Review by Marina: Yes, My Accent Is Real by Kunal Nayyar

Of all the charming misfits on television, there’s no doubt Raj from The Big Bang Theory — the sincere yet incurably geeky Indian-American astrophysicist — ranks among the misfittingest. Now, we meet the actor who is every bit as loveable as the character he plays on TV. In this revealing collection of essays written in his irreverent, hilarious, and self-deprecating voice, Kunal Nayyar traces his journey from a little boy in New Delhi who mistakes an awkward first kiss for a sacred commitment, gets nosebleeds chugging Coca-Cola to impress other students, and excels in the sport of badminton, to the confident, successful actor on the set of TV’s most-watched sitcom since Friends.

Going behind the scenes of The Big Bang Theory and into his personal experiences, Kunal introduces readers to the people who helped him grow, such as his James Bond-loving, mustachioed father who taught him the most important lessons in life: Treat a beggar as you would a king. There are two sides to every story. A smile goes a long way. And, when in doubt, use a spreadsheet. Kunal also walks us through his college years in Portland, where he takes his first sips of alcohol and learns to let loose with his French, 6’8” gentle-giant roommate, works his first-ever job for the university’s housekeeping department cleaning toilets for minimum wage, and begins a series of romantic exploits that go just about as well as they would for Raj. (That is, until he meets and marries a former Miss India in an elaborate seven-day event that we get to experience in a chapter titled “My Big Fat Indian Wedding.”)

Full of heart, but never taking itself too seriously, this witty and often inspiring collection of underdog tales follows a young man as he traverses two continents in search of a dream, along the way transcending culture and language (and many, many embarrassing incidents) to somehow miraculously land the role of a lifetime. 

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I haven't read a biography of sorts in so long but due to Big Bang being one of my all time favourite comedy shows I was incredibly excited to read it! Kunal has given us a book depicting his life from before Big Bang, how his life was, his family, him moving to America, doing what he could to survive & eventually trying to become an actor! It took a lot of setbacks till he got his big break! And what a big break indeed! I must admit, in reading this story, I couldn't help thinking in Raj's voice! I even had my husband read the book too, he couldn't wait to talk about it! He even said the same thing about the voice!! lol. I liked hearing about the Indian culture, his wedding and certain parts of the story! Kunal has a way with words and seems to have a great sense of humour especially in how he saw things! An enjoyable insight into actor Kunal, aka Raj from The Big Bang Theory!!

I was given a Paperback ARC from Simon & Shuster AU

Actor Kunal Nayyar, born in London and raised in India, moved to Oregon to study at the University of Portland in 1999. Nayyar went on to earn a master's degree from Temple University several years later. In 2007, he debuted in the role of Raj Koothrappali on the sitcom Big Bang Theory. The show has become one of TV's best loved comedies, with Nayyar also going on to do film and theater work. 

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