You must’ve wondered what it would be like to read a group text of sorts with all your favorite heroes? Well, for South Asian-Americans, some of our beloved stars are giving us a glimpse of an important conversation they’re having. Actor Ravi Patel (“Meet the Patels”) tweeted about the Indian character from the Freeform comedy “Grownish.”
The show, a spin-off of the hit comedy “Blackish,” centers on Zoeey Johnson (Yara Shahidi) as she begins her life at California University. Jordan Buhat plays the character in question, Indian-American character Vivek Shah, a drug dealer whose parents are Indian immigrants.
In his tweet, Patel asks Kenya Barris, the creator of both shows whether its true that Buhat plays a South Asian character but isn’t actually a South Asian.
First of all, how cool is it that there’s this powerful thread with Indian actors partaking in discussions like this? I know I’m not the only one wondering this, but where do I apply to be a part of this group?! Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, he brings up a really great point. Diversity on television matters and we need to see ourselves portrayed accurately.
Fellow South Asian actors chimed in on the conversation on Twitter, bringing up even more vital questions about accurate representation. “The Resident” actor Manish Dayal, “Blindspotting”s Utkarsh Ambudkar, and “Castle” actor Sunkrish Bala all responded to Patel.
