Where this was said
Avantika Vandanapu: From Bollywood to Mindy's Universe
At 6:57 · chapter starts 2:10
Amy reconnects with Avantika Vandanapu, who they first met on the set of Amy's Netflix film Moxie. Avantika shares the unexpected story of her career origins: her mother left her job the day Avantika was born and moved the family to India for four years so a 10-year-old Avantika could pursue Bollywood. The warmth between Amy and Avantika's father — who share a birthday — is recalled with delight. But the real highlight is Avantika's account of DMing Mindy at 17, being met with genuine enthusiasm, and being taken to a French strip-mall restaurant where Mindy ordered escargot and asked: 'What do you want in life?' Avantika describes Mindy as deeply curious, present, and someone who functions as an unofficial friend and role model for an entire generation of young South Asian women.
At 17, Avantika DM'd Mindy Kaling out of admiration; Mindy responded by taking her to a strip-mall French restaurant, their first one-on-one meeting over snails and career questions.
When Avantika DM'd Mindy at 17 with a fangirl message, Mindy didn't just reply — she took her to a French restaurant in an LA strip-mall and ordered escargot. Over snails, Mindy asked: 'What do you want in life?' That question set the tone for their entire relationship.
Watching Mindy Kaling get made into a major television star wasn't just inspiring — it was proof that 'people like me are deserving of being put on a big platform.' Avantika describes auditioning for Never Have I Ever, memorizing the sign-in sheet, and wanting to befriend every girl in the waiting room.
