Mindy Kaling Has mastered ensemble comedy (see: Never Have I Ever Been to Mindy ProjectObviously, The OfficeSo it is no surprise that her latest series, College Girls’ Sexual Lives is funny as hell…with a twist.

The HBO Max Series’ breakout stars are Pauline ChalametAmrit KaurReneé Rapp and Alyah Chanelle Scott can’t help but gush over working with creator, writer executive producer Kaling, they also pointed to a few other surprising Hollywood comedy icons as inspiration for forming their eccentric collegiate friend group on-screen. 

Kaur explained how she got into Bela as quick-witted Bela by saying, “I did lots of research on comedians.” My mentor and I compiled a lengthy list. Wanda Sykes, Dave Chappelle, Ali Wong, Amy SchumerSo many. I simply studied them. Also, I did my fair share of standup. I’m not a great at it. 

Kaur added, “This is so weird but I felt blessed to be a brown girl who can say d––k and c––k on the screen and talk about sex because no brown girl has done that yet, and that is crazy to me. It was a feeling I could only describe as “blessed.”