Her series "The Mindy Project" premiered that week, and Mindy Kaling pitched in on promotions by covering the latest issue of Parade magazine.

While rocking a few poses for the Ari Michaelson-shot spread, the 34-year-old actress opened up about her show getting approved the same day as her mother's passing and revealed the struggles faced in a male-dominated comedy world.

Check out a few highlights from Miss Kaling's interview below. For more, be sure to visit Parade!

On her mother's help with the show:
"It was like a gift from God or my mom. I think she was giving me something so I didn't have to get crushed under the weight of my grief."

On the comedy world:
"There are little Indian girls out there who look up to me, and I never wanted to belittle the honor of being an inspiration to them. But while I'm talking about why I'm so different, white male show runners get to talk about their art."

On her appearance:
"I always get asked, 'Where do you get your confidence?' I think people are well meaning, but it's pretty insulting. Because what it means to me is, 'You, Mindy Kaling, have all the trappings of a very marginalized person. You're not skinny, you're not white, you're a woman. Why on earth would you feel like you're worth anything?'"