Season 1 of Bridgerton was sensational, having come out only a couple of months after the whole world was on lockdown and starving for a good slow-burn romance. Introducing a main character of Southeast Asian descent in Season 2 felt like a cherry on top of an already amazing show. 

In Season 2, Kathani Sharma, the eldest Sharma sister, arrives in London from India with the sole purpose of finding a successful match for her younger sister, Edwina. However, her intense protective stance and razor-sharp tongue swiftly lead her to Anthony Bridgerton, the season’s most eligible bachelor. 

Kate’s complicated nature, marked by a strong sense of obligation and a buried vulnerable nature, makes her an engaging heroine whose enemies-to-lovers relationship with Anthony alternates between heated arguments and enigmatic magnetism. Kate Sharma continued to captivate the audience throughout the show’s two seasons with her arsenal of wisdom, wit, and unwavering independence.

Fashion

Kate Sharma’s fashion, consisting of striking sarees and traditional jewellery, stands in contrast with the more muted colours of regency fashion trends, illustrating her distinctive ancestry. The show’s makers methodically blend Indian practices, such as henna application and the use of Indian classical music, to showcase Kate’s roots and provide a visual and melodic feast that celebrates her cultural heritage. 

Throughout Seasons 2 and 3, Kate wears regency-era ensembles adorned with traditional Indian prints and embellishments, particularly at major balls and events. These ensembles, with their rich, vibrant colours and elaborate embroidery, serve as a visual reminder of her heritage while also adding to the character’s individuality.

John Glaser, Bridgerton’s lead costume designer, said while commenting on a change in her style in season 3, “We veered away from unnatural colours for her and used all natural colours, like skin tone colour and colours of water. We wanted her to look warm, and like she’s coming back from a warm climate. We also wanted to show that she had nothing to hide. She’s coming back from home, she’s married, she’s a strong woman, and she’s not going to hide her heritage.”

Jewellery

At the eagerly awaited Diamond Ball, Kate donned an exquisite range of traditional Indian jewellery. She was seen sporting dangly earrings called jhumkas, which are usually made of gold and set with rare stones. A matching necklace with elaborate design elements and a massive central pendant—a mainstay of Indian design—added a dash of tradition to her look. Their mother’s bangles, a family heirloom that she’d passed down to Kate for her wedding, were further passed down to Edwina for hers. 

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Throughout the season, Kate wears a lot of jewellery made from gold, a typical Indian trait. She wears earrings that have colourful precious stones set in gold, along with gold bangles and bracelets known as kada in Hindi. In Season 2, she was seen wearing things that wouldn’t take the attention away from her sister, whereas, in the newest season of Bridgerton, Kate Sharma is seen unabashedly adorning herself in eye-catching jewels that highlight her Indian roots.

Culture

What defines Kate Sharma is her complex childhood and the cultural diversity she brings to the ton. Her Indian identity is artfully woven into her persona, adding dimensions to her individuality along with a new viewpoint on the regency-era plot. Elements like the Haldi scene are very important in weaving the influences of her childhood and culture into her adult life. The little details, like the orchestral cover of a song from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham during Edwina’s Haldi, create a captivating narrative.

The Haldi scene in itself was a step towards intertwining Indian culture into a genre that is strictly anglicised. Other elements, like the fact that Kate drinks masala chai and that she oils and braids Edwina’s hair before they go to bed, play a crucial role in paying homage to the character’s roots. 

Throughout Season 3, Sharma consistently incorporates Indian elements into her jewellery and ensembles, showcasing her rich cultural heritage. She frequently references her homeland’s traditions and customs during her conversations with the Viscountess, offering a glimpse into her roots. Towards the end of the season, Kate and Anthony decide to embark on a spontaneous trip to India to reconnect with Sharma’s heritage and deepen their understanding of her cultural background.

Conclusion

Kate’s identity, with her blend of intelligence, wit, and fierce independence, paired with her deeply ingrained cultural values, makes her an intriguing and multifaceted main character. Her journey, which is driven by her attempt to strike a balance between her personal desires and her familial obligations, gives the plot more depth and makes the character endearing to viewers.