After college, Vaidya began to work as an editor for horror and South Asian feature films. He continued to act as well and received small roles in television programs and commercials. After receiving a small role in
Arrested Development, he was asked to audition for the role of
Sadiq for
The Office by the same casting director. He portrayed Sadiq in two episodes: "
E-mail Surveillance" and "
Fun Run." He was also seen in
Bones.
3 Idiots Vaidya's most notable performance is in a supporting role in the 2009
Bollywood film,
3 Idiots as Chatur Ramalingam (or "The Silencer"). He received strong reviews for his performance. Vaidya auditioned for the role of Chatur while on a trip to
Mumbai. After passing the first audition, he was asked during the second to read dialogue from
Lage Raho Munna Bhai. Vaidya states that he "just rattled it off without exactly understanding the words, almost like the speech scene in
3 Idiots." After being signed for the part of Chatur, he was told not to study Hindi, not to watch Hindi films, and to gain weight. Of his success in the film, Vaidya credits the atmosphere of the cast and crew stating that in Mumbai there is "a personal touch, unlike Hollywood. Even if they don't pay you by the hour and there is no extra time, there is warmth and care. I basically saw my Bollywood innings as a challenge. A lot of credit also goes to Raju and Abhijat Joshi for the way the character came across on screen." Vaidya later recalled that, "When I was at the premiere of
3 Idiots, no one recognized me. I was a bit depressed but when it got over, it was difficult for me to even get out of the theater. I have been enamored by the love and appreciation I have received from the audience. Today, when I go out on streets, people come and shake hands with me. It feels nice."
Big in Bollywood Big in Bollywood (2011) is a
documentary film about American actor Omi Vaidya's journey from a struggling
Hollywood actor to a successful Bollywood breakthrough with
3 Idiots. It was sold to Netflix and is now available on YouTube. ==Awards==