Little Voice premiered July 10, 2020, on Apple tv. Main characters Bess and her friends Philip and Prisha navigate New York City while simultaneously exploring their talents, aspirations, and personal growth.
The show offers a diverse cast combined with diverse storylines. The show explores the harsh reality behind the music industry, love, sexuality, and family.
One of the main characters Prisha, played by Shalini Bathina, is an Indian American lesbian struggling with her sexuality and the difficulties surrounding being bicultural in America. When audiences first see Prisha they are able to see a loyal best friend and support system for leading character Bess. However, as the show progresses so does Prisha’s character development. Prisha not only is able to offer representation for Indian Americans, but she is also one of the few stories of the intersection of queerness, race, and gender seen on television.
Actress Shalini Bathini relates to her character in many ways being Indian American herself. Bathini points out that one of the many things that makes the cast special is that the actors see themselves in their own characters. They also were able to build a connection with their castmates which in return helped with the storytelling process.
When discussing the show with actor Philip Johnson Richardson, who plays Benny on the show, he also finds a sense of pride in the show and what it is able to do. The actor believes the show has the power to offer a sense of hope to its viewers especially in the midst of such difficult times. His character Benny is focused on his progression not just in his personal life but his professional life as well and is typically the voice of reason and wisdom on the show. His character is optimistic and continues to push everyone to their potential, and the show itself is quite similar. Viewers will be able to see themselves in the characters and to be reminded to continue to have hope and to never quit on their dreams.
