Indian Representation in the Mindy Project: Bop or Flop?
Image Credit: Kaling International/Universal Tv/Kobal/Shutterstock
Mindy Kaling, an Indian-American actress and director, has often faced criticism regarding her portrayal of Indians in media. Her most notable project, The Mindy Project, has also been the subject of scrutiny. This article aims to explore Indian-American representation in The Mindy Project through the lens of two Indian-American youth, highlighting the show’s shortcomings while recognizing its contributions. Ultimately, while there is no definitive blueprint for representation, Kaling’s courage in navigating an industry that often overlooks women of color merits greater recognition and respect.
By Armaan Sharma and Mallika Saoji
In The Mindy Project, the main character, Mindy Lahiri, played by Kaling, is a charismatic, ambitious doctor. A graduate of Princeton University, she practices as a gynecologist and obstetrician in a New York City women’s health clinic called Shulman and Associates. Raised in predominantly white Boston, Mindy has tenuous connections to her Indian heritage, a theme that recurs throughout the series. For instance, she only dates her first Indian man in her thirties and struggles to connect with him. Furthermore, she lacks Indian friends and does not speak any Indian language, nor does she seem to grasp many Indian customs or partake in traditional rituals and holidays, reflecting a disconnection from her cultural roots.
Despite these apparent disconnects, Mindy’s character embodies the essence of a realistic Indian-American experience. While she may not fit the mold of an archetypal Indian deeply tied to her culture, she represents an individual on a quest for her unique identity. Critics may label her as “whitewashed,” but they overlook how her upbringing in America has influenced her perspective, which is a significant part of her identity. In many ways, Mindy retains key Indian values and traditions. For example, her strong emphasis on education—a vital component of Indian culture—is evident as she graduates from Princeton and pursues a fellowship at Stanford. Additionally, her robust work ethic resonates with the immigrant experience, showcasing the dedication often required to succeed in a new environment. Mindy’s passion for food also reflects the importance of culinary traditions in Indian culture, where food serves as a means of connection. Although her culinary preferences are diverse, they underscore her complex identity. Furthermore, her commitment to family is evident through her affectionate relationships with her brother Rishi, her parents, and her romantic partners, echoing the cultural significance placed on familial bonds in Indian society.
While some may argue that The Mindy Project falls short in terms of South Asian representation, we believe that the show authentically reflects Kaling’s own experiences as an Indian-American, resonating with many viewers, particularly those of her generation. It transcends common stereotypes of South Asians in media, presenting Mindy Lahiri as a multi-dimensional character—intelligent and ambitious yet embracing her “girly” side and engaging with pop culture. Given the scarcity of Indian and South Asian representation in mainstream media, there is often an overwhelming pressure on those who do portray these narratives to achieve “perfect” representation.
However, it is unjust to place this burden on creators like Mindy Kaling, who are striving to carve out spaces for South Asian women in television and film. As individuals who share her cultural background, we appreciate the visibility that comes with having an Indian-American as the lead character—particularly a woman, whose representation is even rarer. Kaling’s characters often reflect her own experiences with cultural identity, embodying traits and relationships that resonate with Indian-Americans, such as Mindy Lahiri and Devi Vishwakumar from Never Have I Ever. Kaling’s perspective as an Indian-American is singular; while some may relate to her portrayal, others may not. This disconnect stems not from Kaling herself but from the broader industry landscape. An increase in South Asian characters occupying prominent, complex roles—representing various backgrounds beyond just India—would greatly enhance the chances of diverse viewers seeing themselves on screen.