Simone Ashley Is on the Fast Track

      Simone Ashley is comfortably situated in her favorite lunch spot in Notting Hill. Dressed casually in a red cap, sweatshirt, leggings, and knee-high Hunter wellies, she embodies a laid-back style. I find her at a crowded table, enjoying a turmeric chicken salad and chatting with her publicist. When we arrive, the maître d' warmly greets her, asking, "How's your mum?" She responds with a nod and appreciation, indicating this is a familiar haunt for the Bridgerton actress.

      Surrounded by tables of young women gossiping, I ask Ashley if she ever struggles to enjoy a meal without being recognized. She tilts her head playfully, hinting that she has already exchanged a few smiles with admirers since sitting down. Pointing to a nearby group of South Asian women, she notes her fan base primarily consists of young women of color. Her breakout role as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, a strong and unapologetic character in season two, has clearly resonated. "I love when girls come up to me saying, 'Oh my God, I feel so seen when I see you,'" she says, smiling. Although grateful for the recognition, she suggests we relocate to a quieter spot. We leave and head to her favored juice bar, a more intimate venue where the noise level drops and conversations can flow more easily.

      Ashley has just finished a fitting with her stylist, Rebecca Corbin-Murray, the creative force behind her sleek red carpet looks, including the stunning pink Prada dress she wore to last year's British Fashion Awards. "I love Prada. I really love Prada," she says. "I think I’ll be wearing some for my upcoming press [tour]. Who else? Chanel. I’m really into Chanel right now." Fashion acts as a playground for Ashley, giving her the opportunity to explore different facets of herself, much like her acting career. She's eagerly anticipating her next big style moment—the press tour for Picture This, the British South Asian romantic comedy in which she stars. Her outfit inspirations come from classic romance films. "Julia Roberts is a huge inspiration. I love her big, curly hair, and the way she pairs it with those '90s outfits. We also looked at Rachel Green from Friends. They influenced us, but primarily we drew from that '90s fashion era—clean lines, very minimal, very Calvin Klein. It was perfect because I attended the Calvin Klein show in New York recently, which was really special," she shares.

      She brightens when talking about Zendaya and Chappell Roan, who inspire her with their style and versatility. "I want to be a multi-hyphenate. I want to do it all," she declares, her ambition evident in her sparkling eyes. "I want to connect with fashion, different art forms, and women. My audience is young women, and I remember being that girl, looking up to figures like Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Toni Braxton—women who embodied confidence, intelligence, and talent."

      She pauses, contemplating, "Isn't that what it's all about? Making people feel seen," she adds. This is exactly the intent of Picture This, her latest film, which honors pioneers like Bend It Like Beckham's director Gurinder Chadha, who opened doors for a new generation of filmmakers. Two decades after that iconic film, Picture This reminds us of the significance of representation on screen.

      In the movie, Ashley portrays Pia, a headstrong photographer who reluctantly agrees to five dates before her sister’s wedding after a fateful astrology reading. The experience is full of comedic mishaps, including awkward encounters with an unbearable wellness enthusiast, a young man infatuated with her mother, and other unsuitable suitors orchestrated by well-meaning relatives, all driven by Pia's sharp wit. "I just hope it makes people happy and that they don't overthink it. I wanted it to celebrate my culture and put a girl like me at the forefront, reminiscent of Bridget Jones, and just bring smiles and laughter," she expresses.

      Picture This shares more than mere romantic comedy elements with the Bridget Jones films. While love plays a role, the real focus is on self-discovery following a period of disconnection. The film captures what made Bend It Like Beckham remarkable: its characters are depicted with warmth rather than as stereotypes, reflecting authentic experiences through creators who genuinely represent those portrayed on screen. "We aimed to celebrate the culture while infusing humor. It wasn’t the culture itself that was funny; it was the characters, the dialogues, the situations. It wasn’t about poking fun at Indian culture," Ashley explains.

      The true benchmark was gaining her family's approval. "I shared it with my family during Christmas, and they loved it. My mum said, 'God, it feels like a real movie.' And I replied, 'Because it is a real movie, Mum...'"

      Ashley grew up in what she describes