<P> Eric Gablehauser (Mark Harelik) is the head of the Physics Department, the group's boss at the university . When he first starts working at the university, he fires Sheldon after Sheldon insults his intelligence . Eventually, Gablehauser rehires Sheldon after he and Sheldon's mother display a mutual romantic interest . Gablehauser later hosts the Physics Bowl, and gives Raj attention when he is featured in a People article for discovering a planet . </P> <P> V.M. Koothrappali (Brian George) is Raj's father in India . His wife and he communicate with their son via Skype and constantly try to arrange dates for him . They want their son to marry a woman of Indian descent, and give them grandchildren . Although in many episodes Raj mentions that he grew up in poverty, his friends remind him of the contrary by pointing out that Dr. Koothrappali is a gynecologist, drives a Bentley, and employs servants . In one such episode, Raj replies that the Bentley is leased and there are only four servants in his family home, two of whom are children . Dr. Koothrappali enjoys Doogie Howser reruns, which are apparently new to India . Other than Raj, he also maintains contact with their daughter Priya via Skype whenever she is out of India . In season four, Dr. Koothrappali becomes angry with Leonard when he learns that his daughter, Priya, is dating Leonard without his knowledge . According to Sheldon, the Koothrappalis are "Richie Rich rich". </P> <P> The Koothrappalis go through a rough patch in their marriage, culminating in them separating in season eight around the time of their 40th wedding anniversary, with Dr. Koothrappali moving out and Mrs. Koothrappali setting fire to his car . Dr. Koothrappali makes his first physical appearance on the show in season eight, visiting the main characters at a Christmas party after the divorce . Dr. Koothrappali later cuts off Raj financially when he buys a helicopter drone, but Raj manages to turn the situation around by pitting his father against his mother . He also asks his father to give advice to a nervous, pregnant Bernadette . </P> <P> Mrs. Koothrappali (Alice Amter) is Raj's mother in India . Mrs. Koothrappali is especially worried that, despite Raj being old enough to marry, the closest they have to a daughter - in - law is "that little Jewish boy Howard". She enjoys Doogie Howser reruns, which are apparently new to India . Other than Raj, she also maintains contact with Priya via video chat whenever she is out of India . She also had some anger towards Leonard when it became apparent that he was dating Priya without her knowledge . </P>

Who plays raj's parents on the big bang theory