When Kunal Nayyar first laid eyes on his character Raj Koothrappali’s wardrobe for The Big Bang Theory, his reaction was pretty much priceless. “I was like, ‘Oh man, I’m gonna have to wear this?’” Nayyar recalled during an episode of The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast with host Jessica Radloff. If you know Kunal, you know he’s got a real passion for fashion — which made the costume choices for Raj, well... a bit of a shock.
Raj’s look? Think: sweater vests layered over button-down shirts with those oversized collars that somehow scream awkward, topped off with zip-up athletic jackets and cargo pants. Nayyar describes the entire wardrobe as “ridiculously hideous,” but also strangely perfect for Raj’s socially awkward, quirky personality. “It’s very apropos to the character, obviously,” he explained. And honestly, when you picture Raj trying to fit in with the gang while still holding onto his unique style, those clothes make total sense. But for Kunal, the actor who actually loves fashion, dressing like Raj wasn’t exactly a dream come true.
That love for style outside of the show made it tough for Kunal to rock Raj’s clothes day in and day out. “Me, as Kunal, having to wear those clothes every day, those cargo pants — you know, it’s ruined for me,” he said. “I can’t wear clothes — like vintage Gucci sweaters or something that look like Raj’s sweaters that are in fashion now. I can’t wear that stuff.” Imagine being a fashion fan and then being stuck in the kind of outfits that basically scream “dad at a barbecue” — that’s Raj’s style. Yet, it’s exactly what made the character so lovable and distinct.
Kunal played Raj for the entirety of The Big Bang Theory’s 12-season run — that’s a whopping 279 episodes from 2007 to 2019. Over that time, the show became a cultural phenomenon, and Raj’s awkward but endearing fashion became a staple of his character’s charm. But Kunal’s connection to the show and his castmates runs way deeper than just costumes and episodes.
Fast forward to 2024, Kunal reunited with his co-star Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) on Night Court. Their on-screen chemistry and off-screen friendship clearly run deep. When speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Kunal opened up about the bond he shares with Melissa and the rest of the cast, describing it as “an unspoken language of deep love and deep trust and deep connection that you can only experience if you go through a journey like that together for that long period of time.”
He continued, “So our relationship is beyond close. It’s just deeper than that. I don’t think there’s a word that can describe how it is that we all feel about each other.” It’s refreshing to hear about such strong, genuine connections forged through years of working together. That kind of camaraderie can only come from surviving countless scripts, crazy shooting schedules, and wardrobe choices like Raj’s!
Speaking of new projects, Kunal is branching out in some exciting directions. He’s set to play a modern twist on a classic role — Scrooge — in the upcoming Christmas adaptation Christmas Karma. The film is from Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha and boasts a star-studded cast including Eva Longoria, Hugh Bonneville, and Billy Porter. It’s definitely a fresh chapter for Kunal, showing his range beyond the nerdy astrophysicist fans fell in love with.
Besides Christmas Karma, Kunal is also gearing up for roles in the thriller The Up and Comer and the crime comedy Patel. These projects promise to showcase different facets of his acting chops, keeping his career dynamic and interesting.
Back to Raj’s infamous wardrobe for a moment — it’s kind of fascinating how a character’s clothes can leave such a lasting impression. Raj’s fashion was almost like a character itself, representing his insecurities, cultural quirks, and endearing awkwardness. Sweater vests with loud patterns, quirky button-downs, and those zip-up jackets made Raj stand out, but in the best way. While Kunal might have cringed at those outfits in real life, there’s no denying how perfectly they captured Raj’s essence.
And it’s not just about the clothes — it’s how Kunal brought Raj to life with such authenticity, making him one of the most beloved characters on the show. Raj’s struggles with social anxiety, his humor, and his heart made him relatable to millions of fans worldwide.
In a way, those “ridiculously hideous” clothes became iconic. They were part of a character who wasn’t afraid to be himself — awkward, quirky, and utterly genuine. And that’s something to celebrate.
So, next time you see someone rocking a vintage sweater vest or an oversized collar, just remember: that’s the legacy of Raj Koothrappali and the fashion that both challenged and defined Kunal Nayyar’s role on The Big Bang Theory. Whether you love or cringe at the style, it’s hard to deny how memorable it is.
Some Quick Highlights:
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Kunal Nayyar's honest first reaction: "Oh man, I gotta wear THIS?"
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Raj’s iconic wardrobe: sweater vests, oversized collars, and zip-up jackets.
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Kunal’s real-life love for fashion made the costume a challenge.
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Strong cast bonds: Kunal and Melissa Rauch share an “unspoken language” of trust.
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New projects: Scrooge in Christmas Karma and upcoming thrillers.
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Raj’s wardrobe: a quirky, memorable character trait.
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279 episodes, 12 seasons — Kunal’s long journey with The Big Bang Theory.
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