INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
the now-famous Insecure star launched her own webseries, The Misadventures of an Awkward Black Girl
Mohindra moved back home to Chicago and crafted a one-woman show that eventually morphed into a new series, premiering Wednesday
It's called Geeta's Guide to Moving On and draws its inspiration from a devastating breakup Mohindra went through.She plays the lead, Geeta
Gidwani, an energetic 20-something who Mohindra describes as an "emotional dreamer." Unfortunately, Geeta's dreams of marital bliss by 30
else should come to her rescue but her tight-knit family, an assortment of friends, a bewildered divorce support group and, of course, a
gaggle of auntiesThe aunties, particularly, have been met with glowing reviews, says Mahindra.Like the chorus of muses in Hercules, the trio
of aunties are spectators who comment on just about everything
They launch each episode with their living room commentary and occasionally show up in Geeta's life away from the couch."Those are my
aunties that I grew up with," Mohindra says
"These women are the anchors in our home and they're the organizers leading our community
They are such a huge part of my experience of being an American."She knew she wanted to integrate the aunties into her show, but their
popularity made them a staple for each episode.Surprises hit the production off-screen as well
The first actress to play Akua, Geeta's best friend, moved to Los Angeles
Mohindra's real mom dropped out of the project saying she no longer wanted to play the role of Geeta's mother."It's kind of the theme of the
You have to move on."The show is full of cringeworthy moments, like when Geeta gets defensive over meeting her more successful doppelganger
or when she overdresses for a date
These relatable - if sometimes silly - moments are when the actress can show off her comic timing.There are a number of cultural clashes and
generational differences, but nothing can break Geeta from the strong relationships in her life, even the imperfect ones.Mohindra weaves her
culture into the story when relevant, but doesn't make it the target of the comedy
It's not Geeta's "otherness" that's funny, it's her obsession with keeping her "Indian-classical-dance-hip-hop-fusion" performances private
or her overblown insecurity that ruins the family game night.Much of the humor is also found in Geeta's heartbreak."We're all kind of sold a
fairy tale," Mohindra says
"It was a big part of my Indian-American upbringing, and a big part of why my breakup was so hard."She hopes Geeta's Guide to Moving On
breaks down the perfect woman myth, lessens the pressure to "have it all" and prompts viewers to define success for themselves."The themes
of this story are universal," says Mahindra.She hopes Geeta will be able to cross cultures, generations and relationship status to captivate
an audience."Inclusion allows us to show something that's potentially different and allows us to connect with that," she says
"That connection fosters empathy, and that empathy is how this story can be revolutionary."---Geeta's Guide to Moving On trailer(c) 2018,
The Washington Post(This story has not been edited by TheIndianSubcontinent staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
