Before The Big Bang Theory became a TV phenomenon, Kunal Nayyar nearly lost the role that would change his life. Cast as Rajesh Koothrappali, Nayyar was suddenly and unexpectedly fired by CBS executives before filming even began. The reason? They weren’t convinced he was the right fit. For Nayyar, who had poured everything into the role, it was crushing. He thought his shot at Hollywood had disappeared before the cameras even rolled.
But someone else had a very different opinion: series creator Chuck Lorre.
According to The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series by Jessica Radloff, Lorre was furious about the network’s decision. He didn’t see a performance problem—he saw a writing one. The creative team was still struggling to define Raj’s voice, and in Lorre’s eyes, Kunal wasn’t the issue. Determined to fight for his actor, Lorre called Nayyar personally, urging him to stay hopeful. Then he went straight to the top at CBS.
Lorre didn’t just request a second chance for Nayyar—he demanded it. He promised to reshape the character, leaning into Nayyar’s strengths as a performer. The gamble worked. CBS reversed its decision, rehired Nayyar, and the rest is sitcom history.
With a more defined character and sharper writing, Raj became a fan-favorite: the shy, lovable astrophysicist with a fear of talking to women (at least in the early seasons). Nayyar went on to appear in all 279 episodes, helping The Big Bang Theory become one of the most-watched sitcoms of all time.
The incident remains one of the most dramatic “what ifs” in the show’s history—and a testament to Chuck Lorre’s loyalty and vision. Without that behind-the-scenes battle, The Big Bang Theory might have looked very different—and Rajesh Koothrappali might never have existed at all.
