By: Riya Goel
Leela Ladnier is a pioneer for the South Asian community, voicing the title role of Mira, a young girl who travels throughout the magical Indian-inspired land of Jalpur solving mysteries for her friends, family and extended community in Disney Junior’s new show: Mira, Royal Detective. Mira, the main character of the new show, is appointed to the role of royal detective by the queen of Jalpur. The young detective sets out on mystery-solving adventures along with her friend Prince Neel, creative cousin Priya, and comical mongoose sidekicks Mikku and Chikku in the series.
Mira, Royal Detective is the first Disney Junior show with an all South Asian cast. This show is a landmark for the south asian community, targeting children from ages 2-7 years old. But P.S. I’m 16, and even I love and watch the show!
I got to talk to Leela and ask her about her role as Mira, and how she is breaking stereotypes for the Asian minority. First, Leela is an actress, which already breaks down the model minority myth. She is a rising senior in high school, pursuing her dreams of acting, and breaking barriers by “representing India in a very authentic, non stereotypical way” that highlights the rich culture and traditions of the nation. Mira and her friends on the show normalize diversity, and as young children watch the show, they can see themselves accurately portrayed in the characters they see on television, which teaches them to embrace their identities, and identify with the characters. Leela mentioned that “Every single person deserves to see themselves accurately represented in the media,” and that “diversity is more common.” We aren’t seeing the same kind of character over and over again, and as a population, we are being exposed to more stories and narratives from all over the globe, which is “refreshing.”
Mira is a strong female role model, going after her ambitions, and solving mysteries for the kingdom she resides in. Mira doesn’t wait for a prince to sweep her off her feet, but takes things into her own hands. “Mira is strong and independent” says Ladnier, and “she positively impacts the kids and makes them believe that they can solve their own problems without waiting for a prince charming”. I asked Leela what she learned from her role as Mira, and she said Mira inspired her to be more “kind, passionate, inclusive, and to be stronger every single day”, as well as to be authentically yourself in order to get things done.
The role of Mira is “so much bigger than me” says Ladnier, as she mentioned that growing up, she didn’t always see the representation that she now has an opportunity to provide to younger kids that are going to be able to grow up from the get go seeing themselves on TV. This representation is monumental, as it would inspire young kids to go after what they want because characters like Mira are going after their dreams.
When I asked Leela about her role models, she responded with none other than Zendaya, an icon who stays true to herself, just like Leela and Mira. Leela’s biggest takeaway from the show? “There is always a solution to my problems! Never give up even when things get hard, and keep an open mind, just like Mira!”
Thank you to Leela Ladnier and Disney Junior for letting AsiansLead interview an amazing young leader and trailblazer for the south asian community.