Kunal Nayyar

About

Kunal Nayyar is a British-Indian actor born on April 30, 1981 in London, England, and raised in New Delhi, India. He is best known for his role as Rajesh Koothrappali on the hit American sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory," which aired from 2007 to 2019. Nayyar earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Portland, Oregon, and his Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Temple University, Philadelphia. Besides his television success, he has also acted in films and provided voice performances in animation projects. In addition to acting, Nayyar has published a book titled "Yes, My Accent Is Real," detailing his journey from New Delhi to Hollywood.

Associated With

Kunal Nayyar, most recognized for his role as Raj Koothrappali on the hit sitcom "The Big Bang Theory," holds significant ties to many individuals in the entertainment industry. His most evident collaborations were with co-stars Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, and Melissa Rauch, who he worked with for twelve seasons on the show. In addition, Nayyar has worked with a variety of actors in films such as "Trolls" and "Ice Age: Continental Drift". His significant association is with his wife, former Miss India Neha Kapur, whom he had been dating since 2009 and got married in 2011. Therefore, Nayyar's substantial association within the industry is not limited to just acting, but extends to his personal relationships and collaborations with other professionals in the entertainment industry.

Career Highlights

• Kunal Nayyar started his career with the play "Huck and Holden" where he played a role of an Indian exchange student. This was produced by the theatre faculty of Temple University and staged at Philadelphia Fringe Festival. (2006)
• In the same year, Nayyar teamed up with Arun Das to write the play "Cotton Candy," which premiered in New Delhi and received positive reviews. (2006)
• His most notable role started in 2007 when he was cast as Raj Koothrappali in the popular CBS sitcom "The Big Bang Theory". This role made him a globally recognized actor. (2007)
• He made his film debut in the movie "S.C.I.E.N.C.E." (2009)
• In 2010, he did a voice role for the character Gupta in "Ice Age: Continental Drift". (2012)
• Kunal Nayyar published a book "Yes, My Accent is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven’t Told You". It is a collection of autobiographical essays recalling his childhood in New Delhi and journey to Hollywood. (2015)
• He also did voice roles in the animated movies "Trolls" as Guy Diamond, and in "Trolls World Tour" as the same character. (2016 & 2020)
• Nayyar starred in the off-Broadway production of "The Spoils," written by Jesse Eisenberg, in which he played a Nepalese student named Kalyan. (2016)
• He won a Behind the Voice Actors Award for Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series - Comedy/Musical for "The Big Bang Theory". (2017)
• Nayyar ended his run as Raj in "The Big Bang Theory" after twelve seasons. (2019)
• He began starring in the Apple TV+ thriller series "Suspicion". (2021)

Notable Awards

• Kunal Nayyar, known for his role as Raj Koothrappali in the TV show "The Big Bang Theory," has received several notable awards and nominations for his work. These include:
• Screen Actors Guild Awards: As part of the ensemble cast of "The Big Bang Theory," Nayyar and his co-stars were awarded the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series three times in 2017, 2016, and 2014.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Kunal Nayyar Movie/TV Show?

Kunal Nayyar is most popular for his role as Raj Koothrappali in the hit television series, "The Big Bang Theory". The show aired on CBS from 2007 to 2019, becoming one of the longest-running sitcoms in US history, and Nayyar's character was a fan favorite. The series revolves around a group of friends who are intellectuals with little to no social skills and the comical situations they find themselves in. Nayyar received critical appreciation for his performance, and the show was a significant highlight of his acting career.

How Did Kunal Nayyar Get Famous?

Kunal Nayyar became famous for his role as Raj Koothrappali in the popular American sitcom "The Big Bang Theory". Born and raised in India, Nayyar moved to the U.S. to study business, but he discovered a passion for acting and went on to get his Master's degree in Fine Arts from Temple University's theater program. He began his acting career in plays and television ads, but it was his portrayal of the socially anxious astrophysicist on "The Big Bang Theory" that brought him global recognition and accolades, making him one of the most well-known Indian actors in Hollywood.