Bridgerton star Simone Ashley talks representation in rom-coms
Netflix’s Bridgerton star Simone Ashley spoke up about the importance of diversity
British actress of Tamil origin, Simone Ashley rose to fame with her two back-to-back hit shows on Netflix, Sex Education and Bridgerton. Following the success of her shows, the actress has now starred in a romantic-comedy Picture This.
The film follows Ashley playing the lead role of a witty Indian woman, Pia, who navigates her love-life in London.
In an interview with the HuffPost, the Bridgerton star shared her thoughts growing up and never feeling represented in movies as the lead. “I fell in love with these women and these characters, but I never saw myself as the leading lady, it was either that or the ‘exotic best friend.’” shared Ashley.
The Sex Education star shared that filmmakers are apprehensive about putting women of colour on the front. “I think studios are somewhat afraid of girls that look like me maybe not making enough money for them.”
The actress went on to explain how representation is not only presence but also the unbiased inclusion that is free of stereotypes.
