There are multiple mentions of Katherine Newbury (Dame Emma Thompson) publicly discussing her clinical depression. In real life, Thompson had publicly discussed her depression following her split from Sir Kenneth Branagh.
Actress, Writer, and Producer Mindy Kaling wrote the role of Katherine Newbury specifically for Dame Emma Thompson.
A poster for director Nisha Ganatra's first movie, Chutney Popcorn (1999), can be seen on a wall in Molly's room.