Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, the Canadian actress who rose to fame with her role in the Netflix series 'Never Have I Ever', is making a surprising return to the world of teen shows. But this time, she's stepping into a completely different role, as the nemesis to Lexi Minetree's Elle Woods in the Legally Blonde prequel, 'Elle'.
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ramakrishnan teases that her character, Sam, is a far cry from the optimistic and ambitious lead she played in 'Never Have I Ever'. Sam is described as the founder, editor-in-chief, and lord baron of the school newspaper, with a keen eye for grammar and a deep-seated hatred for joy. 'It's not something I've done before,' Ramakrishnan says, emphasizing the unique dynamic her character brings to the show.
What makes this role particularly intriguing is the contrast between Ramakrishnan's previous work and her new character. In 'Never Have I Ever', she played a lead role in a semi-autobiographical comedy, while in 'Elle', she's taking on a more antagonistic part. This shift in roles is a testament to Ramakrishnan's versatility as an actress, and her ability to embody diverse characters.
The actress also shared her thoughts on the similarities between the two powerhouse producers behind the shows, Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon. Both women are known for their audacity and their commitment to telling good stories. Ramakrishnan believes that their shared values have led them to hire women with audacity, and that this has created a positive impact on the industry.
'Meeting Lexi is such a joy because she works so hard. She's just amazing. Game recognizes game, and I think Mindy knew what she did casting me, and Reese knew what she did casting Lexi Minetree,' Ramakrishnan says. This highlights the importance of representation and the power of women supporting women in the entertainment industry.
The second season of 'Elle' is already filmed and renewed, and all eight episodes of the first season are streaming on Amazon's Prime Video. Ramakrishnan's addition to the show is a welcome surprise for fans, and her unique take on the character of Sam promises to bring a fresh perspective to the Legally Blonde universe.
