Kunal Nayyar, best known for his role as Raj Koothrappali on The Big Bang Theory, has revealed that stepping into his character’s eccentric wardrobe for more than a decade left a lasting mark on his own sense of style.
Raj’s Infamous Sweater Vests
While Nayyar has always been passionate about fashion in real life, he admitted that Raj’s outfits—complete with clashing colors, sweater vests, oversized collars, and patterned layers—made him reluctant to wear certain pieces off-screen. He explained that even when high-end fashion houses like Gucci reintroduced similar vintage looks, he couldn’t bring himself to wear them because they instantly reminded him of Raj.
He jokingly described his character’s clothes as “ridiculously hideous,” but also acknowledged that they were a perfect fit for Raj’s quirky personality.
Breaking Character on Set
Nayyar also opened up about how difficult it was for him to keep a straight face while filming alongside his castmates, particularly Simon Helberg, who played Howard Wolowitz. He admitted that he often ruined takes by laughing uncontrollably at Helberg’s delivery, even on the simplest of lines. At times, this frustrated his co-stars, but it also created some of his fondest memories from the set.
Friendships That Last Beyond the Show
Looking back, Nayyar highlighted the deep bond he shares with his fellow actors. He spoke warmly about Melissa Rauch, who played Bernadette, describing her as “like a sister.” The two even reunited on Night Court years after The Big Bang Theory ended, proving that their connection extended well beyond the sitcom.
A Role That Stays With Him
Though The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019, the role of Raj continues to shape Nayyar’s life in unexpected ways—from his fashion choices to the friendships he formed. While he may never embrace a sweater vest again, the actor looks back on his time as Raj with humor, gratitude, and affection for the journey that defined much of his career.
