‘Schitt’s Creek’ actor Rizwan Manji defends his South Asian character’s accent

#But the #Indian-Canadian actor who plays #Ray, #Rizwan #Manji, said in an interview with the #Toronto #Star that he came up with the character’s accent on his own, and he didn’t think his characterization was offensive.

#When he was cast in “#Schitt’s #Creek,” #Manji said, producers gave him free rein to develop #Ray — there was no direction on if he had an accent. #At a table read, he tried out an accent similar to one he’d performed in a previous role. #Dan #Levy, the show’s star and co-creator, approved, #Manji said.

#Manji said he’s avoided taking offensive parts, though in the beginning of his career, those are nearly all he was offered. #He’d only get offers for characters like cab drivers or convenience store employees, and he was always asked to play them with a thick accent, he told the #Star.

“#It was very strictly, like, the joke was on the accent,” #Manji said.

#Manji said that while around 60% of his roles have involved using accents, he only employs them when he feels they’re necessary to the character.

#Some critics told the #Star that they felt that #Manji’s characterization was still playing into the expectations of #White audiences and showrunners. #For a show that prides itself on inclusivity — #Levy’s character is in a relationship with a man for much of the series and marries him in the finale — the role of #Ray felt like a slight.

#In a statement to the #Star, #Levy praised #Manji’s portrayal of #Ray and the choices #Manji made, which #Levy emphasized were not asked of him by producers.

“#All characters on our show were created with love, respect and humanity,” #Levy said. “#It has been gratifying to have these intentions reflected through the overwhelming audience support for these characters. #That said, I welcome any perspectives that encourage conversations about diversity, especially in entertainment.”