‘Many Things Have Improved but Hollywood Still Continues to Box Indians’: Project Hail Mary’s Priya Kansara

Indian-origin British actress Priya Kansara, who has been winning acclaim for her portrayal of Mary, a computer, in the recently released Hollywood film "Project Hail Mary," has spoken about the evolving representation of Indians and South Asians in English-language cinema, noting that there is now greater inclusion of South Asian actors in major storylines of big-budget movies, including period dramas.

"Project Hail Mary," which stars Ryan Gosling in the lead role, has emerged as one of the biggest success stories from Hollywood this year, grossing over $500 million at the box office and earning critical acclaim for its story, performances, and visuals.

In an interview with ANI, Kansara reflected on how Indian and South Asian representation has significantly improved since her childhood, saying that South Asians are now part of diverse and nuanced storytelling in Hollywood, a sharp contrast to the stereotypical portrayals that once defined their presence on screen.

"There wasn't this sense of diversity or inclusion, but as I've grown older, I've seen more and more of it. More nuanced characters, more interesting storylines, things that don't box us," said Priya.

Has South Asian Representation in Hollywood Truly Changed, or Do Old Boxes Remain?

Kansara, who began her career with a brief role in the British period drama "Bridgerton" in 2022, pointed to her own professional journey as evidence of this progress.

Bridgerton starred Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran, two actors of South Asian origin, in the lead roles.

"I have also seen things that still continue to box us, and it's difficult because I think there are so many things that have improved," Priya said, acknowledging that efforts to push South Asians into the same old stereotypes have not entirely disappeared.

"I mean, my career is an example of that. Like I've done loads of roles that I never would have anticipated I could have done. I did period drama! That's the first big role that I got, and I never thought I would have done that in my life," she added.

"I'd never seen anyone who looked like me do that, and I didn't just get to do that by myself, but I was in a show where two lead actresses were also South Asian. So that was a real eye opener, and it was amazing to see," the actor said.

Kansara emphasised the need for continued progress, calling for more varied and authentic stories that capture the full range of Indian experiences.

She also shared her wish to collaborate with celebrated Indian filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, calling his filmography "mesmerising and beautiful."

(With inputs from ANI)