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Varada Sethu, the new cast member of Doctor Who, has addressed criticisms suggesting that the series has become overly “woke.” Sethu emphasizes that these critiques affirm the show’s commitment to inclusivity. She portrays Belinda Chandra, the latest companion of the Doctor, played by Ncuti Gatwa, in episodes set to debut next month. This notable pairing represents a groundbreaking moment, as it marks the first time a TARDIS team consists entirely of individuals from diverse racial backgrounds.
Reflecting on this milestone, Sethu shared her thoughts with Radio Times: “Ncuti was like, ‘Look at us. We get to be in the Tardis. We’re going to piss off so many people.’” This sentiment highlights the underlying tensions surrounding diversity in science fiction and fantasy, particularly in an era where online backlash is common in response to representative casting.
The actress, who recently participated in the Disney+ series Andor, noted positive responses from fans regarding her involvement in Doctor Who. “There’s been a couple of Doctor Woke [references] or whatever, but I just think we’re doing the right thing if we’re getting comments like that,” Sethu stated.
Sethu further defined what “woke” means to her, stating, “Woke just means inclusive, progressive, and that you care about people. And, as far as I know, the core of Doctor Who is kindness, love, and doing the right thing.”
Celebrating Inclusivity in Sci-fi
The recent 60th anniversary of Doctor Who in 2023 saw mixed reactions, particularly with the introduction of transgender and non-binary characters, alongside a scene where David Tennant’s Doctor expresses an unusual affection for Sir Isaac Newton. While some incidents have drawn criticism, the series continues to strive for representation.
Born in India and raised in northeast England, Sethu has built a diverse acting portfolio, including roles in Jurassic World Dominion, Annika, and Strike Back. She initially appeared in Doctor Who last year, showcasing her versatility by playing a different character in the episode “Boom.”
After filming, showrunner Russell T Davies expressed admiration for the dynamic between Sethu and Gatwa. “He kept seeing me and Ncuti on-screen thinking, ‘God, those two have such great chemistry,’” Sethu recalled, illustrating their strong on-set connection.
Dynamic Duo on Screen
In working alongside Gatwa, Sethu noted their interactions are marked by equality, with Russell seeking someone capable of challenging the authority typically associated with the Doctor. “Russell wanted someone who can push back and not be in awe of this all-powerful being,” Sethu explained.
The upcoming episodes of Doctor Who are described by Sethu as “bright and energetic,” with one episode, titled “The Interstellar Song Contest,” featuring a cameo from TV personality Rylan Clark. Sethu also described the whirlwind of emotions that come with stepping into such a prominent role on British television.
“I was dropped into [filming] within two weeks of being told I had it. So a lot of the confusion and stress that [Belinda is] going through is the confusion and stress that I was going through,” she shared, offering insight into her experience as a newcomer to the iconic series.
Source
www.theguardian.com