Title: Simone Ashley Discusses Lack of On-Screen Representation Growing Up Before Starring in Rom-Com Picture This

Simone Ashley Champions Representation in New Rom-Com Picture This
[Image 1: Simone Ashley at a film event, smiling in a glamorous outfit. Caption: Simone Ashley opens up about representation in her new film Picture This.]

Bridgerton star Simone Ashley has spoken candidly about the lack of on-screen representation she experienced growing up, as she prepares to lead the romantic comedy Picture This. In the film, she plays Pia, a photographer navigating love and career chaos after her ex resurfaces.

During an interview on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast, Simone reflected on her childhood inspirations: “I wanted to be Cameron Diaz. I loved her characters, but girls who looked like me were always sidekicks or didn’t get to win. That didn’t mirror my reality—I’ve won in life.” She added, “Now, doing a rom-com with an Indian lead feels full-circle. I want brown women to see themselves win!”

[Image 2: Still from Picture This showing Pia (Ashley) holding a camera. Caption: Ashley’s character Pia balances love and ambition in the rom-com.]

The film follows Pia, who receives a prediction that her next five dates will bring true love and career success. But when her ex reappears before her sister’s wedding, chaos ensues. Simone hopes the movie normalizes diverse leads: “Growing up watching Julia Roberts or Anne Hathaway rom-coms, I never saw someone like me. This role is about celebrating culture while showing our shared humanity.”

Breaking Barriers and Facing Challenges
Simone also discussed feeling underestimated in male-dominated spaces: “In rooms full of men, I’ve felt ‘othered.’ If I’m dressed up, they might assume I’m not serious. I’ve had to speak louder or prove myself, which is exhausting.” She emphasized turning these experiences into strength: “It’s a journey—sometimes I walk in confident, other times I doubt, but I’m learning to own my space.”

[Image 3: Simone Ashley recording music in a studio. Caption: Ashley channels personal experiences into her upcoming music album.]

New Beginnings: Music and Moving Forward
Amid her acting success, Simone is venturing into music, describing her debut pop album as a “dance cry banger” inspired by heartbreak. Recently single after a three-year relationship, she shared: “One song started from a grey, heartbreak-filled weekend but evolved into something positive. Music is another way to tell my story.”

Picture This promises laughter, love, and a fresh perspective on rom-coms, with Simone Ashley leading the charge for inclusivity. As she puts it: “I hope girls like me watch this and think, ‘It’s possible.’”

[Image 4: Movie poster for Picture This featuring Simone Ashley. Caption: Picture This hits theaters soon, blending romance and self-discovery.]

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