Yes, it is. Raj's inability to talk to women is a recognized condition called selective mutism.
Raj Koothrappali, played by Kunal Nayyar, quickly became a fan favorite in The Big Bang Theory's first season. He was very intellectual and funny, but Raj was unable to speak to women at the beginning of the year without drinking because of his selective mutism.
Raj's selective mutism was in fact inspired by a former co-worker of writer Bill Prady. However, Raj's character was inspired by a friend and colleague during his days as a computer programmer.
What is Selective Mutism?
Selective Mutism is a serious anxiety disorder in which a person is incapable of speaking in some social situations like with schoolmates in school or with family members, whom they don't see very often. Waiting to speak to some people causes a frozen response with feelings of panic, like a bad drama, and you can't talk.
Selective Mutism usually begins as a child and if not treated, may persist into adulthood. A child or an adult suffering from Selective Mutism does not refuse or choose to speak at certain times, they are literally incapable of speaking. Selective mutism affects approximately 1 in 140 infants. It is most frequent among girls and children learning a second language or those who have just returned from their country of origin.
Over time, people will learn to anticipate situations that cause this painful reaction and will do everything possible to prevent them. However, people who have selective mutism can speak freely to some people, such as their immediate family and friends. when no one else is available to initiate the frost reaction.
Is Raj based on a real person?
Raj Koothrappali is one of a kind in the television landscape. It appears that the "silence" part of Raj's personality was based on a real person rather than a past TV character. Kunal Nayyar, who plays Raj, told Page Six in 2010 about the inspiration behind his character. Nayyar stated that the character is based on a friend of Bill Prady's, co-creator of the show, who was pathologically shy. Eventually he got married and had children, so he was cured.
Although he is originally from India, his cultural heritage seldom plays a major role in its arches of history. He's usually treated like an ordinary nerd like the rest of the main guys in the series. Moreover, Raj's state of "selective mutism" making him incapable of speaking to women is a rather unusual disease for television.
Just like Prady's friend in real life, Raj ends up learning to get over his state after experimenting with different confidence boosters like drugs and especially alcohol. However, it is impossible to know exactly why Raj developed this pathological inability to speak to women since apparently, he was in a close relationship with his mother and sister as he grew older.
Who plays Raj Koothrappali?
Kunal Nayyar, a British actor, portrayed Raj Koothrappali on the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. He was born on April 30, 1981, in Hammersmith, London, to an Indian immigrant family.
In 1999, Nayyar pursued a bachelor's degree in financial business administration at the University of Portland in Oregon. He began taking theater classes and appeared in several school plays while working on his graduation. Nayyar attended the American College Theater Festival and decided to become an actor.
FAQs
Q. Does Raj's condition in The Big Bang Theory exist?
A. Yes, it is. The condition of Raj - the inability to talk to women - is a real condition called selective mutism.
Q. How tall is Rajesh Koothrappali?
A. Rajesh Koothrappali stands 5 ft 7 in tall.
Q. Who gave Raj the mug and what's written on it?
A. Sheldon gave the mug to Raj which says "World's Best Astrophysicist."
