Mindy Kaling was on the Late Show with David Letterman last week. For those who love The Office, she plays Kelly Kapoor.

From NBC’s hit show, “The Office.” Mindy’s parents were born and raised in India. They moved to the United States soon after Mindy was born. ‘Mindy’ isn’t her actual name; it’s Vera Chokalingham. Her parents were living in Nigeria when her mom was pregnant with her and wanted a cute American name for their daughter. The only American TV show on in Nigeria at the time was “Mork and Mindy.” Her mom thought Pam Dawber was adorable so Vera was given the nickname “Mindy.” I guess it’s a good thing they had a daughter. It would be tough to grow up with the nickname “Mork.”
Most people think that since she has parents from India, Mindy should also have an Indian accent. Mindy was cast to play a telemarketer in the film “Baby Mama” which came out in April She was supposed to have an Indian accent. The only reference she had was Apu from “The Simpson’s.” After the first take, the director yelled “CUT!” He came up to Mindy and said, “Could you do that less terrible?” Mindy fought back and confronted him on his insensitivity. How dare he tell an Indian woman that she speaks with an awful Indian accent! Who is he to tell her? But she knew he was right. And her scene was eventually cut from the movie.

“The Office received 8 Emmy nominations and Mindy says she just loves Award shows. She found herself standing behind J.Lo on the red carpet at the Golden Globes. Mindy is a huge fan of J.Lo’s; so stylish and glamorous. Photographers were snapping a thousand photos of J.Lo and J.Lo knew just how to work it. She never looked directly at the camera; always looking slightly behind. At one point, J.Lo sees Mindy over her shoulder and mumbles, “I like your dress.” Startled and excited, Mindy gushes back, “I like your dress, too!” J.Lo gives a look like, “No no no, this conversation is over. You go back and tell your friends J.Lo likes your dress. I’m not about to tell Marc Anthony that you like my dress.” Very funny.

“The Office” – season 5 starts September 25th.

Mindy Kaling on the Late Show