In conversation with Charithra Chandra who played the role of Edwina Sharma in the highly celebrated period production by master storyteller Shonda Rhimes. She highlights the rising trend of South Asian breakthrough performers in the West, the organic camaraderie shared between her fellow co-star of Tamil origin – Simone Ashley (Kate Sharma in the show) and the man of the hour – Jonathan Bailey (Anthony Bridgerton in the show). So much done, so much to look forward to, here is how a fairytale replete with a culturally diverse ensemble cast, has become a phenomenon of sorts for leading the way to embrace a colour-conscious practice both visually and aesthetically.
From being on the brink of being a management consultant to having your world change completely by being cast in Bridgerton - the feeling must be phenomenal right?
When I sort of look back on the journey or the life that I could’ve led, it’s almost overwhelming right cause it’s such a change. I always think it’s almost like a fairytale you think to yourself like ‘okay what if I tried this and what if it just about happened’, and I’m definitely lucky to say that it has for me. On a day-to-day basis, I was just so focused on the job at hand and what I had to do, and I was working hard and hustling so yeah. It’s only when I kind of reflect retrospectively but on a day-to-day basis, I don't really think about it that much.
Your parents were doctors who moved from India, to be taking that plunge of becoming an actor of colour in a foreign country - what was their reaction like?
The thing is obviously it is super scary for them just because all my family have all doctors or businessmen. So yeah, of course, that was super frightening but I think that all my life I’ve worked really hard and I’ve always just kind of gone for what I wanted and they sort of respect me and respect my judgement enough to support me. I’ve also had the immense privilege of a great education, so I think in the back of their heads they’re like ‘well this isn’t going to be all or the end for her, she has other options', and I think that provides them great comfort.
Tell us a little about your Bridgerton journey, how did it come to be?
In the most traditional way like my agent says ‘they want you to audition for the show, have a read, and let me know what you think’, and the thing is when we auditioned it was done all in secrecy so we did not get to know it was Bridgerton, we didn’t know what part it was but it was more about the feel of the script and the characters. But yeah it was just like any other audition really.
What was your initial feeling when you auditioned for your part and got the role?
For me, my process was so long. That's why I just presumed I didn’t get the part. That is why it felt like a massive relief. I just sort of wanted them to start filming as soon as possible so they can’t change their mind.
Season 2 had two South Asian talents in the lead - how did you deal with the expectations?
It feels so revolutionary to have two dark-skinned south Asian leads in a period drama so you really want to do a good job. So I definitely felt the pressure and I’m just so relieved that people loved it.
Tell us about some endearing moments shared with your South Asian co-star Simone Ashley
Basically you never expect to work with another brown woman right in this industry, there are so few of us. And so in my second job working with a fellow Tamilian the chances of that feel so minuscule. So I’m really grateful because there’s always a feeling like, ‘We’re in this together, we are carrying this thing on our shoulders.' It was nice to have someone to sort of share that with.
What are your feelings regarding the colour-conscious practice that Bridgerton has brought in with the diversity of cultural backgrounds in its ensemble cast?
I think it makes for an exciting show. In Hollywood, in film and TV, there’s always been this old-fashioned notion that shows with lots of people of colour won’t be popular. Bridgerton is the perfect example of how that is just absolutely not true. I think it just makes the story more interesting and exciting and I believe that everybody deserves to see themselves represented on screen. I have to admit until I saw some of the messages I had received after brown women saw the show, I didn’t even realize how important representation was. Isn't that what we are all craving? To feel like we belong and have a place in this world and I think that’s what Bridgerton does.
Would you term Bridgerton to be a show that stands as a classic example of how to embrace this growing advent of South Asian actors?
I think Bridgerton is a major milestone but truthfully I think there have been so many people that have been working for years that are finally getting their well-deserved recognition. Obviously, there’s Mindy Kaling, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Riz Ahmed there’s Maitreyi from Never have I ever. There are a lot of people popping up and I’m just glad that Simone and I can join that group. So I would never say that we’re the first, we are standing on the shoulders of people that really had to work hard to make a name for themselves.
Recently during the Oscars - Priyanka Chopra Jonas represented South Asian Talent and it was indeed a matter of pride - what would you say about this evolution?
I think it's so exciting. So Priyanka and my friend Shruti Ganguly, who is a director and a writer, and obviously Riz Ahmed, all hosted a Pre-Oscars event just highlighting South Asian talent. An event like that I could not imagine happening five years ago. And the fact that Riz, who is a desi British man, won an oscar; it was such a proud moment and it was so exciting. And I think that what we have to remember is that the change is so recent.
How was it working with Jonathan Bailey on such a mega-production?
I mean he is our number one champion. He always supported us and he was so proud of us. And the thing is, for us what we represent is obvious- the colour of our skin. But what Jonathan had was a big responsibility on his shoulders too; he represented an openly gay actor playing a straight lead in a period drama. That is also really revolutionary. So I think between the three of us, we all felt this privilege to be representing our respective communities. But yeah Johnny was always our number one champion.
How much of Edwina do you relate to in real life?
I’d say like our personality, I’d like to think we are both kind. We’re both generous towards people and we’re both people's person, we love people. Other than that I don’t think Edwina and I are very similar at all. I think that we both really love our families, we’re probably both quite girly but yeah not similar at all but it was a wonderful challenge and opportunity to play her.
The character arc and evolution of Edwina are very interesting in the show, how did you prepare for it?
It feels really organic to her growth you know, it was never a struggle cause I think that's where she was heading. She is this character who’s been so controlled and manipulated throughout the show that it was like a volcano that was ready to erupt. So I think it flowed really naturally.
Has the show opened up a lot more avenues for you with its wild popularity?
In life, I don’t think that any project or any situation, any relationship, or ever will make or break you. I think that it is really dangerous for an actor to feel entitled to anything. I’m so grateful to get the opportunity of Bridgerton in and of itself and I am ready to work hard to secure the next thing. But I don't expect anything else from it.
Future projects that you are currently busy with, any future plans in branching out to Bollywood?
I think that’s a question for Bollywood. The reality is Simone and I got cast in Hollywood. We are dark-skinned actors. I’m not sure Bollywood will be entirely welcoming of us. Who knows? I’d love to do something like a fun dance number or something.
Recently a video went viral on social media of you making the much-hyped Lady Whistledown (played by Nicola Coughlan) react to scenes from Shah Rukh Khan's films. Are you a fan of SRK?
I’m a huge fan of Bollywood in general, I really enjoy the movies. And it was just really fun, you know I think Nicola had never seen any Bollywood films before so it was enjoyable to show her that part of our culture.
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