Did you know? Raj’s six-pack was hidden on purpose in The Big Bang Theory

Turns out Raj was ripped all along! If you've watched The Big Bang Theory, you definitely remember Raj Koothrappali as this shy, sweet and awkward character who had a complex relationship with women.

Played by the British-Indian actor Kunal Nayyar, Raj added an interesting and humorous layer to the globally famous sitcom with his geeky astrophysicist profession, metrosexual personality and an Indian accent that remains the same to date.With his nerdy attire and soft-spoken charm, Raj quickly became a hit among men who weren't the outspoken, macho types and were rather talented yet shy. As a fan of the show, you might feel like you know every trivia about it, but we bet you weren't aware of this one!Apparently, the shy and nerdy Raj was hiding a six-pack behind his baggy sweaters and pants.

Actor Kunal Nayyar recently shared that during one of his early episodes, he wanted to take off his shirt during a meteor shower scene for a comedic effect.

However, seeing Nayyar's toned physique, Chuck Lorre, the show's creator quickly intervened and insisted that Rajesh Koothrappali wasn't meant to look like someone who spent hours in the gym. The nerdy stereotypes of his character had to be preserved and a muscular Raj wasn't a person the audience expected.

Nayyar admitted that he was frustrated with the decision at the time, around Seasons 2 and 3, since he was in great shape and wanted to show off his hard work but had to reluctantly accept it.While Raj did end up shirtless on the screen numerous times, even showing off his biceps and tattooed arms in some scenes, he was never a ripped guy but one with a slight belly.

The decision, similar to many others like Raj's fashion style and sexuality, showcases how deeply a character is woven into a plot and in the minds of the audience, such that veering away from the expectations associated with it is not possible.

Big Bang Theory was and is loved not only because of the geeky science it mentioned or the unique humour it popularised, but because it made acceptance of your own identity and personality an easy and proud act for a huge class of socially awkward geniuses who were brilliantly talented yet underconfident in romance or physical confidence.

It gave them the confidence that they are unique and will find people who are their own and love them for just as peculiar and particular as they are.Raj in particular was this lovely insecure character who struggled with communication, relationships and confidence and for him to have an athletic appearance would clash with his persona. Thus, the decision to clad him in hideous colourful clothes, patterned vests, and layered bulky fits added weight to his personality.It made him a part of the geek culture and let his mind and humour shine, something that was precisely the reason he came to be loved by fans.