Celebrity
And how the Netflix show has changed her life.
I just dont believe people will recognise me.
Jonny is so caring and is such an older brother [to me], she explains.
He always says, Youve got to prepare yourself; things are going to change.
And I just dont believe him.
Of course, Jonny was right.
And its rising by the minute.
Upon graduating in 2019, she got a normal job in the economics sector.
Chandran was following a straight path, and a successful one, at that, but she felt adrift.
I was just blindly passing through the stations.
The gamble paid off.
Chandran started the audition process for Season 2 beforeBridgertons first season had even aired.
My mum and I watch Colin FirthsPride and Prejudiceonce every two months, Chandran tells me, eagerly.
Some months later, Chandran was told she had got the part of Edwina.
She relished her new title, both on and off the screen.
A lot of the directors would say, Wheres my diamond?
It made me feel special; its quite the ego boost, she admits.
Not that it was all easy.
I do feel the pressure of representing my community and for the show being a success, she reflects.
But no one is putting that on me.
This is far from your typical love triangle though, says Chandran.
Youre trash to me, just go away.
Edwina cares so muchmoreabout Kate.
Shes not upset, nor does she think that her sister hasstolenAnthony.
Shes heartbroken that the person she loved most has betrayed her.
My contract went through on Sunday, at 6 p.m. and I went to work on Monday.
But it turns out that everyone else knew weeks before me.
Until it was 100% certain that it could work, I wasnt told.
Simone and I had the same first day.
We were filming the trip to Royal Ascot from Episode 2.
It was super scary, as everyone was there.
It was a baptism by fire!
The emotions that you feel entering a space and having people staring at you…
I dont even know if I was acting.
Of course, you feel apprehensive, like, Are they going to like me?
But within a few minutes, all of that worry and concern was dispelled.
The cast and crew were so welcoming.
AndRuth Gemmell, who plays Lady Violet Bridgerton, said the loveliest thing halfway through filming the series.
It feels like youve always been a part of the cast.
Even though shesfartoo young to be my mum, Shelley and I really bonded.
Were so close now.
Theres a negligible chance of that happening, but it did, so its super exciting.
InBridgerton, its very much Kate telling Edwina what to do.
In reality, mine and Simones relationship is much more symbiotic.
I think we both had a lot to teach each other.
He sent me a good luck message on Instagram before my chemistry read with him.
I knew from that moment that we would get along.
Hes also from Oxford, so we share a lot of the same landmarks in our lives.
And hes such a brilliant performer.
Ive already noticed myself holding back a little.
Its a bizarre concept for me, and very new, but it helps me live in the moment.
Im aware my lifestyle is not reality at the moment.
And I dont want to start thinking it is.
My support connection actuallydolive real lives.
So it is important for me to maintain those friendships, away from the industry.
I tend to gravitate towards female-led stories.
I think women are more interesting.
Probably going to get canceled for [saying] that.
Id like to produce, too.
I want every project to be inherent, because I really love it and Im really passionate about it.
Something that will challenge me in a new way or where Ill learn a new skill.
I dont think I have an abundance mentality with these things.
Theres a lot of power in saying no.
