Maitreyi Ramakrishnan Discusses South Asian Representation in Western Media

Sep 20, 2026

68 min

Sep 20, 2026 10:30

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan on South Asian representation in the West: 'It's personality first'

## Rising Star in Bollywood-Fusion Comedy

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, known for her role in "Never Have I Ever," stars in Netflix's new film "Best of the Best," a Bollywood-fusion dance comedy. The film, which began streaming on September 18, 2026, showcases her as Maya, a college student navigating the competitive world of dance at UCLA.

## Shifting Representation

Ramakrishnan reflects on the evolution of South Asian representation in Western media. She emphasizes that personality now takes precedence over cultural backgrounds, which are seen as additional layers rather than defining traits. She acknowledges the contributions of past projects that paved the way for current successes.

## Authentic Dance Portrayal

The film features various Indian dance styles, including Bharatanatyam, highlighting their cultural richness. Ramakrishnan insists on moving beyond stereotypical portrayals, aiming for authenticity in the choreography.

## Unplanned Acting Career

Initially aspiring to be an animator, Ramakrishnan's acting career took off unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She describes the experience of gaining fame at 18 as overwhelming but credits Mindy Kaling for her guidance and support.

## Behind the Scenes

Directed by Lena Khan, "Best of the Best" features a screenplay by Hasan Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam. The cast includes Priyanka Kedia, Lilly Singh, and Hasan Minhaj, among others. Despite the challenges, Ramakrishnan and her co-stars embraced the dance-intensive roles, learning on the job to deliver compelling performances.

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