The cast of The Big Bang Theory skyrocketed to worldwide fame and success with their acclaimed performances in the hit sitcom. However, Kaley Cuoco, known for playing Penny in the series, was especially amazed at how her co-star Kunal Nayyar landed the role of Rajesh Koothrappali on the show.
The Big Bang Theory | Credit: CBS
Unlike Cuoco, Nayyar was still quite new in the industry. However, despite a limited resume, the actor entered the audition and eventually landed the role, which has since become his most popular character. Reflecting on how Nayyar got his role, Cuoco expressed surprise, calling it extremely unusual and impressive.
Kaley Cuoco Reflected on Kunal Nayyar’s Surprising The Big Bang Theory Audition
The Emmy-nominated actress Kaley Cuoco was surprised to learn that her co-star Kunal Nayyar had landed his role in The Big Bang Theory in his very first audition. Cuoco reflected on the audition process during an Anna Farris Is Unqualified podcast appearance.
Raj and Penny | Credit: CBS
During the conversation, Farris shared that her audition for Scary Movie was her first after moving to Los Angeles, which ultimately launched her career.
Cuoco also shared a similar incident while talking about Nayyar’s audition for the show, saying, “You know Kunal Nayyar from Big Bang Theory… I believe that was his first audition.”
The actress also recalled advising him not to get used to such a smooth process in Hollywood because it’s rare for things to happen so effortlessly. She said,
I remember talking to him, going: “Don’t get used to that. That doesn’t happen!” I couldn’t believe that. That was very similar to what you said, that’s amazing.
Kaley Cuoco in The Big Bang Theory | Credit: CBS
The role made Nayyar a household name as Raj Koothrappali, and he has since earned praise for his work beyond the popular sitcom. Prior to the CBS sitcom, Nayyar had a few credits on his resume, including the role of a Pizza Man in a movie titled, S.C.I.E.N.C.E. along with an uncredited role on NCIS.
Nayyar has shared that he went into the audition with modest expectations and was likely unaware of the pressures that come with such roles, as he reflected on his experience auditioning for the show.
Kunal Nayyar Reflects on Landing His Big Break in The Big Bang Theory
Reflecting on his audition, Kunal Nayyar admitted that he had very little expectations when he went in for the audition, considering he was still new to the industry.
A still from The Big Bang Theory | Credit: CBS
“I’d just gotten my MFA in acting from Temple University and was high on life and just got back from the Royal Shakespeare Company in England,” he shared as per The Hollywood Reporter.
Nayyar himself was surprised upon landing the role in The Big Bang Theory, especially since he didn’t fully grasp the significance of the opportunity at the time. He recalled,
It was amazing. I had no idea I was going to get the role — I wasn’t jaded and didn’t understand the weight of the situation. This was my second job, I played a terrorist on NCIS. I didn’t understand the gravitas of the situation and just walked in. That was so dumb!
Kunal Nayyar | Credit: @kunalkarmanayyar via Instagram
Despite his initial lack of understanding, Nayyar’s audition left an impression, as he managed to get a few laughs from the show’s co-creators, Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, ultimately landing the role.
Nayyar went on to star on the show for 12 seasons. With the show getting another spin-off, fans are eagerly hoping to see him reprise his role as Raj in the new Big Bang Theory project.
The Big Bang Theory is available to watch on Max.
