“It was definitely frustrating”: Kunal Nayyar Hated Raj’s Selective Mutism Around Women in Big Bang Theory, Called it a “Handicap”
The Big Bang Theory has been an exciting journey for not just the audience but also the cast members. Although the sitcom majorly focused on Sheldon Cooper, played by Jim Parsons, it’s a game changer when you look at it through Kunal Nayyar’s perspective. Navigating through Raj’s life along with the other four pivotal characters, The Big Bang Theory unraveled several details that are hard to miss in real life.
Playing the role of Rajesh Koothrappali, Kunal Nayyar appeared to be a bundle of joy on the set. However, his character was totally opposite of him, and one of a kind. Often expressing peculiarity and awkwardness before women, Nayyar broke down his character and the frustration associated with it.
Kunal Nayyar Frustrated Of His Character’s Mutism
London-born actor Kunal Nayyar had been working on stage and mesmerizing his theatre audience with his performance, until his breakout role in The Big Bang Theory in 2007. Sacrificing several career opportunities just to continue his appearance on the hit sitcom for 12 years until its wrap-up in 2019, Nayyar worked dedicatedly and tirelessly on the set. However, he wasn’t quite impressed with the role he portrayed and soon became frustrated with his character’s awkwardness.
Kunal Nayyar sat to discuss his awkward character with Jessica Radloff, writing The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series. Playing the role of Rajesh Koothrappali, commonly known as Raj, Nayyar entertained his audience through his humorous interactions with his friends. However, his character most definitely struggled with communication and relationships when it came to women.
Despite Raj’s eccentricity around his friends, he constantly suffered from selective mutism around women. For Kunal Nayyar, although it was quirky in the beginning, he soon got bored of playing it.
“It was definitely frustrating because there were episodes where I knew I could contribute in ways [but] I was handicapped by the character’s issue” Nayyar stated.
The actor even mentioned being on high alert, and extra cautious of his character while engaging in conversation with a girl.
Also read: This Big Bang Theory Star Called His Character’s Ending “Beautiful” Despite Fan Backlash
Kunal Nayyar’s Character’s Miraculous Healing
Calling it frustrating due to the lack of creative freedom because of his character’s selective mutism, Kunal Nayyar stated how relieved he was when it was finally removed. From being constantly on the lookout to being free from the shackles of mutism, Nayyar eventually enjoyed playing the role of Raj, all over again.
“After a while, the freedom to be able to speak without that was really nice, just from an acting point of view” Kunal Nayyar stated.
Raj’s selective mutism persisted until the Season 6 finale, when audiences noticed him talking soberly to Kaley Cuoco‘s character Penny, for the first time. It seems writers and show makers deliberately ignored addressing the miraculous healing of Kunal Nayyar’s character, just to add a hint of surprise.
As the characters returned for season 7, Kunal Nayyar achieved a newfound freedom and his character even turned out to be a ladies’ man. At one point, Raj was depicted dating multiple women simultaneously. However, it was all good for Nayyar as he got rid of his character’s awkward selective mutism around women, and carried out his role with ease.
Watch Rajesh Koothrappali aka Raj being hilarious and awkward at the same time. Catch up with The Big Bang Theory on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Read more: The Big Bang Theory: Kunal Nayyar’s Real Life Makes Raj’s Ending Even Worse
Source: The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, ScreenRant
