This past week has been a whirlwind of South Asian storytelling, and I couldn’t be more excited about the future of brown representation in media. I feel grateful to be part of a culture that offers a unique perspective and enriches my understanding beyond the mainstream. There’s something truly special about growing up with traditions, languages, and experiences that set you apart; it shapes your worldview in a way that’s both unique and deeply enriching. But with that also comes the feeling of being unseen or misunderstood in mainstream media. That’s why whenever stories like the ones I saw this week are told, I can’t help but feel excited and validated. Seeing my culture, my humor, and my experiences reflected on screen is a reminder that our stories matter and deserve to be shared.
Zarna: A Fresh Take on the Immigrant Experience
Last Wednesday, after two hours waiting in line, I was lucky to be the last person to be let in to be part of the live audience for the pilot episode taping of Zarna Garg’s new show called Zarna, and it was an incredible experience. Zarna has been making waves in comedy with her unapologetic take on Indian culture, and seeing her bring that humor to a TV format was amazing. I resonated with the jokes and experiences of her kids, and I’m really excited to see how the show continues to explore the Indian mentality, the struggles of first-gen kids, and other taboo topics that aren’t always openly discussed in our culture.
What stood out most was how refreshing it was to see a show that highlights an immigrant parent, especially a mother, chasing her dreams. Too often, immigrant parents in media are portrayed as sacrificing everything for their families, putting their own aspirations aside to survive and navigate the challenges of parenting in an unfamiliar culture. In Zarna, the narrative acknowledges those sacrifices while also showcasing how Zarna is stepping into her own ambitions, despite the struggles immigrant parents face in a new environment.
Deli Boys: Breaking Stereotypes and Expanding the Narrative
Last Friday, I attended a screening of the first episode of Deli Boys on Hulu, followed by a Q&A with writer Abdullah Saeed, showrunner Michelle Nader, and producer Jenni Konner. Deli Boys redefines brown-led narratives by immersing its characters in a world of crime, ambition, and identity struggles, instead of focusing solely on immigrant challenges or tech-genius stereotypes. It’s exciting to witness brown actors and actresses stepping into complex roles that challenge expectations and offer fresh storytelling. A show like Deli Boys broadens the scope of what brown actors and actresses can portray on screen. It proves that representation goes beyond just visibility; it’s about being seen in diverse, unexpected ways.
A Nice Indian Boy: Love, Identity, and Cultural Expectations
On Monday night, I attended a screening and Q&A for A Nice Indian Boy, with creator Roshan Sethi, actor Karan Soni, and composer Raashi Kulkarni. The film beautifully explores love, identity, and the cultural expectations placed on South Asian children. It touches on the emotional walls parents build and how children sometimes keep their personal lives hidden from their families. The film delves into the complexities of family, queerness, and tradition in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. It was a reminder that representation isn’t just about visibility; it’s about telling stories that resonate across different intersections of identity.
I particularly connected with the sister character, Arundhathi, especially when she discusses the Indian marriage advice to “just settle and adjust.” Growing up, I’ve heard that advice countless times, not just from family, but from society as well. The idea that finding “true love” is secondary to simply making a marriage work through compromise and adjustment can feel stifling. I empathized with her longing for a love that isn’t just about meeting expectations, but something real, fulfilling, and based on true connection. While Indian movies are often filled with love stories (even a movie about Gandhi had a romantic subplot), there’s a tendency in the culture to dismiss the grand, transformative love those films depict. I’m glad the movie ended with the main character, Naveen, finding love, showing that you can experience the kind of love seen in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (a Bollywood film referenced in the movie) – that grand, life-changing, larger-than-life force that transcends cultural boundaries and societal pressures.
The Bigger Picture: The Evolution of Brown Representation
Experiencing all these events in one week highlighted a powerful shift – brown representation is moving beyond the immigrant struggle and token diversity roles. We’re leading our own stories across genres, and each narrative serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come. We’re no longer sidekicks or stereotypes; we’re telling our stories on our own terms. These screenings and tapings weren’t just about showcasing projects; they sparked important conversations about identity, storytelling, and the significance of reclaiming our narratives in entertainment, showing that audiences are ready for them.
As more brown creators continue to push boundaries, the future of representation looks incredibly promising. Whether it’s comedy, drama, or romance, our stories are now an essential part of the narrative and will continue to shape the entertainment landscape.