Mindy Kaling, widely recognised for her role as the divisive Kelly Kapoor on The Office, has since enjoyed a sparkling career in writing.
Among her successful creations is HBO Max’s The Sex Lives of College Girls, which has recently dropped its eagerly awaited third season. With Pauline Chalamet leading the cast, this popular series dives into the complex lives of university students navigating their sexual awakenings and academic challenges.
The show is the brainchild of Kaling and Justin Noble, both known for their work on Netflix’s beloved series Never Have I Ever. As audiences devour the fresh episodes of the coming-of-age series, we take a moment to appreciate Mindy Kaling’s journey and reminisce about her personal life, including a past romance with one of her fellow stars.
Early life
Delving into her early years, Kaling was born on 24 June 1979 in Massachusetts and was given the name Vera Mindy Chokalingam. Her Indian immigrant parents had settled in the US just before she arrived.
Although christened Vera, she grew up with the name Mindy, a choice by her parents who aimed for an American moniker for their daughter. Interestingly, her mother chose the name while in Nigeria, inspired by the 1970s sitcom Mork & Mindy, reports the Mirror.
Tragedy struck when Kaling lost her mother to pancreatic cancer in 2012, and the following year she poignantly said: “I would say that my mother is the single biggest role model in my life, but that term doesn’t seem to encompass enough when I use it about her.”
In a deeply personal conversation with fellow writer and actor Lena Dunham for Rolling Stone, Kaling reminisced: “She [her mother] was the love of my life.”
Where you’ve seen her
Kaling’s academic journey led her to the prestigious halls of the Ivy League’s Dartmouth College, from where she emerged in 2001 armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Drama.
Her creative flair manifested shortly after graduating, as she penned the satirical play ‘Matt and Ben’ alongside Dartmouth comrade Brenda Withers.
Within this theatrical piece, Kaling and Withers themselves stepped into the shoes of movie stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, exploring their lives as university students, pre-fame.
By the ripe age of 24, Kaling had clinched her major breakthrough in the American adaptation of The Office, initially brought on board as the sole female scribe amidst a seven-man writing crew. Beyond scripting, she sprung to prominence portraying a leading role throughout eight uproarious seasons.
On-screen, Kaling’s alter ego entangled romantically with Ryan Howard, interpreted by B. J Novak; off-screen, sparks flew between Kaling and Novak themselves, culminating in an intimate alliance off-screen.
The Office romance
While their amorous chapter spanned from 2004 to 2007 during their tenure at The Office, the duo have cherished an enduring bond post-breakup, regularly showcasing mutual support in the public eye.
Despite their parting as sweethearts, Kaling has disclosed that Novak stands as the godfather to her offspring. Amidst the clamour of celebrity, Kaling retains a fiercely guarded private life, resolute in her decision to keep the paternity of her children discreet.
This ignited rumours that Novak was the father, a notion Kaling promptly set straight. In a 2022 Marie Claire interview, she clarified: “He’s [Novak] the godparent to both my kids – and they have such a great relationship – and so far [the speculation hasn’t] affected my happiness at all, it hasn’t affected my kids or BJ.”
In February 2024, she discreetly welcomed her third child into the world, sharing the joyous news with fans afterwards.
While Kaling is quick to quash any gossip about her relationship with Novak, she candidly acknowledges it as “weird as hell.”
She confessed to InStyle in 2015: “I will freely admit: My relationship with BJ Novak is weird as hell.”
She added: “He is not my boyfriend, but he is not my best friend. I guess you could describe our relationship as a ‘romantically charged camaraderie with loud arguments’.”
What’s the latest on Kaling?
Recently, Kaling lent her voice to Velma in HBO Max’s adult rendition of the Scooby Doo character.
She has also featured in Reese Witherspoon’s The Morning Show, the 2018 action-packed film Ocean’s Eight and her own comedy series, The Mindy Project.
Seasons 1 and 2 of The Sex Lives of College Girls are available to stream on ITVX. Season 3’s UK release date is yet to be announced.