This past week, the second season of “Bridgerton” came out. Saying this season was a masterpiece would be an understatement. The storyline and the chemistry between the actors were amazing and kept viewers engaged throughout. However, season two brought more to the table than just a well-written screenplay. This season portrayed great representation, specifically for South Asian women, throughout the show. “Bridgerton” sets a precedent for future period dramas, shifting away from glorifying British imperialism and instead creating more opportunities for South Asian actors.
Growing up, I would see South Asian women portrayed in a negative light, which was always hard to watch. “Bridgerton” has now provided a new way for South Asian girls and women to see themselves in a new light. Just seeing two Indian women, Kate and Edwina Sharma, as the main characters in a show about members of an upper-class society is powerful. However, we do not see their race as a defining characteristic in how they are perceived in the show. The way these characters are effortlessly combined into the show reveals how the media can incorporate diversity without needing to fill a diversity quota for each episode. The thing about the Sharmas is that they don’t just happen to be brown, but they are Indian immigrants in London—which is not just an extra factor of their identity, but instead forms their strong and multilayered characters. Kate and Edwina are very different people, but any assumptions and stereotypes about their race are completely stripped from the conversations in this show. The Sharma’s failed experiences during the social season are firmly blamed on Lady Mary’s parents holding onto a 30-year grudge, not on race.
This season also includes several accurate cultural references. In the first episode, Edwina says that she can speak Marathi and Hindustani, two native Indian languages. Towards the end of the season Kate is also referred to by her full Indian name, Kathani. This season normalized traditions, such as Edwina being bathed in haldi, or turmeric, as part of her wedding preparations or getting oil massaged in the hair by an elder relative. Alongside the pop music instrumental covers, you can hear a cover of “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” a very famous Indian song. All these elements highlight Kate and Edwina’s cultural background without making it a defining factor or a reason for them to be less than.
In mainstream media, it is so difficult to find positive representations of South Asian women. However, season two of “Bridgerton” shows that it is possible to accurately represent women of color. This shows creates a new possibility for South Asian actresses in American media and provides younger girls with positive representations for them to look up to. With this new season, “Bridgerton” sets an example for future shows and movies to include more South Asian representation. Inclusion in the media is so crucial for South Asian women to know that we do have spaces at the table. This show has the ability to allow South Asian girls to feel like they can do anything and occupy spaces where historically they haven’t been seen.