Simone Ashley is redefining Hollywood’s image of South Asian women, here is how the internet is reacting to the new Bridgerton star!
Earlier this week, it was announced that Simone Ashley is starring in season 2 of the hit series Bridgerton, and fans are going crazy. Her leading role as Kate Sharma, Lord Anthony’s love interest, is seen as a huge win for South Asian representation. Fans are especially excited that dark-skinned girls will finally see themselves on the big screen since it is such a rarity in Hollywood.
However, this isn’t the first time that the British-Tamil actress has been praised for breaking Indian stereotypes. Her portrayal of mean-girl Olivia Hanan in Netflix’s Sex Education was seen as a breath of fresh air for many South Asian teenagers who are used to seeing themselves as nerdy, undesirable academics. On the contrary, Olivia is the wildly popular “it-girl” who is confident in herself, and her sexuality – qualities rarely associated with brown girls.
Simone Ashley is truly redefining the western perception of South Asian women, and we are ever so grateful. Over the last few days, fans have been flocking to the Internet to share what her latest leading role means to them. Here are some of our favorite reactions!
Actress Mindy Kaling also shares her excitement!
The absolute coolest. A feisty young British-Tamil lady in this world! Didn’t think I could more excited for next season. ❤️ https://t.co/pgzQDPlr6R
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) February 16, 2021
அக்கா means “sister” in Tamil
simone ashley being a dark skin tamil woman god GODDDD MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED😭😭 I’m about to start calling her அக்கா
— 🤍 (@7DREAMlES) February 17, 2021
I am SOOOOO happy to read this! As a brown woman w/ 2 teen girls it will be amazing to see someone who looks like us playing such a strong, beautiful character. Beauty is infinite diversity in infinite combination. Thank you for using your show to demonstrate this! #Bridgerton
— Tina Thomas (@yegtinat) February 18, 2021
Anthony Bridgerton and Kate SHARMA?!? An indian in a non-Bollywood period drama? As a brown girl myself, i am extremely immensely very much excited 😭😭😭🐝
— strAngel (@_noturdaughter) February 18, 2021
Never, in a million years, would I have expected the TV adaptation of my favorite series to exceed all expectations, then take and cast a brown girl as the lead in MY STORY. Because I relate the most to Kate. Im actually in tears now. Glorious day. #bridgerton #bridgertonnetflix pic.twitter.com/VOATNhWhq9
— 🐝Promenading Anthony’s Pinnacle🐝 (@chaoticguitar) February 15, 2021
Bridgerton casting Simone Ashley, an amazing brown woman, as the romantic lead on Season 2 of Bridgerton is kinda cute! I can finally be represented in a period piece without the character being a victim of colonization
— Ann Kovoor (@KovoorAnn) February 16, 2021
I want to go back to 18-year old me dreaming of Anthony Bridgerton and tell her that in a decade favourite heroine Kate will be a brown girl and some dreams do get fulfilled, if figuratively. #Bridgerton https://t.co/p1qfeYNBNQ
— Ritwika Roy (@FangirlRika) February 16, 2021
As a brown girl, I am so happy to finally be seeing myself portrayed in a positive light. Thank you, Simone Ashley for pioneering a new image for South Asian women. We know she is going to kill it on Bridgerton!
