Mindy Kaling's Adorable Family Moments: Exclusive Home Footage of Daughter Katherine and Son Spencer

Mindy Kaling CAROLINE BREHMAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Mindy Kaling gave her followers a special look into her family's celebrations on the 4th of July. The 44-year-old actress took to Instagram on July 5th to post a video in which she can be seen playing with a sparkler, chasing her 5-year-old daughter Katherine around their backyard, and showing her 2-year-old son Spencer the festive lights.

Since becoming a mother in 2017, Kaling has chosen to keep her children largely out of the public eye. In 2019, she spoke to The New York Times about her decision not to disclose the identity of Katherine's father, stating, "Until I discuss it with my daughter, I will not discuss it with anyone else." One year later, Kaling surprised everyone by announcing the arrival of her second child.

"I have a surprise to share today, and it's quite unusual for me. Back in September 3rd, I became a mother to a baby boy," she disclosed during an episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in October 2020. "This news is catching many people off guard. It's absolutely true! ... His name is Spencer. I forgot the most crucial detail."

Later, Kaling humorously reflected on the contrast between being a mother of one and a mother of two. "The first time, it seemed like everyone I knew suddenly emerged to shower me with gifts, cards, and messages," she mentioned in an interview with Elle in November 2020. "But once you have a second child, people tend to assume that you're doing just fine. The excitement from everyone in my life is definitely more subdued."

The creator of The Sex Lives of College Girls has remained steadfast in her refusal to discuss fan theories regarding the identity of her children's father. In a recent interview with Marie Claire, she candidly discussed her experience with motherhood.

"I am the sole parent of my children," she stated in an interview with the magazine in August 2022. "I tend to lean towards being overly cautious to minimize potential future grievances from them."

Kaling jokingly addressed the speculation surrounding B.J. Novak's paternity of her children. (The former colleagues from The Office dated for three years before breaking up in 2007, but have maintained a close friendship since then.)

"It doesn't bother me," she stated. "He is the godparent to both of my kids, and they share such a wonderful bond. So far, the rumors have had no impact on my happiness, my children, or B.J. If that is what intrigues people, I can handle it."

In the previous month, Kaling paid tribute to another man who has consistently been there for her children - her father, Avu Chokalingam.

"My father always makes an appearance. He was the one who chauffeured me home from the hospital after the births of both my children. Even now, he stops by our house at least once a day to spend time with the kids, accompany them to the farmers market, pick them up from school, or take my son's precious blue toddler car for a walk around the block," she shared on Instagram. "He even indulges in my kids' wild ideas, like when they wanted to spin Grandpa around in the chair really fast. It's fascinating how my love for my father has deepened since he became a grandfather - the role he was truly meant for."

Kaling added, "I adore him more than words can express, and he reciprocates it by telling my kids he loves them to the moon and back. Whether it's your spouse, partner, grandparent, mother, wife, step-parent, nanny, sibling, or old friend - I wish that everyone has someone who shows up for them and their family. It is the greatest blessing in life. Now excuse me while I wipe away my tears. Sending love to all of you today! ❤️"