 |
FAMILY KARMA
The Indian American cast of 'Family Karma' debuting Sunday.
|
By Louis Chan
ASAM NEWS
An aspiring fashion designer, a reluctant fiance, a playboy, a gay lawyer, a two time divorcee, choreographer, and rich entrepreneur – these are all characters you’ll get to know in Bravo’s new reality program - Family Karma.
Oh, and did we mention? All of them happen to be Indian American, thus making the program (debuting on Bravo Sunday at 9 ET/PT) the first reality show centered around this growing South Asian American ethnicity.
For many viewers, this will be their first look at the Indian American culture. AsAmNews had the opportunity to interview six of the cast members and preview the first two episodes.
“We are a very unique cast and I think this show will break common pre-conceived notions that many people have about Indians and India in general,” said Anisha Ramakrishna, 34, who just moved home to Miami in an effort to save money and support her fledgling fashion design business.
“I’m confident we’re going to make some Indian Americans uncomfortable because we are unapologetic and unfiltered almost immediately,” said Bali Chainani, a two-time divorcee and single mom. “However, I think showing the country that we don’t all fall under the stereotype that follows us will be massively appreciated. They’re going to love us or love to hate us.”
The show revolves around seven friends in Miami and their daily lives. Not only will viewers get to know the seven, they’ll also meet their parents, future in-laws and who knows who else. The program moves quickly and at least in the beginning, you’ll need a scorecard to keep up with everyone.
“What non-Indians I think will be surprised by is how close we are to our parents, aunts, and uncles,” wealthy entrepreneur Shaan Patel said. “In our Miami Indian community, it is not uncommon to hang out, drink, and dance with people of all ages, and our friendships are only deepened by this family bond.”
The first two episodes are lighthearted and fun. The cast is diverse enough so that viewers are likely to find at least one character they become invested in following. For me, that’s playboy Brian Benni and his longtime friend, Monica Vaswani. How many of us know longtime friends who show occasional sparks of potential passion? That’s Brian and Monica.
“You’ll see differences of opinions when it comes to relationships and matters of the heart,” said Benni, not necessarily talking about just him and Monica.
 |
| 'Family Karma' centers on this group of hip, beautiful, stylish and rich Indian American friends in Miami |
“I think what will surprise viewers more about this series is the type of drama we have,” Monica said. “Every comment, every joke, every confrontation has the potential to not only ruin a friendship but ruin a lifelong relationship going back generations.”
Despite the lightheartedness of the first episodes, I suspect viewers will have plenty of opportunities to both empathize and cry with the characters in future episodes.
“I agreed to be a part of this journey so I can serve as an example of a person of South Asian descent who was able to come out as LGBT to his family and never looked back,” said Amrit Kapai. “I wish to be a voice and pillar of support to those who have dealt with, and are currently dealing with, issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.”
“I’m sure many people from all walks of life can relate to some of the issues that I’ve faced in terms of emotional as well as my physical well-being,” said ,, who has been engaged for three years, but is reluctant to set a date. “I hope that people can provide more empathy and understanding for another. ”
For Asian Americans unfamiliar with the Indian culture, many will be surprised about the similarities and differences Indian Americans have with their own culture. For that reason alone, it’s worth watching.
“I think the viewers will see that despite our ethnicity, we will be relatable to people of all backgrounds,” said Ramakrishna.
No comments:
Post a Comment