How Bridgerton star Simone Ashley is changing the game with her latest film
The rise of a new rom-com queen
Simone Ashley is having quite the moment. The British-Indian actress who captured hearts as Kate Sharma in Netflix’s steamy period drama Bridgerton is now dominating streaming charts with her latest project Picture This — and she’s not just the star, she’s also stepping behind the camera as an executive producer.
The Amazon-backed romantic comedy shot to the top of streaming rankings during its opening weekend, solidifying Ashley as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. But for the actress, this project represents something much more personal than just another career achievement.
The representation revolution Ashley always dreamed of
Filling the gap in rom-com history
Growing up, Ashley rarely saw herself reflected in the romantic comedies she adored. While films like Notting Hill and Bend It Like Beckham captured her imagination, none featured dark-skinned British-Indian women as the romantic lead — the type of character she longed to see on screen.
Picture This changes that narrative completely. Her portrays Pia Jaswani, a struggling photographer trying to balance family expectations, career ambitions, and romantic entanglements during her sister’s elaborate wedding celebrations.
The film doesn’t just feature her in the lead role — it fully embraces and celebrates Indian culture through vibrant wedding traditions, choreographed dances, and family dynamics that feel authentic rather than caricatured.
Breaking down Picture This plot without the predictable tropes
A fresh take on familiar themes
The story follows Pia as she reluctantly participates in a series of family-arranged blind dates while secretly harboring feelings for her first love Charlie (played by Hero Fiennes Tiffin). What could have been a formulaic storyline becomes something special through Ashley’s insistence on cultural authenticity.
Rather than presenting Indian traditions as obstacles or punchlines, the film incorporates them as natural, joyful elements of the story. This approach elevates Picture This beyond typical rom-com fare into something that feels both universal and specific.
The chemistry between Ashley and Fiennes Tiffin leaps off the screen, creating those butterfly-inducing moments that define great romantic comedies. Yet it’s her performance — vulnerable, funny, and deeply relatable — that anchors the film’s emotional core.
Challenging colorism in Hollywood and beyond
Pushing past industry barriers
Ashley’s rise hasn’t been without challenges. Colorism remains pervasive both within Hollywood and within various cultural communities, including the South Asian diaspora. Rather than dwelling on these obstacles, however, she chooses to focus on the progress being made and the doors she’s helping to open.
Her approach is refreshingly forward-looking. Instead of rehashing industry problems, she celebrates the achievements that are changing the landscape — like having a romantic comedy starring a dark-skinned British-Indian woman streaming globally on a major platform.
This positivity isn’t naive optimism but rather strategic focus. By concentrating on creation rather than criticism, Ashley is actively building the representation she once sought.
The Ashley empire is just getting started
Expanding her artistic horizons
Picture This is just the beginning of Ashley’s expanding creative universe. She’s lined up several major projects that demonstrate her impressive range, including a high-profile film alongside Brad Pitt and Damson Idris.
For those who prefer their entertainment with a darker edge, Ashley is also set to star in the psychological thriller The Tempting Madness — proving she’s not limiting herself to romantic roles.
Perhaps most surprising is Ashley’s upcoming debut album, revealing musical talents that fans may not have expected. And if that weren’t enough, the actress has expressed interest in action films and musicals, showing her ambition knows no bounds.
Returning to the Bridgerton universe
The continuation of Kate and Anthony’s story
While conquering new territory, Ashley isn’t abandoning the role that launched her to global fame. She’ll be returning to the Bridgerton universe, where fans are eager to see how Kate and Anthony’s relationship evolves in future seasons.
After the emotional intensity of season two, Ashley describes returning to set as a breath of fresh air — a chance to explore new dimensions of Kate’s character beyond the initial romantic chase.
Her portrayal of Kate Sharma has already made television history, bringing South Asian representation to Regency-era storytelling in ways that feel both groundbreaking and natural.
Why Ashley’s journey matters beyond entertainment
Creating space for future generations
What makes Ashley’s rapid rise significant extends beyond box office numbers or streaming statistics. Her success represents a shift in what’s possible for young women of color in entertainment and who gets to be at the center of romantic narratives.
By taking on an executive producer role for Picture This, Ashley isn’t just appearing in front of the camera but helping shape the stories being told. This creative control allows for more authentic representation that avoids stereotypes while celebrating cultural heritage.
For countless young women who, like Ashley once did, search for reflections of themselves in media, her work provides both inspiration and validation. The message is clear: their stories aren’t just worth telling — they’re worth celebrating.
As Hollywood continues its slow march toward greater inclusion, artists like Ashley aren’t waiting for permission to create the change they want to see. They’re making it happen themselves, one love story at a time.
