Who Is Utkarsh Ambudkar, the Guy Who Just Freestyle Rap Recapped the Oscars?

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.


Also Read: Here's Why Eminem No-Showed the 2003 Oscars When He Won for 'Lose Yourself'


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.




Related stories from TheWrap:

Oscars Audience Reacts to Surprise Eminem Performance: A Gallery of Shock and Awe (Photos)

'Peanut Butter Falcon' Star Zack Gottsagen Becomes First Actor With Down Syndrome to Present at Oscars

Eminem Shocks Oscars With 'Lose Yourself' Performance – 17 Years After It Won Best Original Song (Video)

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on February 09, 2020 19:18
No comments have been added yet.


Steve Pond's Blog

Steve  Pond
Steve Pond isn't a Goodreads Author (yet), but they do have a blog, so here are some recent posts imported from their feed.
Follow Steve  Pond's blog with rss.