Bridgerton’s Simone Ashley Talks The Importance Of South Asian Representation In Rom-Coms Like Her New Movie Picture This: ‘I Want Everyone To Feel Like They Belong’

Among the actresses who have recently made their mark in mainstream cinema, none stand out more to me than Simone Ashley. Although she’s had some experience in the industry, her breakthrough came with her role on Bridgerton. Now, with the premiere of Picture This, the actress discusses the significance of increased South Asian representation in media.

Interestingly, this is her debut in a substantial film role. Being a movie enthusiast, I couldn’t help but wonder about her experience playing an Indian-British woman in a romantic comedy, given she’s expressed her desire to see more of us on the silver screen. She gleamed with excitement as she discussed the script and how she believes everyone should be part of this enchanting rom-com universe – a sentiment that ultimately inspired her to accept the role.

In a more simplified manner: I became enamored with the script. Its charm lay in its straightforwardness as it told a heartwarming tale about love and self-discovery, and I was particularly captivated by the character of Pia. She is such an ambitious, chaotic, fiery, and passionate woman, which I found incredibly appealing. I’m a fan of romantic comedies, having grown up enjoying them, and this movie felt like a dream come true as it stars someone who resembles me in the leading role. I believe that representation matters greatly, as I want everyone to feel included in this genre and know they have a place here too.

The movie centers around a youthful lady called Pia (played by Simone Ashley). Predicted by a spiritual guide, she is due to encounter her soulmate among the next five individuals she takes out on dates. What follows is a series of amusing events.

In this movie, I’m stepping into a significant role that boosts South Asian representation in the romantic comedy genre within Western media, a rare occurrence indeed. We’ve managed to make some headway, with Mindy Kaling producing ‘Never Have I Ever’, an outstanding teen romance series, and the fresh Hulu comedy, ‘Deli Boys’. But to extend this success into the realm of romantic comedies is truly exhilarating.

Over the last few years, Simone Ashley’s popularity has significantly expanded. Her stint in the cast of “Sex Education” contributed to her rising fame, but it was her performance as Kate Sharma in Season 2 of “Bridgerton” that truly skyrocketed her to prominence. Nowadays, fans continue to be smitten by her and Anthony’s on-screen chemistry.

Filming for Bridgerton comes with its highs and lows, such as the struggles of donning a corset, but it’s undeniable that Ashley’s popularity has expanded significantly because of it. With the debut of Picture This, she continues to champion South Asian representation in media. It’s possible that this upcoming romantic comedy could be one of the top movies on the platform for the year.

Currently, there are even more fantastic South Asian characters set to grace our movie screens as Pia unquestionably belongs on that list. Meanwhile, I eagerly anticipate the return of Bridgerton for another season and more Kate, which has me planning to rewatch Picture This multiple times – perhaps even discovering my very own love guide in the process.

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2025-03-07 03:41