When Variety played a game of “Never Have I Ever” with the cast of the Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher’s new Netflix comedy, stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Ramona Young and Lee Rodriguez revealed whether or not they’ve found themselves in any of the coming of age show’s often relatable (yet sometimes wacky) circumstances in real life.
Watch the full video to find out which cast member got sent to the principal’s office for skipping 72 classes in high school, who got paid to do a friend’s homework and who pet a coyote.
The only question Variety didn’t ask the stars was “Never Have I Ever Acted Before,” so we’ll answer that one here: This honor goes to Ramakrishnan, who makes her professional acting debut in the comedy series.
Answering Kaling’s open casting call posted on social media, the young actor won the role of Devi Vishwakumar, an Indian American teenager navigating life as a nerdy high school sophomore in Southern California.
“It’s still so surreal to me. It’s crazy to think like so many people around the world wanted to be a part of this,” Ramakrishnan told Variety of the more than 15,000 people who auditioned. “And it’s a nice feeling to know that.”
Also reassuring for the newcomer was working with Kaling on the series. The show’s premise is loosely based on “The Mindy Project” and “The Office” alum’s own experience as an Indian American girl balancing her South Asian roots while growing up the western world, an experience Ramakrishnan could personally relate to as well.
“I’m Tamil. My parents are born in Sri Lanka. They came to Canada in their 20s, and I was born in Canada and raised my whole life in Mississauga,” Ramakrishan said. “So, it’s confusing when you’re trying to figure out who are you. So, sometimes you feel like you’re an outsider, but you’re on the inside.”
“That’s a story a lot of people can relate to,” she continued. “So, it’s really important to touch on it.
“Never Have I Ever” is now streaming on Netflix.
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