Following on from the criticism, is that sort of online repercussion good to force writers and performers into getting it correct from the onset, or is educating somebody about culture a gradual process?
Both are true. It wakes up the writers that they’re being watched. But I think the writers also have to say, “Oh, I’m not going to do what all of you are asking because they’re all slightly different things, and I’ll get in trouble again”.
But I like that whatever community is screaming out has a voice, which they didn’t have before social media. It makes writers more aware, which I never thought of before. I can only imagine how people are writing, hopefully without fear about a culture that’s not theirs, and they have to try not to be politically correct. But the thing with And Just Like That is it’s a comedy, so we have an easier time with that.
Talking to you, you’re clearly strong-minded. But how did you navigate setbacks balancing your culture with being raised in a Western world?
It was tricky. First of all, I was raised in Italy, so even weirder because there were so few South Asians where I lived in Rome. But when tough South Asian parents raise you, you’re not encouraged to complain. I know it’s unhealthy, but you gain strength from “that happened to me. I got to suck it up.” It makes you oddly inventive, and your power starts developing. You don’t get the credit for your strength because you’re slightly lonely. But the strength adds up later in life. You almost don’t want to go back and re-explain what you went through because you’re benefiting now.
South Asians don’t come from a culture of therapy. We come from a culture of mythology, storytelling, tradition and ritual, which has its own level of therapy, which I now use in a weird way when I feel stressed about something.
Did you feel that finding your power later in life affected you when you started in the acting industry?
When you’re not the typical face of the industry, you have an advantage because you don’t even assume you will be accepted. You don’t say, “I hope I get that job.” If you love acting, you’re constantly inventing a way to do it. Until I did Homeland, I spent most of my time going, “How can I get into that audition? They’re going to think I’m this, but I will have to fight.” So instead of insecurity, it was more excitement about finding a way to get a job, and I had to get a degree in my head of another kind of study that would get me in the door. Maybe that also comes from our upbringing. Do not complain, just do it. Again, that builds a weird denial but also strength.
HBO/Warner Bros
Lastly, what do you hope viewers take away from Seema in the second season of And Just Like That?
In the second season, Seema is up to no good, running around town and in the bedroom a lot. One thing I’ve loved about this season is that talking about the South Asian thing we were talking about; the first season was setting her up through Carrie, while the second season is just pure character.
She will learn whether she wants true love or can she navigate her life without it? Where does her vulnerability lie? Oddly enough, she’s more South Asian, but no one would ever see it except you or someone who’s relating on a personal level, so I like that. I mean, everyone is having so much fun this season. It’s really about love, sex, and the city!
Catch Sarita Choudhury in And Just Like That season two, now available to watch on Sky Comedy and NOW TV.
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