Maitreyi Ramakrishnan says South Asian representation in Hollywood has moved beyond simply putting brown faces on screen, with newer stories giving characters their own identities before their cultural backgrounds.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, the 24-year-old said representation has “gotten strides farther” than before, while acknowledging the earlier projects that helped pave the way. “A project like ours stands on the backs of all those past projects that you know paid their dues and fought the good fight to get that side role,” she said.
Ramakrishnan also pointed to the changing portrayal of Indian culture. “We’re not settling for just waving our hands in the air anymore. That’s not happening,” she said, adding that South Asian dance styles come from “very rich cultures and histories”.
The Never Have I Ever star said becoming globally known at 18 was overwhelming. She credited Mindy Kaling, whom she called a pioneer of South Asian representation, for helping her navigate the pressure.
