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Kunal Nayyar, best known for playing Raj Koothrappali in The Big Bang Theory, recently spoke about one part of his role that he never enjoyed - the clothes.
In a conversation on The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast, Nayyar explained that fashion has always been important to him in real life. But when he saw Raj’s wardrobe for the first time, his reaction was immediate.
“I was like, ‘Oh man, I’m gonna have to wear this?’” he told host Jessica Radloff.
According to Nayyar, the character’s costumes - often sweater vests, button-down shirts with oversized collars, and zip-up jackets - fit Raj’s personality perfectly. But for him as an actor, they were not easy to embrace.
“If you watch what I wore that entire show, it’s ridiculously hideous, but also ridiculously good for the character.”
Over the show’s 12 seasons, The Big Bang Theory featured Raj in outfits that became instantly recognizable. For Nayyar, however, dressing in those clothes day after day created a lasting impact.
“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.”
How Raj’s wardrobe came together in The Big Bang Theory
Nayyar recalled that when he was first shown Raj’s wardrobe, he immediately knew it would be challenging for him.
Speaking on the podcast, he said,
“I love fashion, to be honest. It’s one of my favorite things. And then I was like, ‘Oh my God, I’m gonna have to wear these clothes.’”
The Big Bang Theory wardrobe team designed Raj’s style to reflect the character’s awkward and unfashionable side. The layering of shirts, sweater vests, and jackets became a signature look for him. Nayyar accepted that it was part of the job, saying,
“It’s very apropos to the character.”
But in real life, his taste leaned far from Raj’s aesthetic.
Why Raj’s wardrobe worked for the show, but not for Nayyar
According to Nayyar, the clothes worked perfectly for the character’s story. The quirky combinations, he said, were “ridiculously good for the character.”
Throughout all 279 episodes, the outfits helped define Raj’s identity on screen.
Still, wearing the same style for more than a decade left an imprint. Nayyar explained that the association with Raj’s wardrobe has stayed with him long after The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019. The patterns, colors, and fits are things he now avoids.
Moving beyond Raj’s style
Nayyar has continued acting in various projects since the show ended. He reunited with his The Big Bang Theory co-star Melissa Rauch in Night Court in 2024, calling it “me forcing my way to work with Melissa” because of their strong connection after years of working together.
He will soon play Scrooge in Christmas Karma, directed by Gurinder Chadha, and will also appear in The Up and Comer and Patel.
But no matter the role, Raj’s clothes are one part of The Big Bang Theory that Nayyar has left firmly behind.
“Those cargo pants - you know, it’s ruined for me,” he said.
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For Kunal Nayyar, playing Raj meant living with a wardrobe he never liked. Years later, the clothes remain the one part of The Big Bang Theory he has no wish to revisit.
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