After Kal Penn, Irrfan Khan, Priyanka Chopra paved their way to Hollywood, the new crop of South-Asian actors is solidifying its position like never before

Savi Parmar

From Hollywood blockbusters to acclaimed television shows, actors of South-Asian origin are increasingly making their presence felt. Gone are the days when actors of colour were often confined to stereotypical roles, playing characters that lacked depth. Now, they are portraying characters that transcend cultural boundaries and resonate with audiences worldwide. Actors like Kal Penn, Kunal Nayyar, Mindy Kaling, Aziz Ansari and Irrfan Khan are the pioneers in this area. The new wave of talent is further challenging these stereotypes with more authentic performances and diverse representations on screen.

Standing tall

One notable figure leading this charge is British-Pakistani actor Riz Ahmed, whose compelling performances have garnered critical acclaim and accolades across various platforms. Ahmed’s portrayal in films like Sound of Metal and Nightcrawler has demonstrated his versatility and depth as an actor.

Global desi girl

In an era where diversity and representation are at the forefront of discussions in the entertainment industry, Priyanka Chopra Jonas stands as a beacon of change. She broke the stereotypes when she played Alex Parrish in the American TV series Quantico. In a role traditionally reserved for Western actors, Chopra mesmerised audiences with her portrayal of a talented FBI recruit navigating through complex missions and personal challenges. She has also acted in series like Citadel, Isn’t It Romantic, A Kid Like Jack and Baywatch.

Recent additions

In the recent past, Alia Bhatt and Dhanush also made their Hollywood debut in significant roles in films, Heart of Stone and The Gray Man, respectively. If Tom Harper’s Heart of Stone had Hollywood A-listers Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan besides Alia, Dhanush shared screen space with Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans for Russo Brothers’ ambitious project The Gray Man. The Russo Brothers’ recent venture, Citadel starring Priyanka Chopra is also said to be made into an Indian spin off by the same name. Actors Varun Dhwan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu have been cast for the upcoming series.

Simply superb

Kamala Khan, the titular character of Ms Marvel, portrayed by a talented Canadian actress of Pakistani descent Iman Vellani, is the first South-Asian superhero of Marvel Cinematic Universe on OTT platform. Kamala Khan brings to life the complexity and richness of a character grappling with her identity, culture, and newfound superpowers. As a Pakistani-American teenager residing in Jersey City, Kamala’s journey resonates with audiences worldwide, offering a fresh perspective on the superhero genre. It also includes big names such as Farhan Akhtar and Fawad Khan.

Universal issues

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, who was seen in Netflix series Never Have I Ever, is another South-Asian face to watch out for. The show is produced by Indian-American screenwriter-actor Mindy Kaling. With Never Have I Ever, she crafted a narrative that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds while celebrating the unique experiences of South-Asian Americans. Ramakrishnan’s portrayal of Devi Vishwakumar is not defined by her ethnicity but by her dreams, desires and the universal struggles of adolescence.

Christmas cheers

Christmas As Usual is appreciated for its refreshing approach to storytelling and its commitment to representing diverse voices. At the centre of the series is Indian stand-up comedian-actor Kanan Gill. He brings depth and authenticity to his role, portraying a multidimensional character navigating the complexities of family, love, and personal growth during the holiday season.

Colour no bar

Another series, One Day, released recently on Netflix has Ambika Mod as the lead actress. Interestingly, the story isn’t about a ‘young brown woman and her experience as a young brown woman’ in London, but it’s about ‘a woman living her life and her relationships with her boyfriend, friends and her career.’

The series’ success is a reminder of the fact that diversity is now an accepted norm. As Riz Ahmed puts in, “Our differences are what make us unique, but our shared humanity is what connects us all.”

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