Indian American actor Kal Penn is backing Barack Obama in his bid for the US presidency and says the leader is almost as inspiring as Mahatma Gandhi.

Penn has been promoting Obama in college campuses and schools all over the US. He said: "I'm not a registered Democrat, and I've never gotten motivated before, mostly because I wasn't a fan of the political establishment. But I was really inspired by Barack. I haven't been that inspired since hearing my grandparents tell stories about marching with Gandhi."

Penn, who has starred in hits as "Van Wilder" and "The Namesake", now joins other celebrities like Will.i.am, Jessica Alba, Oprah Winfrey, Bruce Springsteen and Will Smith in becoming members of Obama's camp, contactmusic.com reports.

Penn has committed his support to Obama till the end. He said: "I'm with the campaign until the man has a new address on Pennsylvania Avenue (Washington, D.C.)."