Vera Mindy Chokalingam
- Born:
- June 24, 1979, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actress, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Director
Early Life and Education
- Born to Indian immigrant parents.
- Graduated from Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge in 1997.
- Graduated from Dartmouth College in 2001 with a degree in playwriting.
- Wrote a humor column for The Dartmouth.
Career and Major Achievements
- Gained recognition for her off-Broadway play Matt & Ben, co-written with Brenda Withers.
- Joined the writing staff of The Office in 2005, also portraying the character of Kelly Kapoor.
- Became an executive producer of The Office.
- Created and starred in the television series The Mindy Project (2012-2017).
- Co-created and executive produced the Netflix series Never Have I Ever.
- Has also worked as a voice actress in animated films.
Notable Works
Television
| Year(s) | Title | Role |
| 2005-2013 | The Office | Kelly Kapoor, Writer, Executive Producer |
| 2012-2017 | The Mindy Project | Mindy Lahiri, Creator, Writer, Executive Producer |
| 2020-2023 | Never Have I Ever | Co-creator, Writer, Executive Producer |
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2011 | No Strings Attached | Shira |
| 2012 | Wreck-It Ralph | Taffyta Muttonfudge (voice) |
| 2015 | Inside Out | Disgust (voice) |
| 2018 | A Wrinkle in Time | Mrs. Who |
Books
- Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) (2011)
- Why Not Me? (2015)
Legacy and Impact
Mindy Kaling has made significant contributions to television comedy, particularly in creating roles for South Asian women in mainstream media. The influence of a kaling biography on future generations of comedic actors and writers is undeniable, her success serving as an inspiration.