJ (back when those were still a thing) for MTV Desi.
You can watch Ambudkar at the Oscars below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8ZeY38XowQ