Poorna Jagannathan hails 'Deli Boys' and 'Beef' as 'representation 2.0' in storytelling: 'Our identities are baked into storyline'

Actress Poorna Jagannathan has spent much of her career working in projects that challenged such ideas. Through different performances, she has consistently explored roles that feel more layered and authentic. Poorna Jagannathan recently spoke about the evolving landscape of South Asian representation in Hollywood. The actress reflected on how storytelling has gradually moved beyond older patterns. The actress believes recent changes in storytelling are creating space for characters to exist beyond labels and stereotypes.

Roles rooted in authenticity matter to Poorna Jagannathan

During the interaction with India Today, Poorna explained that her own approach to acting has always been closely connected to personal authenticity. She shared that she often tries to bring parts of her own identity into characters whenever the opportunity exists.

Speaking about her process, she said, “You know, I’ve always made choices as close to possible as who I am. So, if I got a role that was written for another ethnicity, say a white, I’d always try and encourage them to change it to a more Indian name or Indian. Whatever I can bring of who I am to the role actually makes it easier for me to inhabit." For Poorna, the goal has never simply been representation for the sake of visibility. Instead, she believes authenticity helps actors connect more naturally with their characters. She feels that when roles reflect real experiences and identities, performances become more believable.

Poorna Jagannathan sees change behind the camera too

The actress also pointed out that changes are not only happening with performers on screen. She believes writers and creators are now approaching stories differently. According to Poorna, the industry has started building culturally rooted characters from the very beginning rather than trying to fit diversity into existing structures later. She said, “I see not only people inhabiting it, but I see on the flip side people writing for it. Characters are becoming much more specific culturally." The actress feels this creative shift is helping stories feel richer and more organic.

'Deli Boys' reflects a different storytelling space

Poorna also discussed 'Deli Boys' and explained why the series stands out to her. The comedy-crime project follows two South Asian-American brothers whose lives change unexpectedly after inheriting a criminal empire linked to their family. She explained that projects like 'Deli Boys' no longer place identity at the center of every storyline. Speaking about it, she said, “With something like Deli Boys, we’re entering a territory that is not identity-focused narratives anymore.” She further added, “Our identities are just given. They’re baked into the storyline." For her, this creates a different viewing experience where culture exists naturally within the narrative.

‘Representation 2.0’ is how she describes the shift

Poorna also mentioned projects that she feels represent a larger movement in Hollywood storytelling. She said, “Deli Boys and shows like Beef just are, for me, representation 2.0. It’s next level, where we come from, who we are is implicit. It’s not part of the storyline. It’s a secondary subplot to everything.”

Meanwhile, on the work front, Poorna Jagannathan was last seen in 'Wolfs', where she shared screen space with George Clooney and Brad Pitt.