Never Have I Ever Recap | Mindy Kaling | Suchin Mehrotra | Film Companion

Ahead of the release of season 2 of @Netflix's Never Have I Ever, Suchin Mehrotra helps refresh our memories and recaps what went down in season 1 of Mindy Kaling's hit show starring Maitreyi Ramakrishnan in the lead role.

#NeverHaveIEver #MindyKaling #MaitreyiRamakrishnan

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[aloe]

As a South Indian raised in the USA, the show isn't necessarily relatable, because it doesn't talk about racism. But looking at it from a viewer's perspective, I thoroughly enjoyed the show.

[AvaniVee]

Love this! I'm British South Asian, so watching this show - Never Have I Ever - from that perspective was interesting. I could relate somewhat to the South Asian characters and their experiences, but there are some major cultural differences between being British South Asian, and American South Asian.

My least favourite character was Kamala, because I couldn't quite understand where she fitted into the show. I think the actress - Richa Moorjani - who played Kamala did a stupendous job, but I agree that her Indian accent felt flat, and it distracted me from what was going on, and it didn't feel authentic. 

I wish that 'Kamala' was Devi's older sister - maybe from another relationship, which would've been an interesting storyline. Maybe Devi's father had a previous relationship where he had another daughter, but never told his family, and post his death, Kamala turns up out-of-the-blue. Nalini, Devi and Kamala come together to grieve their loss of a father and husband, and try to overcome their pain, and build a new family unit. That way I feel, Kamala would've felt more authentic as a character, and she would've had her own story with her father, which could be revealed as the series progresses. 

OMG... I'm writing my own story here, lol. I did enjoy the show, for sure. And for now, it's great to see American-Indian stories being told, as well as British-South-Asian stories too - because those need to be told too. That experience is invaluable, as both Britain and America still struggle with racism, and come to terms with their own turbulent and violent history of colonialism, and imperialism. The stories of South Asians as a community around the world need to be told!!!

[roughnotes]

Loved S1!!! So relatable, opitimistic, fun and emotional! Also really thankful for not having done-to-death caste and religious stereotypes and tropes. Looking forward to S2.