Mindy Kaling Lightens the Mood at DNC with Kamala Harris Anecdote

Actress Mindy Kaling brought her signature humor to the Democratic National Convention, playfully referencing her connection with Vice President Kamala Harris and their shared Indian heritage.
“I’m an incredibly famous Gen Z actress you might recognize from The Office, The Mindy Project, or as the woman who bravely outed Kamala Harris as Indian in an Instagram cooking video,” Kaling quipped, drawing laughs from the audience.

A Personal Connection

Kaling reminisced about her first encounter with Harris during a cooking demonstration when Harris was serving as a U.S. senator from California. “We immediately hit it off,” Kaling recalled, reflecting on their shared experiences. “We talked about the love we have for our moms, both of whom tragically passed away from cancer.”
Both women’s mothers were immigrants from India, dedicated to making a difference in their communities. Kaling’s mother was an OB-GYN, while Harris’ mother was a prominent cancer research scientist.

A Culinary Encounter

Kaling expressed her admiration for Harris, noting that she felt a deep connection to the values instilled by their mothers. “I could sense that Kamala’s mother had passed down the same commitment to humanity that guided my own life,” she shared.

“But what I remember most about the Vice President,” Kaling continued, “is that Kamala Harris can cook! Seriously, she was so much better than me. But she also knew my family was watching, so while she gently corrected my dosa-making skills, she complimented me every step of the way.”

Context of the Remarks

Kaling’s lighthearted comments come in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s racially charged remarks about Harris, suggesting she “happened to turn Black” in recent years. Harris, who attended Howard University—a historically Black institution—has frequently discussed her identity as both a Black and South Asian woman.
Additionally, Kaling pointed out the repeated mispronunciations of Harris’ name by Trump and his allies, emphasizing its meaning, “lotus flower,” in Sanskrit.

In a world where humor can often bridge divides, Kaling’s anecdotes not only entertained but also highlighted the importance of shared heritage and identity.

See the video clip: