‘Without coloured artistes, we’d have no scope’
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reading hasn’t died, and in fact, has only picked up more during the lockdowns, Kaul says, “Mujhe lagta tha youth doesn’t read that much these days. We don’t see them carrying books, they are always on their phones. But yeh idea galat tha... Meri writing youth padhta hai. Social media has also pushed it, as people are writing on Facebook, Twitter... People are also appreciating each other’s writings.”
Indian-origin American actor Avantika Vandanapu is all praise for the work that many actors of colour have done in the West, as she feels that it has opened up a number of opportunities for people like her.
“With movies such as Sound Of Metal (2019) and shows such as Never Have I Ever, we are seeing an improvement in the way South Asian stories are being told,” she shares.
However, the 16-year-old, who has been part of the TV series Diary Of A Future President (2020) and animated children’s television series Mira, Royal Detective (2020), admits there’s still a long way to go. “We are still at a point where we can count the number of times South Asians have been positively showcased in Hollywood, on our fingers. Hopefully, these projects will pave the way for many more to come,” she expresses.
Asked if portrayal of Indian characters has changed, and Vandanapu says, “Absolutely, without the work and activism of so many BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People Of Colour) and coloured artistes, we would have no opportunities in this industry.” She adds, “All of that hard work is beginning to come to fruition. Though we still have a long way to go, it’s equally important to acknowledge the doors that have opened for us now.”
Not just the West, Vandanapu feels even content in Bollywood films has evolved, especially with the rise in digital content and OTT platforms.
“Bollywood’s definition of cinema has taken a turn, and for the better. Hindi films and content have begun to highlight marginalised communities and placed women in more challenging, humanised roles. There is still a lot of room for improvement, but I think the industry is on the right track,” concludes the actor, who will next be seen in Senior Year.
I called up my mother and said, ‘I will be naked on the cover...’ She said, ‘Prakriti toh naked hai. Hum hi kapde pehente hain’. MANAV KAUL,