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Entertainment • Actor

Nik Dodani

Nik Dodani is an American actor, writer, and comedian known for playing Zahid in the Netflix series Atypical and Pat Patel in the CBS revival of Murphy Brown.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Nik Dodani is an American actor, writer, and comedian known for playing Zahid in the Netflix series Atypical and Pat Patel in the CBS revival of Murphy Brown. He has also appeared in films and stage productions, and has worked as a stand-up comedian and writer. Dodani was born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Arizona.

Early life

Dodani was born in Dallas, Texas, on December 19, 1993, and was raised in Arizona. Sources describe him as the child of Indian immigrants, and he studied politics at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Career

He began with stand-up comedy before moving into television, film, and theatre. His best-known television roles are Zahid in Atypical and Pat Patel in Murphy Brown, and he later appeared in projects such as Escape Room, Dear Evan Hansen, Twisters, and The Parenting.

Stage and writing work

Dodani made his Broadway debut in Waitress and has also been credited as a writer and producer. Sources also note that he has worked on a short film adaptation of Blue Boy.

Public identity

Dodani is openly gay, and interviews and profiles have highlighted his work alongside LGBTQ representation in entertainment. Several sources also identify him as South Asian or of Indian descent.

Key facts

  • Best known for his role as Zahid in Netflix’s Atypical and Pat Patel in the CBS revival of Murphy Brown.
  • Appeared in films including Escape Room, Dear Evan Hansen, and Twisters.
  • Made his Broadway debut in Waitress.
  • Began his career in stand-up comedy, with a late-night debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
  • Born in Dallas, Texas, and raised in Arizona.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Nik Dodani?
Nik Dodani is an American actor, writer, and comedian best known for Atypical and Murphy Brown.
What is Nik Dodani best known for?
He is best known for playing Zahid in Atypical and Pat Patel in Murphy Brown.
Where was Nik Dodani born?
He was born in Dallas, Texas.
What other work has he done?
He has appeared in film and stage projects, including Escape Room, Dear Evan Hansen, Twisters, and Waitress.
Is Nik Dodani openly gay?
Yes. Multiple sources describe him as openly gay.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nik_Dodani
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, occupations, and major roles in Atypical and Murphy Brown.
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm6516135/
    Supports: Birthplace, occupations, and credits including Atypical, The Parenting, and stage work.
  3. Broadway.comhttps://www.broadway.com/buzz/stars/nik-dodani/profile/
    Supports: Broadway debut in Waitress and key acting credits.
  4. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/nik_dodani
    Supports: Born in Dallas, raised in Arizona, education, stand-up background, and major roles.
  5. Business Standardhttps://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/lgbtq-lives-being-reflected-on-screen-nik-dodani-119020600667_1.html
    Supports: Openly gay identity and early stand-up career.
  6. The Hinduhttps://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/nik-dodani-interview-escape-room-murphy-brown/article26203336.ece
    Supports: Escape Room, Murphy Brown, and Blue Boy screenplay work.
  7. Teen Voguehttps://www.teenvogue.com/story/new-hollywood-2022-nik-dodani
    Supports: Background, breakout with Atypical, and supporting roles in film and television.