Awarded As South Asian Person Of The Year, Avantika Vandanapu Still Battles Racism

Renowned Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, celebrated for her memorable role in the iconic film "Mean Girls," has achieved a major milestone in her career by receiving the prestigious South Asian Person of the Year award from Harvard University. Her acceptance of this esteemed honor, where she states that her "journey has just begun," not only signifies a personal triumph but also a notable landmark in South Asian representation within the global entertainment industry.

After receiving the award, Avantika expressed, "Receiving this honour from an institution as esteemed as Harvard University is incredibly humbling and beyond inspiring. This award is not just a recognition of my work, but it shines a light on the importance of storytelling that crosses borders and the vital role of Indian representation in global media."

Celebrating Achievement and Impact

Vandanapu's award highlights her outstanding achievements and significant influence in both international and Indian entertainment. As the main lead in the recent adaptation of Mean Girls, she effortlessly captivated audiences, showcasing her versatile talent and garnering widespread praise. Venturing into the Indian OTT with her debut in Big Girls Don’t Cry, she has further cemented her position as a rising star on the global platform.

In 2021, Avantika took on the lead role of Rhea Kumar in Disney's Spin, sharing the screen with Meera Syal, Abhay Deol, and Aryan Simhadri. Directed by Manjari Makijany, Spin is the story of 15-year-old Indian American teenager Rhea Kumar, played by Avantika Vandanapu, who rediscovers her love for music, mainly her passion for creating DJ mixes blending the rich textures of Indian culture and the rest of the world. Spin is also the first Disney Channel Original Film to be shot during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film follows her musical journey and the changing dynamics of her relations with her family, especially her father, after unearthing this unconventional passion, played by Abhay Deol. 

She has previously worked in several regional Indian movies, predominantly in Telugu, like Premam, Balakrishnudu, Oxygen, and Agnyaathavaasi, and commercials. In 2014, Vandanapu also won the second place in Dance India Dance Lil Masters North America. She is best known for her work in Diary of a Future President, an American dramedy television series created by Ilana Peña which  streamed on Disney+ in 2020.

The Ugly Face of Racism

Despite her significant achievement as a South Asian girl receiving such a prestigious accolade, recent news has spotlighted her South Asian heritage and questioned her suitability for a beloved Disney classic role based on her appearance. Rumors have surfaced suggesting her potential casting as Rapunzel in a live-action adaptation of Disney's "Tangled." While Disney has yet to confirm any such project, the speculation has ignited widespread discussions on social media platforms. Unfortunately, along with the buzz, there has been a disturbing surge of racist backlash targeting the Indian-American actress.

Such speculation has become a breeding ground for misinformation, fueling controversy, and resulting in vile and derogatory comments aimed at Vandanapu. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, individuals hiding behind the anonymity of their screens have unleashed a torrent of racist remarks, claiming that an Indian woman  is unsuitable for the role of Rapunzel due to her ethnic background and physical appearance.

The harsh backlash against Vandanapu mirrors past instances of discrimination against actresses of color in the entertainment industry. Whether it's Halle Bailey's portrayal of Ariel in "The Little Mermaid" or Maitreyi Ramakrishnan's hopes to play Rapunzel, casting non-white actresses in iconic roles has frequently faced resistance and prejudice. However, it's important  to confront these biases directly and acknowledge that talent goes beyond racial or ethnic boundaries.