Close X
Friday, November 22, 2024
ADVT 
Spotlight

Supinder Wraich: Trailblazing Representation in North American Television

Naina Grewal Darpan, 21 Mar, 2024
  • Supinder Wraich: Trailblazing Representation in North American Television

With her compelling performances and dedication to authentic representation, Supinder Wraich has been breaking barriers and making waves in the entertainment industry. With a diverse background and a passion for storytelling, Wraich has carved out a niche for herself in both traditional television and digital media.

Wraich's breakout roles include starring in acclaimed web series such as Guidestones and The 410. Notably, her recent starring role playing a Sikh Punjabi rookie police officer in the CBC original series titled Allegiance (available to watch on the free CBC Gem streaming platform) marks a groundbreaking moment in North American television, as it is the first time a police procedural has centred on a character of this background. Wraich's performance has been garnering praise for its depth, earning her recognition across the nation.

In regard to the theme of Allegiance, Wraich shares that the show confronts the stark reality that our justice system is flawed and fully embraces that truth. Wraich notes, "What's legal isn't necessarily always what's fair." However, the tone of the show is imbued with hope, advocating for a police force that embodies positive change. As such, the storytelling challenges conventions with a light touch, inviting introspection without overwhelming the audience.

Beyond her on-screen work, Wraich has also made significant contributions behind the scenes, having written and directed short films like Chinesey and Ruby's Tuesday, "It's nice stepping into a story penned by someone else, but I also love creating and writing.", shares Wraich.

Reflecting on her journey, Wraich candidly shares the challenges she has faced as a woman of colour in the industry. From navigating auditions to confronting stereotypes, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to true representation, even amidst setbacks. She details, "When things don't go my way, I sincerely believe it wasn't meant for me, and something else is. There is faith."

As she continues to make strides in her career, Wraich remains grounded in her roots and committed to uplifting others. She recognizes the importance of using her platform to inspire the next generation of storytellers and to challenge the status quo. Through her work and her words, Wraich is not only reshaping the landscape of North American television but also paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse entertainment industry.

Wraich highlights, "With approximately 800,000 Sikhs in Canada, we stand as one of the fastest-growing communities, both in numbers and influence. There was a moment when I saw my face on the poster, but I knew I wasn't standing alone. It's a collective achievement, a testament to our unity and resilience. It's a moment that belongs to all of us, and it's a beautiful feeling to share in this triumph together."

 

MORE Spotlight ARTICLES

Sonia Virk: Leading the way

In today’s world as more and more women are taking up leadership roles, here’s one South Asian woman whose success story is an inspiration to many. 

Kaur Project: Reflecting on female Sikh identity

“The name Kaur is an equalizer; enabling Sikh women to be able to identify themselves without their fathers or husbands,” says Jessie Kaur Lehail, a writer, story-teller, feminist and the proud co-founder of Kaur Project.

Vaisakhi Spotlight: Jagmeet Singh Dhaliwal - Leading with Style

A former criminal defence lawyer, it was Dhaliwal’s profession that led him onto the path of a political career. 

Vic Sarin: A Life between the Lens, Frames and Stories

Vic Sarin: A Life between the Lens, Frames and Stories

Cinema had left an imprint on Sarin quite early in his life. “I love the idea of how [the] magic of cinema affects people. We all know it’s artificial, we all know he’s (actor) not dying there and yet, we are moved by that,” he explains with amazement.

Bombay Musings with Anosh Irani

In a way, this deep sense of nostalgia was a motivating force behind Irani’s major characters and plots and Bombay was where the inspiration streamed in from.

Manny Dulay: Leading On and Off the Court

Manny Dulay: Leading On and Off the Court

Manny Dulay has risen to the level of an elite student athlete while also being a positive influence for the community.