During the first season of Shondaland's hit Netflix series Bridgerton, you may remember that we brought you the Bridgerton Cast Questionnaire, which introduced you a bit more intimately to the many women and men who make up the characters of the hit Shondaland show. It was a part-serious, part-silly question-and-answer rundown that shed some light on what makes these actors tick and what makes their characters tock. This year, we’ve brought the Questionnaire back, naturally, to make sure you’ve got your peacocks in a row as Bridgerton’s second season ramps up for its premiere on Friday, March 25.
Edwina Sharma, played by newcomer Charithra Chandran, might come off as some young, pretty thing who’s a bit naive and infinitely sweet. But as we’ll see in the second season of Bridgerton, the younger Sharma sister is not to be taken for granted.
Ever the hopeful optimist, Edwina came to the ton with one goal, and that was to secure a love match — and she eagerly took up the mantle of playing the part. But over the season of the marriage mart, Edwina is forced to experience some growing pains. Especially with her best friend — her sister, Kate.
Here, Chandran gives us some insights into who she is outside of Bridgerton, her very own real-life Queen (B), and what it was like filming this season, but she also gives us some insider info into playing the jilted Sharma sister.
What do you have in common with your character?
CHARITHRA CHANDRAN: Edwina is very forgiving and kind, and I hope I’m the same. I doubt to her extent, but that’s what I’m working toward — to be as kind and forgiving as Edwina.
What do you not have in common with your character?
I think Edwina is incredibly trusting of those around her. Some people may dismiss that as naivety, but I think it’s brave. She’s making a choice to trust people rather than doubt them. I wish I could let my guard down and trust people as much as Edwina does.
What’s your favorite time of day and why?
Mealtimes! But I suppose any time of the day could be a mealtime.
What’s your character’s favorite time of day and why?
I always thought of Edwina as a morning person because she is filled with such joie de vivre. I imagine her lying in bed, eyes wide open at the crack of dawn, buzzing to get the day started.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Every night for two years, I would melt a bar of chocolate and drink it before going to bed.
This season brings another part of the world into the ton — is traveling important to you? What is a place or an experience that really imprinted on you when you were traveling?
I love traveling, although I’m also very much a homebody. My favorite part about it is the food and the people. I loved my time in Cuba; I went to Havana and Trinidad. It is such a fascinating place politically, socially, and culturally. The place and the people made a massive impact on me, and I cannot wait to go again.
Have you ever ridden a horse?
Never! I’m kind of disappointed I didn’t get to for the show, because I would’ve loved to have an excuse to learn. When I was younger, I was scared of horses just because of their sheer size and power. Equal parts fear and equal parts awe. But now, I really want to learn. It seems so freeing.
Newton is a new addition to the world of Bridgerton. Do you have any stories dealing with said diva on set?
There’s only one way to Newton’s heart: sausages. If you have sausages, he’ll be your best friend.
A bunch of suitors must show their hidden talent to Edwina to try to win her over. Do you have a hidden talent, and if so, what is it?
I make the best veggie lasagna. Although it’s not really my own recipe, so I can’t take full credit. It’s Ottolenghi’s spicy mushroom lasagna with a few personal modifications. My mum and I are obsessed with Yotam Ottolenghi. We have all his books and have gone to his talks.
Do you have a sport you’re particularly good at playing? And if not, is there one you’ve secretly — or not so secretly — wanted to try?
I played a lot of netball and hockey growing up. I was captain at school and played for my county for years. But now, I mainly play racket sports like tennis, squash, and badminton. A sport I would love to do more of is boxing.
Who inspires you?
Beyoncé. I am inspired by her work ethic and commitment to her craft. I get the feeling that she doesn’t care about outside metrics or awards, et cetera. She’s driven by her personal expectations of excellence.
What advice would you give someone who wants to act?
Don’t just look for opportunities — try to create opportunities yourself. Do scratch nights [the British version of an open-mic night], organize workshops with your friends, find mentors.
Do you prefer to watch drama or comedy? Or perhaps your favorite is another genre altogether?
I love all genres — I’m an equal-opportunity viewer! I’m bad at picking things to watch, though. I always overthink it. Also, if something is popular or well-loved, I put off watching it because I get anxious that I won’t feel the same way. Or maybe I just like to be contrarian.
What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you recently?
I got stuck in the toilet in my trailer on set. The worst part was that I was just wearing my undies. The lovely assistant directors had to come and get me out. They were kind enough to never mention it again!
What was the best day of your life?
I think we put a lot of pressure on those “big” days and moments. If I were to think about the days in my life when I was happiest, it would have to be either at university, when my friends and I would sit outside in the summer laughing, drinking, just enjoying each other’s company, or in India when I’m with all my family just hanging out, eating food, probably fighting.
Who was the person who most influenced you?
I’m probably most influenced by my auntie (my mother’s sister). She is the most intelligent, generous, and hardworking person I know. Truly, her generosity knows no bounds. She does so many good things and never seeks credit or attention for it. I aim to be more like her every day.
What do you consider your best achievement?
Beyoncé being my Spotify Wrapped “most listened to” artist every year since its inception!
What in your opinion is the most exciting part of this work?
The people, for sure. Everyone is so passionate about their work and so bloody talented. The feeling of everyone being on the same team, working toward one goal, is really comforting.
If you weren’t an actor, what do you think you’d be?
I never thought I could be an actor, so I can just give you my five-year plan from a year ago! Become a management consultant working in the public sector practice area, then complete a Master of Public Policy (MPP), and work for the government to develop better welfare policies.
Is there a character in the series, who is not your own, whom you are drawn to or can relate to, and why?
There are so many brilliant characters to choose from! That’s the magic of the show — every character is relatable in their own way even though it’s in this fantasy setting. I think I relate most to Kate Sharma. I would do absolutely anything for my family, sacrifice everything I have at a drop of a hat if they needed me to. It’s that sense of duty, responsibility, and obligation to family that Kate and I share.
Valentina Valentini is a London-based entertainment, travel, and food writer and also a Senior Contributor for Shondaland. Elsewhere she has written for Vanity Fair, Vulture, Variety, Thrillist, Heated, and The Washington Post. Her personal essays can be read in the Los Angeles Times, Longreads, and her tangents and general complaints can be seen on Twitter at @ByValentinaV.
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