The past year and a half hasn’t been the easiest on Mindy Kaling.
In July of 2014, for example, she was asked to wake up at an ungodly hour to announce the Emmys television comedy nominees — a list of which she was not a part for her work on “The Mindy Project.” In May, after a season of rough ratings, the same show was cancelled by Fox.
But just because it hasn’t been the easiest does not mean it is not still hers for the taking. As Mindy says in her book, “Why Not Me”: “Work hard, know your shit, show your shit, and then feel entitled.” In aces, Mindy Kaling has earned the right to feel entitled.
After “The Mindy Project” was cancelled, it found a new home at Hulu as one of the first examples of Hulu original broadcasting. Now, the fourth season of “The Mindy Project” premieres episodes weekly at midnight on Tuesdays for those who have paid for the service. By being online, the show is more creative; there are no time constraints, nor is there a limit to the type of humor the show can now pursue. As a result, the show has reached its highest quality and consistency yet, exemplified by the show’s high popularity on Hulu and widespread critical acclaim. Mindy’s all the better without network backing: “What the hell is Fox? Just some people who don’t pay me anymore.”
Not only is Mindy succeeding as showrunner, the recent publication of her second book, “Why Not Me,” proves she is also as successful off TV. The book follows a similar pattern to her first, “Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me.” Full of anecdotes, advice and a quick detour into autobiographical fanfiction, Mindy remains the most relatable of female comedians we’d love to call our BFF. Notable highlights include Mindy’s West-Winged romance, a discussion on why filming sex scenes are so much more fun than everyone says and a beautiful discussion on what it means to have confidence when everyone is trying to make sure you don’t.
I’ve always loved Mindy Kaling for her honesty and her belief that hard work is the only guarantee to any success. She is equal measures fun and fierce. She is fashionable both as Mindy Kaling and Mindy Lahiri — “The Mindy Project” got an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Costume Design, and Mindy herself has been featured in Glamour and InStyle. She proves she is a role model through the things she does as well as through the things she says.
Whether through the success of her book or her television show, it’s clear Mindy’s killing. The autumn is hers, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she claims the winter, spring and summer.
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