South Asian representation: The 12 best films and tv shows you need to watch
South Asian representation in film and television has always been a problem. How we culturally perceive ourselves in the world we live in is vastly represented in how the media portray us. And while we are thankful for those South Asians who are IT whizzes, corner shop managers, and taxi drivers who get us safely from A to B, the stereotypical on-screen character types have always unfortunately lent themselves to mockery under the western gaze.
It's important to remember that South Asians have more complex lives than what the world around us believes. We have stories to tell, experiences we've lived, and battles we've overcome - and Hollywood is finally taking note by giving us the film and TV representation we deserve. Gone is Apu from The Simpsons' Apu, and in comes Kamala Khan from Ms Marvel, the hugely popular recent Disney+ show written by women of Pakistani descent, who understand more than anyone how to write for a woman of colour.
Curl power!
Thankfully, we have also seen an onslaught of game-changing South Asian film and television shows, from Mindy Kaling's Never Have I Ever to the Priyanka Chopra Jonas starring, The White Tiger. As South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) celebrates its third year, there is no better opportunity for GLAMOUR to compile a list of the best film and tv series with actors, producers, directors and writers of South Asian descent.
For many women of colour coming from conservative cultures getting a smear test can be a source of shame and embarrassment.
Never Have I Ever
Starring: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Richa Moorjani, Poorna Jagannathan, Megan Suri
What's it about? Never Have I Ever follows the journey of a first-generation Indian-American teenage girl, Devi, as she navigates high school, family life and a love triangle.
In season three, we will see if Devi's new romance with popular jock Paxton (Darren Barnet) stands the test of time - or will she run back to Ben?
Where can you watch it? Netflix will drop season three on Friday, August 12.
Courtesy of NetflixIndian Matchmaking
Starring: Sima Taparia, Aparna Shewakramani and Nadia Jagessar.
What's it about? We join Mumbai's favourite matchmaker Sima Taparia, as she returns for another season of matching her clients who want an honest and committed relationship. Most of her singletons have a long list of requirements for their other half, including particular physical and character traits. However, that doesn't deter Sima, who travels far and wide from India to New York to help people find their soulmates.
Where can you watch it? Season two is available to watch on Netflix.
LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIXBridgerton
Starring: Simone Ashley, Charithra Chandran, Shelley Conn
What's it about? Season two of Shonda Rhimes' period drama focuses on the relationship between the eldest Bridgerton son, Anthony, and Kate Sharma (played by Ashley).
The show was praised for its colour-blind casting, and there are many beautiful scenes, such as the one where Kate massages oil into her sister Edwina's scalp, that pays tribute to the South Asian culture.
Where can you watch it? Bridgerton season 2 is available on Netflix.
DisneyMs. Marvel
Starring: Iman Vellani, Yasmeen Fletcher, Fawad Khan, Rish Shah, Saagar Shaikh
What's it about? The Dinsey+ series follows the journey of Marvel's first-ever American-Pakistani Muslim superhero, Kamala Khan. The protagonist breaks on-screen stereotypes as she learns of her newfound identity in this show written by Pakistani writers, who get the portrayal of a Pakistani household just right.
Where can you watch it? Ms. Marvel is available to watch on Disney+.
EIKE SCHROTER/NETFLIXMidnight Mass
Starring: Rahul Kohli, Rahul Abburi
What's it about? The Muslim representative in Mike Flanagan's horror series, Midnight Mass. It's an interesting watch, as the fictional Crockett Island experiences supernatural events following the arrival of a mysterious priest. As the only man of colour in the community alongside his son, Hassan stays true to his core values and beliefs as he struggles against the evil in town. The final prayer scene deserves so much recognition.
Where can you watch it? Midnight Mass is available to watch on Netflix.
BBCA Suitable Boy
Starring: Tabu, Tanya Maniktala, Ishaan Khattar, Shahana Goswami
What's it about? Based on Vikram Seth's 1993 novel, it's 1951 in a newly post-independence, post-partition India, where student Lata Mehra is torn between honouring her family duty and choosing between three men who want her hand in marriage.
Where can you watch it? A Suitable Boy is available on BBC iPlayer.
Rachel SantosFabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives
Starring: Maheep Kapoor, Seema Khan, Bhavana Pandey, Neelam Kothari
What's it about? Real Housewives, but with an Indian makeover - these ladies are seriously glam and were once big-name stars in their heyday. Now, life is all about lavish lunches, shopping till you drop, managing the entertainment careers of their children, and of course - gossip, gossip, gossip.
Where can you watch it? Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives is available to watch on Netflix, with season 2 in the works!
Ken Woroner/NetflixWedding Season
Starring: Pallavi Sharda, Arianna Afsar, Suraj Sharma
What's it about? The South Asian rom-com that we didn't know we needed until now! The premise is simple but heartwarming: Asha and Ravi pretend to date during a summer of weddings following pressure from their parents, only to find themselves falling for each other. So cute!
Where can you watch it? Wedding Season is available on Netflix.
DisneySpin
Starring: Avantika Vandanapu, Abhay Deol, Meera Syal, Aryan Simhadri
What's it about? Coming from a conservative South Asian family, an Indian American teenager attempts to break away from the mould as she pursues her passion for creating DJ mixes.
Where can you watch it? You can watch Spin on Disney+.
Array / NetflixDefinition Please
Starring: Sujata Day, Ritesh Rajan, Sunkrish Bala, Kunal Dudheker
What's it about? Written, directed, produced and starring Sujata Day, the movie focuses on a former spelling bee champ who struggles to live up to her potential as an adult. Elsewhere, family truths boil over when her estranged brother comes home.
Where can you watch it? Definition Please is available on Netflix.
Tejinder Singh Khamkha/NETFLIX © 2020The White Tiger
Starring: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Adarsh Gourav, Rajkummar Rao
What's it about? A thrilling and eye-opening film in which a wealthy Indian family's driver overcomes his downfalls to escape from poverty and make it as a bigwig entrepreneur.
Where can you watch it? The White Tiger is available on Netflix.
Skip Bolen/NETFLIXThe Lovebirds
Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Issa Rae
What's it about? As one of the few films about interracial dating involving a Pakistani man and a black woman, this rom-com sees the loveable leads embroiled in a bizarre murder mystery, leading to them getting closer. Clearly, they're a match made in heaven.
Where can you watch it? The Lovebirds is available to watch on Netflix.
