How Raj’s understanding of Hindi became one of the most frequent inconsistencies throughout the 12 season long run of The Big Bang Theory.
Throughout its long run, The Big Bang Theory has occasionally slipped on character details, including some related to Raj Koothrappali, portrayed by Kunal Nayyar. The issue becomes particularly noticeable in the Season 10 episode, The Cognition Regeneration, where Raj claims to have never learned Hindi, despite being born and raised in India.
However, Raj had and would go on to contradict his own claim throughout the series. One of the early distinctions appears as early as the second episode of the show, The Big Bran Hypothesis, when Raj starts singing a Hindi lullaby that his mother used to sing to him. Clearly, this suggests at least some understanding of the language.
Later, in the Season 11 episode The Geology Methodology, he not only understood Hindi but even explained its meaning to Howard. These moments—and others throughout the show—highlight a recurring inconsistency in Raj’s character development. The question remains: why would Raj claim he never learned Hindi when evidence throughout the series proves otherwise?
How Kunal Nayyar’s Audition Transformed Raj’s Character in The Big Bang Theory
Jessica Radloff’s The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series sheds light on how TBBT came together, from its conceptualization, casting, to its eventual evolution. And the details surrounding Raj’s introduction and his transformation after Kunal Nayyar’s casting could possibly explain the frequent inconsistencies in his character.
According to the book, Raj, who was brought in alongside Howard and Penny after the failed pilot, was initially meant to be Dave Koothrappali. Bill Prady further explained that they originally envisioned the character to be an American-born son of immigrant parents.
However, they shifted their direction and made the character Indian born after Nayyar came along. “But when Kunal came in and we heard his accent, we said, ‘Let’s say that he’s Indian-born,’” he recalled. And then they decided to change the name to the actor’s liking, who eventually chose Rajesh.
“I think he had a couple of choices, but we liked Rajesh,” Prady shared, adding, “We liked the sound of it.” And that’s how Dave became Raj.
While this behind-the-scenes change offers a reasonable explanation for some of the inconsistencies, it’s still puzzling that the showrunners seemed to overlook this major shift in backstory even as late as Season 10. Raj’s sudden claim that he never learned Hindi—despite earlier and later scenes proving otherwise—remains confusing and unresolved.
From Quiet Role to Breakout Star — Kunal Nayyar’s Talent Shined Through Raj’s Early Silence
Following his passion for acting, Kunal Nayyar decided to chase his dreams and initially started stage performances and TV commercials before landing small roles on television. His big break, however, came when he was cast as Raj Koothrappali in The Big Bang Theory.
And Nayyar, who was still very new in the industry, admitted feeling intimidated by his co-stars. And things didn’t start off easily. Nayyar’s role initially had minimal dialogue, and at one point, a Big Bang Theory producer even considered removing the character entirely, arguing that he didn’t contribute much to the show.
Yet despite Raj having little dialogue in the pilot, actor Kunal Nayyar stood out immediately. Over time, Nayyar’s evolution as an actor mirrored Raj’s growth on screen.
Since The Big Bang Theory, Nayyar has taken on several notable roles, including voice work in animated films like Ice Age: Continental Drift and Trolls. In recent years, he’s earned critical praise for his dramatic performances in series such as Criminal: UK and Suspicion (IMDb).
And with a new spinoff, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, officially greenlit by HBO Max, fans might finally get to see his return as Raj, as both Raj and Stuart grew very close during the later seasons of the original show.
So, what do you think caused the inconsistencies surrounding Raj’s character over the years? And would you have preferred the original version of the character, Dave Koothrappali? Feel free to share your thoughts.
