While the second season of Shonda Rhimes’ “Bridgerton” is sensational for many reasons, the show’s portrayal of “desi culture” has made it even more special to Indians, and that now includes global star Priyanka Chopra.
The former Miss World used her Instagram stories to send her token of love to the show as she represents Indian culture through Sharma sisters Edwina Sharma and Kate Sharma, played by actors Charithra Chandran and Simone Ashley.
“I have to say it’s so wonderful to see Desi reps on mainstream TV. It was such an anomaly when I started. Love the show and the Sharma sisters,” Chopra wrote alongside a picture of Chandran and Ashley.
Based on Julia Quinn’s best-selling novel series, Bridgerton is set in the lavish and competitive world of London high society during the early 19th century Regency period.
Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran on the show. Photo credit: Netflix
The first season of the romantic drama focused on the torrid courtship between Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor) and Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings (Rege-Jean Page).
Following the tradition of Julia Quinn, Bridgerton season 2 tells the story of Daphne’s older brother, Lord Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey), who is looking for love in search of a suitable wife.
When Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) and her younger sister Edwina (Charithra Chandran) arrive from India, Anthony begins courting the latter sister and Kate soon discovers that his marriage intentions are not pure. As Kate tries to break up this fight, the two become unlikely mates.
The show had many moments that Indian fans cannot miss. From the intricate embroidery on the Victorian dresses, to the orchestral cover of the title track of Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, to the haldi ceremony, the creators of Bridgerton 2 have sought to perfectly blend Indian cultural representation into the British show.
The Netflix series has already been renewed for its fourth season, so there’s still plenty of time for soapy obsession. Inspired by a different book by Quinn on the show, each season focuses on each of the eight Bridgerton children.