Bhumi Crowns The Royals as a ‘Bridgerton’ Meets ‘Schitt’s Creek’

Bhumi Pednekar describes her first web series, The Royals, as a riotous blend of modern Bridgerton and Schitt's Creek, capturing the chaos, laughter, and romance of a dysfunctional royal family in today's India. Available to stream on Netflix from May 9, the show stars Ishaan Khatter as Aviraaj Singh, an unwilling new-age prince, and Pednekar as Sophia Shekhar, a hard-boiled self-made CEO. They attempt to convert his family haveli into a luxury B&B together, unleashing a rollercoaster of funny one-liners, romance, and family drama.

 

Pednekar foregrounds the series' lavish setting and traditional romance by reversing the "damsel in distress" situation with her independent female character. The show, created by Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy and directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, also explores themes of privilege, power, and modern-day ambition.

 

Source: Indian Express, USA Today, Pinkvilla