More chemistry than the periodic table is how the internet characterized Kate and Anthonys enemies-to-lovers arc.
Could this have been the outfit that relieved the viscount of his last remaining vestige of gentlemanliness?
Anoushka Shankar: I watched the first season ofBridgertonwith my mum when we were in lockdown.
Photo: Getty Images
Mums Tamil, so having you at the center of the show was wonderful.Season 3comes out soon.
What can you tell us about it?
Shes growing into her role as viscountess.
Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton and Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma inBridgertonSeason 3, Episode 1.
Gosh, it feels like we filmed that season a lifetime ago.
Ive done other projects since then and feel like a different person, if Im being honest.
Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton and Simone Ashley as Kate Sharma inBridgertonSeason 3, Episode 1.
Its the same with music.
For me, thats when I can really reach the full potential of a character.
Cillian Murphy, for example, read and listened to Oppenheimers lectures for six months before the shooting commenced.
It helps me let go of things and be quicker when the project demands it.
Do you have any experience being on stage, Simone?
But I was drawn to film.
I started booking more work in movies and fell in love with that world.
Recently, Ive felt like I want to explore my musical roots a bit more.
Ive also been auditioning for more stage work.
I definitely want to do Broadway.
West End theater is one of the hardest things an actor can do.
One-and-a-half to three months of performing onstage every single night?
I have the utmost respect for anyone who can do that.
I know what you mean, because as musicians we perform every night when were on tour.
Its a difficult lifestyle, even though it fulfills the soul.
Im keeping my head down as much as I can.
Life afterBridgertonhas been so exciting.
I was doing all these unbelievable things, like going to the Met Gala and shooting fashion editorials.
It was a whirlwind.
There were days when I would think, What is going on?
I struggled to admit that I was overwhelmed because Im a person with such clarity.
I know exactly what Im doing and what I want.
Granted, theyre different audiences, but whats the experience like?
Coincidentally, my process as a musician is to think like an actor.
I might write a song inspired by heartbreak, falling in love, or bereavement.
But after years, it just becomes a song.
I dont remember that visceral experience every time.
The beautiful thing about being an artist is that you grow with your craft.
Im able to apply all of them to my work.
Was there any pressure being in such a high-profile space and having to represent the Indian community?
Not really, because Im an actor.
Im not traveling far and wide to India to save the country.
Representing Indian women has been such a joy.
Theyll hug me and tell me how cool it is to see brown women onscreen.
I know that there can be pressure on women who are representing their communities in the arts.
I struggled with that, probably because I play an instrument that represents Indian culture.
To see your characters express uninhibited desire and pleasure is so beautiful.
Actually, I came from an incredibly conservative family where nobody spoke about their emotions or feelings.
I think that suppressed me so much that I ended up making crazy choices.
Neither of those things are conservative and maybe that had an effect on me.
Im quite an expressive person.
I felt very comfortable with all my scenes inBridgertonandSex Education.
Its so interesting that we have a common cultural experience.
We also met at the Dior show in Mumbai last year.
Did you get to travel around India after?
Have you spent any time in India?
He looked at me like…
Bad diaspora, bad diaspora?
Ive just been busy and it never came up.
I know everyone says this, but there really is something for everyone going to India.
Its that mysterious, beautiful spirit where you feel like youve been awakened by something.
If youre an Indian returning to your homeland, its really powerful.
I want to go back with my boyfriend this winter.
I cant wait to do work that allows me to explore more of the country.
I also loved what you wore to the event.
Simone, before you go, Im curious about your long-term plans.
Do you have the desire to write, direct, or produce films?
I got to have creative input, which felt amazing.
So many actors are producing their own things now.
People are realizing that they can simply make things themselves.
But when the time comes, sure, writing and directingwhy not?
This story appears inVogueIndias May-June 2024 issue.
