Rajesh Koothrappali is a fictional character from the television show The Big Bang Theory. He is portrayed as an astrophysicist originally from India and is known for his inability to speak to women unless he is under the influence of alcohol. Rajesh is characterized by his close friendship with fellow scientists, particularly Sheldon Cooper and Howard Wolowitz. His love for astronomy and his cultural background often provide comedic moments in the series, highlighting both his intelligence and his struggles with social interactions.