Mindy Kaling’s new coming-of-age comedy on Netflix Neve Have I Ever continues to lock down its casting for its premiere season. Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy, previously of The Office, has been confirmed for a recurring role in the series.
The series, to be produced by Kaling and Lang Fisher, will be taking inspiration from Kaling’s own childhood. The show follows Devi, played by Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, and “her journey as she navigates her life as a modern first-generation Indian American,” according to mxdwn reporter Satvi Sunkara. Deadline describes the character of Devi as “an overachieving high school sophomore who has short fuse that gets her into difficult situations.” Kaling talked about her inspiration for the series in an interview with Variety, saying, “I wasn’t as interested in telling a period piece about an Indian girl growing up in the ’80s, but I told them I’d love to do a show about a 15 year old Indian girl now.”
In the series, Sendhil Ramamurthy will be playing Mohan Venkatesan, the father figure of the show. Deadline explains Mohan’s backstory, stating that “Along with his wife, he moved to Los Angeles from Chennai in 2001. He loves America and is determined to give his teenage daughter the best life possible here.” Ramamurthy’s appearance on Never Have I Ever will also be a bit of a reunion for him and Kaling. Ramamurthy appeared on seasons eight and nine of The Office alongside Kaling’s character Kelly Kapoor, playing the role of Kelly’s boyfriend Ravi. Ramamurthy has also had recurring roles on the CW show The Flash as the villain Bloodwork.
Ramamurthy is not the only prominent figure to be joining Never Have I Ever. Earlier this month it was confirmed that tennis icon John McEnroe would be acting as the narrator for the series. McEnroe met Kaling through her parents, who were tennis fans and would often watch his matches.
Never Have I Ever will be premiering on Netflix, but an official release date has not yet been confirmed.