The Big Bang Theory star Kunal Nayyar has shared a humorous behind-the-scenes story from the hit sitcom, revealing that creator Chuck Lorre once told him he looked “too ripped” during filming.
Nayyar, who played Raj Koothrappali across all 12 seasons of the CBS comedy, reflected on the moment during a recent appearance on The Official Big Bang Theory Podcast.
He recalled filming a season 3 episode titled “The Adhesive Duck Deficiency,” where he and co-star Johnny Galecki appeared shirtless during a scene around a campfire.
According to Nayyar, the production initially captured the scene with both actors without shirts. However, the tone quickly changed when creator Chuck Lorre stepped in after calling cut.
“He came in and said, ‘Guys, put the shirts back on because these guys don’t have gym bodies. These characters don’t have gym bodies,’” Nayyar said.
The actor explained that both he and Galecki were in particularly good physical shape at the time, with Galecki performing on Broadway and Nayyar working out regularly. Despite the playful nature of the comment, Nayyar said he took it as an unexpected compliment.
“I must be really ripped,” he joked, reflecting on the moment in hindsight.
Nayyar added that shirtless scenes remained rare for his character following that episode, noting that the show’s focus was always on portraying socially awkward scientists rather than traditionally athletic figures.
Since the conclusion of The Big Bang Theory, Nayyar has continued his acting career with roles in projects such as Apple TV+’s Suspicion, the Trolls animated franchise, and Netflix’s sci-fi drama Spaceman alongside Adam Sandler and Carey Mulligan.
His reflections offer a lighthearted look back at one of television’s most popular sitcoms and the unexpected behind-the-scenes moments that shaped its characters.