B.J. Novak, Mindy Kaling Shutterstock(2)
B.J. Novak received effusive praise from his close friend Mindy Kaling on his 44th birthday. On Monday, July 31, Kaling took to Instagram to express her well wishes to "Uncle B," accompanied by a car selfie featuring the two longtime friends.
Novak, who is 44 years old, provided fans with a glimpse into the dynamic between him and Kaling by stating, "The car ride home with you is more enjoyable than any party."
The friendship between Kaling and Novak has had a lasting impact on fans ever since they portrayed coworkers and romantic partners Kelly Kapoor and Ryan Howard on The Office from 2005 to 2013. Throughout their tenure on the show, the duo also had a three-year off-screen relationship before going their separate ways in 2007.
Since ending their relationship, Kaling and Novak have maintained a close bond, sparking speculation among fans about the nature of their connection.
Novak revealed in a January 2013 interview with Entertainment Weekly that when either of them dates someone new, there is often skepticism about the true nature of their friendship. He explained, "Many people seem to believe that there may be something more between the two of you. I don't want to interfere, but are you certain that you're not dating? Is it possible that you might become romantically involved?" This scenario is a common occurrence when a close and platonic friendship becomes complicated by romantic entanglements.
Courtesy of Mindy Kaling/Instagram
In 2015, Kaling opened up about her unconventional relationship with Novak, describing it as "weird as hell." While not officially dating, they were more than just best friends. "I guess you could call it a 'romantically charged camaraderie with loud arguments,' but I doubt Facebook would approve this as a new status," she shared with InStyle.
Kaling addressed the speculation surrounding her relationship status with Novak once again after giving birth to her two children, Katherine, 5, and Spencer, 2.
"I want to clarify that I am the sole parent of my kids," Kaling emphasized to Marie Claire in August 2022, firmly dismissing any doubts regarding Novak's paternity.
The creators of The Sex Lives of College Girls clarified that the rumors regarding her relationship with Novak do not bother her and do not impact his bond with her children.
"He is the godparent to both of my kids, and they have a wonderful relationship," Kaling stated. "Therefore, the speculation has not affected my happiness, my children, or BJ. If that is what intrigues people, I can accept it."
Novak, despite not being Katherine and Spencer's father, fulfills the role of a highly involved godparent. According to Kaling, he regularly visits her daughter, providing an opportunity for Kaling to take care of personal tasks such as showering or exercising. She describes Novak as a fantastic godparent.