Actor Kunal Nayyar, best known for his role in American TV show "The Big Bang Theory", says he was weeping uncontrollably when he broke the news of landing a role in the international sitcom to his family over phone. The star now wants to be the "first Indian 'Doctor Who'".
The actor, who plays Raj Koothrappali in "The Big Bang Theory", shared how travelling has transformed his life ever since he left his home at 18. He spoke about it in an exclusive video interview for British Airways, read a statement.
"The Big Bang Theory" is currently going into its tenth season and Kunal said when it's over, he would like to play "Doctor Who" in the iconic British sci-fi TV show.
He said: "Wouldn't that be cool if I played Doctor Who? The first Indian 'Doctor Who' maybe after 'Big Bang...'"
The actor added: "On 'Big Bang Theory', it took six weeks for me to find out I had got that role. So they were present throughout those six weeks every day when I was calling them freaking out.
"I woke them up at 3.30 in the morning. Of course, the first thing your parents do when you call them in a different country is like, 'Are you ok? Are you safe - why are you calling us at this time?'
"I was like 'Ya, ya - I'm great' and I am just weeping, just crying, because this meant so much to me to be this kid from New Delhi, India, who made it onto the big screen. And they really thought something was wrong because I'm crying. I told them I got the role and everyone was crying at the same time. It was very special."
Kunal now regularly flies to different places for his work and believes air travel has changed the world for the better, giving people a chance to pursue their dreams and grow their businesses.
Kunal, who lives and works in Los Angeles, also opened up about how he finds inspiration for characters while travelling.
He said: "All the time you meet people while I'm travelling and flying that inspire characters. I once met an elderly Indian gentleman on a plane who spoke in half-sentences. That was something I later used for (my character) Raj."
"Another time I was flying and the plane took off, the lights dimmed, and the elderly gentleman in front of me stood up and completely disrobed in the aisle. I don't think anyone saw him but I thought it was hilarious. Every time I do that now. No, I don't - I'm joking," he quipped.
