Simone Ashley supports emerging British South Asian creatives

Simone Ashley dazzles in a lemon yellow ensemble as the Bridgerton star supports emerging British South Asian creatives in new Johnnie Walker campaign

  • The Bridgerton star Ashley, born in Surrey to Tamil Indian parents, takes on a starring role in a short collaborative video, titled Bold Steps.
  • With an empowering message from the actress, the film addresses the Bold Steps’ push for creative autonomy within British South Asian communities.
  • Johnnie Walker is inviting British South Asian artists and designers to create a limited edition bottle design inspired by their own creative expression.
  • The winner will receive a cash prize and personalized family tree mentoring, and the chosen design will appear on the bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label.

Bridgerton star Simone Ashley has teamed up with Scotch whiskey brand Johnnie Walker for a new campaign aimed at promoting the talents of emerging British South Asian creatives.

Ashley, who was born in Surrey to Tamil Indian parents, has a starring role in a short collaborative video, titled Bold Steps and released in association with creative agency Diet Paratha.

With an empowering message from the British-Indian actress, the promo film addresses Bold Steps’ drive for creative autonomy within British South Asian communities and urges viewers to “change the narrative”.

Get involved: Bridgerton star Simone Ashley has teamed up with Scotch whiskey brand Johnnie Walker for a new campaign aimed at promoting British South Asian creatives.

Taking center stage in the film and a series of accompanying images, 27-year-old Ashley looks stunning in a sequin-studded black minidress and stilettos as she delivers the campaign’s central message.

“It’s not often that we get told that we’re dark and shiny and that we should live our dreams,” she tells viewers after changing into a daring lemon-yellow top and matching skirt.

Johnnie Walker is inviting British South Asian artists and designers to create a limited edition bottle design inspired by their own creative expression, with Ashley’s short film, directed by filmmaker Kajal, as part of the promotional campaign.

Leading Role: Born in Surrey to Tamil Indian parents, Ashley has a leading role in a short collaborative video, titled Bold Steps.

Leading Role: Born in Surrey to Tamil Indian parents, Ashley has a leading role in a short collaborative video, titled Bold Steps.

Important: With an empowering message from the British-Indian actress, the film addresses the Bold Steps' push for creative autonomy within British South Asian communities.

Important: With an empowering message from the British-Indian actress, the film addresses the Bold Steps’ push for creative autonomy within British South Asian communities.

The winner will receive a cash prize and personalized family tree mentoring, and the chosen design will appear on the bottle of Johnnie Walker Black Label.

‘I’m proud to join Anita [Chhiba, Diet Paratha founder]Kajal and the Johnnie Walker team to uplift the community I’m a part of and to keep the door open for the people who follow,” Ashley said in an accompanying press release.

“I was drawn to the Bold Steps initiative because I know the power of seeing other people who look like me at the table and in the room.”

Looking good: Taking center stage in the film, Ashley looks stunning in a sequin-studded black minidress while delivering the campaign's core message.

Looking good: Taking center stage in the film, Ashley looks stunning in a sequin-studded black minidress while delivering the campaign’s core message.

Health!  Johnnie Walker is inviting British South Asian artists and designers to create a limited edition bottle design inspired by his own creative expression.

Health! Johnnie Walker is inviting British South Asian artists and designers to create a limited edition bottle design inspired by his own creative expression.

Johnnie Walker and Single Malts boss Pranay Chandra added: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Diet Paratha and Simone Ashley on Bold Steps and championing progressive voices and talent.

‘Anita and Simone are trailblazers paving the way for future generations of creatives and using their platforms for real and meaningful change.

“Given Johnnie Walker’s enormous cultural resonance across the globe, our brand really resonates with the South Asian community in the UK, a group that is too often left out of the national cultural narrative, and we are very proud of our diverse customer base.