Mindy Kaling is back in the spotlight—this time, not just for her latest Netflix project but for an unexpectedly awkward moment that got the internet buzzing.
The 45-year-old actress and writer made a stunning appearance in New York City, stepping out in three different, equally glamorous outfits.
Her outing comes shortly after a now-viral interaction with Meghan Markle on the Duchess’s new Netflix cooking show, With Love, Meghan.
A Glamorous Red Carpet Appearance
Kaling attended the premiere of Running Point, her latest Netflix series, alongside co-creator Ike Barinholtz and lead actress Kate Hudson.
As one of the show’s creators and executive producers, Kaling looked effortlessly chic in a nude bustier paired with a pinstripe suit.
She completed the look with a silver necklace, gold rings, and dark lipstick, styling her hair in loose waves.
Hudson, 45, also brought her fashion A-game, dazzling in a silky pink slip dress and white boots.
In the series, she plays Isla Gordon, the sister of an L.A. professional basketball team’s president.
Running Point officially premiered on Netflix on February 27, just under a year after its announcement.
A Day of Stylish Looks
Before the premiere, Kaling turned heads in an eye-catching black mini dress adorned with crystal embellishments. She paired the elegant ensemble with pointed-toe heels and a sleek black clutch.
Later, she was spotted in yet another chic look—this time a floor-length black coat with a fur collar.
Kaling’s confidence and fashion choices continue to make waves, especially after her well-documented 40-pound weight loss in 2023.
The Meghan Markle Moment That Went Viral
Despite the dazzling fashion moments, Kaling’s recent viral fame comes from her guest appearance on With Love, Meghan, where a seemingly innocent comment led to an unexpected correction from the Duchess of Sussex.
During episode two of the cooking show, Kaling and Markle reminisced about childhood fast-food favorites.
When Kaling playfully expressed surprise at Markle’s love for Jack in the Box, she referred to her as “Meghan Markle.” That’s when the conversation took an awkward turn.
With a tight smile, Markle quickly corrected her, saying, “It’s so funny you keep saying Meghan Markle—you know I’m Sussex now.”
Kaling appeared slightly taken aback but quickly responded, “Well, now I know and I love it.”
A Body Language Breakdown
The interaction didn’t go unnoticed, with body language expert Judi James weighing in on the tension.
Speaking to DailyMail.com, James described how Markle seemed visibly uncomfortable with Kaling’s wording.
According to the expert, Markle’s reaction—including avoiding eye contact, hunching her shoulders, and making a small fist near her chest—suggested a strong emotional response.
But that wasn’t the only correction. Later in the episode, Markle also stepped in to correct Kaling’s pronunciation of the French cookware brand Le Creuset.
When Kaling jokingly referred to the cookware as “heavy-a** Le Creu-say,” Markle swiftly corrected her without much humor.
Kaling took it in stride but later joked to the camera, “Some of us have been to Europe.”
Kaling’s Take on the Experience
Despite the viral moments, Kaling seems to have enjoyed her time on the show.
Speaking to TIME Magazine last month, she shared how Markle invited her to Montecito while she was on maternity leave.
“I wanted to get taken care of in that moment of my life,” Kaling said. “That was a fun maternity leave field trip.”
And Markle didn’t send her home empty-handed—Kaling left with a basket full of fresh produce, homemade jam, and hot sauce, knowing how much she loved it.
Awkward moments aside, it seems Kaling walked away from the experience with good memories—and some delicious snacks.