London, UK: Indian American performer Kunal Nayyar recently addressed criticism surrounding his latest project, saying narratives centered on South Asian communities are frequently undervalued or rejected.
He also revealed that he discreetly contributes to online fundraisers to assist families struggling with medical costs.
Nayyar, who appeared in Christmas Karma, a contemporary adaptation of A Christmas Carol, dismissed unfavorable feedback about the film, noting that stories rooted in South Asian experiences often encounter similar reactions.
The movie, which transforms Charles Dickens Scrooge into an Indian immigrant shaped by exile and prejudice, was sharply criticized by several British reviewers. The Daily Telegraph, for instance, labeled it “the worst thing to happen to Christmas since King Herod.”
Speaking to the British publication The i Paper, Nayyar said, “This is part of telling South Asian stories. There are constant attempts to mute our voices. But instead of weakening us, it strengthens our resolve.”
The film is directed by Gurinder Chadha and is inspired by the true story of Ugandan Asians who were expelled in 1972 by dictator Idi Amin. Nayyar explained that this historical backdrop strongly influenced his choice to accept the role. He added that the character’s obsession with financial security stems from the trauma of displacement and the anxiety of instability in societies where immigrants are frequently viewed as outsiders.
Discussing wealth, the actor best known for The Big Bang Theory shared that, unlike his character, he is generous with his earnings. He said he channels income from the successful television series into philanthropic efforts, including covering medical expenses for families through crowdfunding websites.
“Money has provided me with freedom, and the greatest privilege is being able to give back and make a difference in people’s lives,” he stated, mentioning that he supports “random families’ medical bills” via GoFundMe.
Nayyar further noted that he contributes to animal welfare groups and sponsors higher education scholarships for students from underprivileged communities. He and his wife, fashion designer Neha Kapur, regularly support charities focused on animal care.
He portrayed Raj Koothrappali in all 279 episodes of The Big Bang Theory, which ran from 2007 until 2019 and earned 10 Emmy Awards. At the height of the show’s popularity, Nayyar was counted among the highest earning actors on television.
