We were welcomed back into London as season two of Bridgerton was released on March 25, 2022. Unfortunately, a fan favorite character, Simon Basset, who is played by Regé-Jean Page did not return for the filming of season two. This let down was very much compensated for with the new appearances of Edwina Sharma, played by Charithra Chandran, as well as Kathani Sharma, played by Simone Ashley. Both of these actresses share similarities, such as both being of South Indian ethnicity. 

Kathani, otherwise known as Kate Sharma, and Edwina Sharma were both introduced in season two as a new family, with Edwina awaiting a “caller” in order to be courted. The Sharma’s immediately form acquaintances with the Bridgerton’s giving the viscount, Anthony Bridgerton, to get close to Edwina. Through the intensities of romance in this season, Bridgerton has managed to display superior South Indian representation compared to other TV shows in the Western television industry. Both Sharma’s were given main character roles and a well thought out plot line along with substance given to their relation with the show’s plot. 

A number of times in Western television, South Asian characters are given meaningless storylines with impartial usefulness in the plot, and are generally side characters. Bridgerton has quite literally defied this stereotype of South Asian roles and has given both Indian actresses a chance to prove worthy characters when given the opportunity. Bridgerton lived up to its expectations, giving both Ashley and Chandran roles which did not negatively reflect upon their race, but rather embraced their identities as South Indian women. 

Bridgerton also managed to include the cover of “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham,” which is a famous and credited Bollywood song from a film of the same name. The directors incorporated this song during the common wedding ritual for Indians, the Haldi ceremony, which appeared prior to Edwina and Anthony’s wedding. By incorporating the Haldi ceremony, the season almost felt even more connected with South Indians, giving them a feeling of homeliness and comfort. Along with the common routine of oiling one’s hair and the bangle jewelry in the costume design aspect, Bridgerton brought a warming sense of representation for many South Indians. 

Bridgerton is one of the few period pieces which has managed to incorporate South Indian representation in an elegant format, along with much grace and accuracy to the culture. The show didn’t ever feel the overcompensating need to overly emphasize the accents of both actresses or make their beauty be based on their skin tone. Bridgerton so subtly brought light to the many traditions in South Indian culture, and never attempted to westernize either sister.