It’s hard to believe it’s been over 5 years since The Big Bang Theory aired its final episode. The CBS sitcom was a pop culture phenomenon during its 12 season run, turning its main cast into household names.
One of those was Rati Gupta, who played Raj’s love interest Anu for the last two seasons. While not one of the core stars, Gupta’s Anu was a fan favorite and added a fun new dynamic to Raj’s character arc. So after the show ended in 2019, what happened to Rati Gupta?
Background Information
Rati Gupta was born on February 9, 1984, in Michigan City, Indiana and born to parents who migrated to the U.S. from India.
Gupta’s parents, both from India, had an arranged marriage, a process she’s familiar with and which resonates with her character’s storyline.
Her mother is from Varanasi, a holy city on the Ganges River, while her father, originally from a town north of New Delhi, moved to the U.S. for his medical training.
From a young age, she was passionate about dance, which played a pivotal role in building her confidence. She trained in various dance forms, including the Indian classical dance, Kathak, and later ventured into ballet, tap, jazz, and cheerleading.
Gupta double majored in Dance and Psychology at Northwestern University. She also fulfilled her premed requirements but never pursued a career in medicine.
Rati’s initial dream was to become a backup dancer for her idol, Janet Jackson. This aspiration led her to move to Los Angeles in 2008, where she faced numerous rejections.
An acting coach recognized her comedic potential, leading Gupta to immerse herself in the world of comedy. She pursued stand-up comedy, studied improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade, and has been dedicated to making people laugh ever since.
With the success of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and the industry’s growing interest in South Asian narratives, Rati secured an agent. But her first significant break came almost a decade later.
Early Career
Gupta’s first role in L.A., which got her a SAG card, was a Hallmark commercial directed by a renowned commercial director.
Rati’s first notable role was in MTV’s 2010 movie ‘Worst Prom Ever’. Unlike her previous roles, this character allowed her to showcase her acting skills without being confined to a stereotypical ‘Indian identity’.
Another breakthrough came with her character, Ray, in Seth Rogen’s ‘Futureman’. This role was a refreshing change, allowing Rati to play a character that was more than just her ethnicity.
The Big Bang Theory
Her role in the award-winning show “The Big Bang Theory” was another milestone. Gupta would portray the character of Anu. Initially skeptical about playing a clichéd South Asian character, Rati was pleasantly surprised. Her character was portrayed as a strong, modern, independent and unapologetic woman with a tongue piercing, breaking away from traditional South Asian stereotypes.
When asked about her experience joining a show with such a well-established fandom and cast, Gupta admitted to feeling intimidated initially. She likened her experience to joining high school during the senior year.
Despite the initial apprehension, Gupta expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she received from the cast, emphasizing how quickly they integrated her into their “family.”
Gupta revealed that she was unaware that she was joining the show in its final season. She was hired just a week before the announcement of the show’s conclusion. This revelation added a layer of significance to her role, transforming it from a mere character addition to being part of the show’s grand finale.
What is Rati Gupta Doing Now?
After the Big Bang Theory ended, Rati acted in an episode of the Netflix series, “Unbelievable”, which offers commentary on rape culture. The show sheds light on the struggles of victims and the challenges they face with law enforcement. Rati expressed her pride in being part of such a significant project, emphasizing the importance of telling these stories.
Gupta followed that up with a staring role on the series Heart Baby Eggplant, ‘a scripted comedy series about 3 women with 3 different relationship styles.’
Gupta also became an active and vocal participant during the SAG & WGA strike. On her Instagram, she shares her experiences from the picket lines. She describe the vibrant atmosphere and also delves into deeper discussions about labor rights and the significance of unions.
Gupta’s decision to become a Strike Captain was driven by her commitment to “Community and Purpose.”
As for her future endeavors, Rati is focusing on creating her own projects. She aims to tell authentic South Asian-American narratives, drawing from her personal experiences.
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