Key Moments
Kunal Nayyar | Full Q&A at The Oxford Union
Oxford UnionKey Moments
Kunal Nayyar's journey from business student to acting icon was fueled by loneliness and a serendipitous audition, leading to a global phenomenon. He emphasizes authenticity and embracing one's unique path.
Key Insights
Nayyar initially pursued business in the US due to loneliness and a desire to make friends, stumbling into acting through a theater audition.
He had only 10 months left on his work visa in the US when he auditioned for 'The Big Bang Theory' and landed the role.
The success of 'The Big Bang Theory' is attributed to the writing, which allowed characters to evolve, and the chemistry among the seven main cast members.
Nayyar has faced criticism for playing into Indian stereotypes on the show but defends it by noting that no one was spared from jokes and that a global audience of 50 million viewers will inevitably have varied opinions.
He advocates for embracing one's individuality and breaking free from self-imposed limitations, stating, 'The only one that's going to be in your way is you.'
An unexpected path into acting
Kunal Nayyar's journey into acting was far from a childhood dream. He initially went to the US to study business, finding marketing an 'easy way to get good grades.' His motivation for joining the theater department was quite pragmatic: he was lonely and wanted to make friends, noting that the 'girls are very cute.' Despite being 'really bad' in his first role as an old man, he got cast due to a lack of participants. This experience, however, sparked a love for acting, leading him to take classes and eventually pursue a master's in acting after completing his business degree, as advised by his parents for a fallback option in a 'difficult industry.'
Landing a global hit against the odds
The path to 'The Big Bang Theory' was also fraught with uncertainty. Nayyar, fresh out of grad school, had only 10 months left on his work visa (OPT) when he auditioned. The role came through quickly, taking two weeks to secure and another six for the show to be picked up. The series itself faced an uncertain future after only eight episodes due to a major writers' strike. Despite these hurdles, the show was renewed and went on to become a global phenomenon, lasting 12 seasons. Nayyar attributes the show's enduring appeal to strong writing that allowed characters to evolve and the remarkable chemistry among the seven principal cast members, which he describes as a 'dream come true.'
Navigating stereotypes and public perception
Nayyar addressed the criticisms surrounding his portrayal of Raj Koothrappali, which often leaned on classic Indian stereotypes. He clarified that while he receives such comments, he doesn't feel personally uncomfortable with the material. He views it as part of a comedy where 'no one was spared,' and that the show's global reach of approximately 50 million viewers weekly naturally attracts diverse opinions. Nayyar emphasized the need for actors to develop 'thick skin' in the face of public scrutiny, comparing the experience to having one's academic work reviewed by millions. He also highlighted the expendability within the acting profession, stressing the importance of resilience.
The aftermath of a long-running show
Reflecting on the end of 'The Big Bang Theory,' Nayyar described the experience as akin to a 'breakup,' noting the difficulty in processing the end of such a significant chapter. While the cast remains close friends, he admitted that seeing each other too frequently feels 'fresh' and emotionally charged, likening it to 'seeing a long lost lover.' This sentiment highlights the profound impact the show had on their lives and the adjustment period that follows such a long-term commitment.
Embracing authenticity and self-belief
A recurring theme in Nayyar's discussion is the importance of self-belief and embracing one's authentic self. He acknowledged moments of self-doubt, particularly in a profession where one constantly faces rejection. However, he stressed that with experience and age, one learns to 'care less and less' about external validation. He advised listeners, especially students, not to be overly paralyzed by decisions, as life tends to 'equalize itself.' The most crucial advice he offered is to 'be free,' to shed self-imposed limitations, and to understand that 'the only one that's going to be in your way is you.' This philosophy extends to embracing one's accent and identity, rejecting the pressure to conform to a singular way of being.
The influence of his Indian upbringing
Nayyar spoke fondly of his childhood in Delhi, emphasizing the sense of community within a large joint family. He described this environment as a 'beautiful mess' where he 'never felt like he was alone,' a stark contrast to the sometimes 'sterile' feeling of living in Los Angeles. This experience shaped his aversion to being alone and his appreciation for close-knit connections. His memoir, 'Yes, My Accent Is Real,' aims to normalize the journey of aspiring artists from places like India to Hollywood, inspiring others to pursue their creative passions.
Navigating fame and social media
Nayyar discussed his approach to social media, particularly after the show's conclusion. He now uses platforms like Instagram to connect with fans and, importantly, to support others going through difficult times. He stated that he doesn't 'chase' fame and doesn't 'care that much about being famous,' viewing it as a byproduct of his work. To manage the potential for getting lost in the digital cycle, he sometimes deletes apps from his phone, preventing mindless scrolling.
The unique experience of acting with animals
Sharing a humorous anecdote about acting with dogs, Nayyar revealed that the dog playing Cinnamon, a love interest for Raj, was actually played by twins to ensure liveliness. He noted that working with animals is unpredictable, requiring trainers and constant management. The experience of 'making out with a dog,' as described in a fan's question, was far from pleasant, humorously contrasting it with intimacy with his wife and calling it 'very intense.'
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Kunal Nayyar initially studied business in the US because he wasn't sure what he wanted to do and marketing seemed manageable. He joined the theater to make friends and fell in love with acting, eventually pursuing a master's degree in the subject.
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Mentioned in this video
An actor whose DNA napkin was a plot point in a sweet episode of The Big Bang Theory.
A renowned physicist who guest-starred on The Big Bang Theory and visited a rehearsal.
An actress on The Big Bang Theory with a PhD in neuroscience, who understood the scientific content.
A character from Game of Thrones that Kunal Nayyar would choose to play.
The actor who plays Jon Snow in Game of Thrones.
The actor who plays Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, known for memorizing extensive scientific jargon.
An audience member who introduced himself and discussed his mustache.
An actor Kunal Nayyar admires for blending characters with humanity and humor.
An Indian actor Kunal Nayyar considers a favorite.
Kunal Nayyar's character on The Big Bang Theory. Discussed regarding stereotypes, character development, and his romantic life.
An Indian actor Kunal Nayyar considers a favorite.
A UCLA professor who served as the science consultant for The Big Bang Theory, ensuring scientific accuracy.
An actor mentioned as a potential equivalent to Tom Cruise for a younger generation, and humorously disliked by the character Raj.
The guest speaker, discussing his career, experiences on The Big Bang Theory, and personal life.
The actress who played Howard's mother on The Big Bang Theory and passed away in real life.
An actor who plays Howard on The Big Bang Theory.
An actor considered a 'king' for Kunal Nayyar's generation, discussed in terms of his enduring appeal.
A sitcom that frequently won awards during the same period The Big Bang Theory was nominated.
A TV show Kunal Nayyar expressed a desire to be a part of, particularly in a 'badass' role.
A character from DC Comics, mentioned humorously in relation to Jason Momoa and Raj's character disliking him.
The popular sitcom on which Kunal Nayyar played Raj Koothrappali. Discussed extensively regarding writing, chemistry, memorable moments, and its impact.
A sitcom that frequently won awards during the same period The Big Bang Theory was nominated.
Mentioned as an example of a different type of show that also exists alongside shows like The Big Bang Theory.
A fashion brand from which Kunal Nayyar rented a suit for an event.
Airline mentioned in an anecdote about a father whose son trained to be an Olympic sprinter.
The company for which Kunal Nayyar is currently filming a show in London.
Mentioned by an audience member regarding the difference in content availability between US and UK versions.
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