Netflix with its high-profile release slate and tapped lineup of big-impact stars has touched down in far and wide spectrums of the glitzy industry. The streaming giant is not only home to common people but is a household name for even stars from around the globe. Hence, at the Gold Gala 2024 event this year, as the American rapper Saweetie took the helm of the stage, she gave a special nod to this Netflix star from the series Never Have I Ever, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan. 

Saweetie’s initiation on the stage began with words of appreciation for Ramakrishnan, as she did not shy away from wearing her heart on her sleeve for the actress. 

The annual Gold Gala held in Los Angeles on May 11 by the non-profit Gold House celebrated the Asian-Pacific achievements across various fields. Saweetie arrived among other luminaries like Halsey, Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, and others as an honoree and performer in a daring green sheer gown. As she took center stage to kick off the performance for the evening, Saweetie seized the spotlight and delivered a memorable moment by acknowledging Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, exclaiming, “Hollywood, make some noise for my girl right here.”

The rapper light-heartedly mentioned her brief moment of forgetfulness about the upcoming song, attributing it to her excitement over meeting Ramakrishnan. Saweetie emphasized the importance of such gatherings, reflecting on how they provide unique opportunities to connect with figures they admire, follow, and watch. She expressed gratitude for the chance to meet someone she had watched on Netflix screens, like Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, who warmly acknowledged the honor.

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Ramakrishnan's success on Netflix has earned her admiration from notable figures such as Saweetie. From her standpoint, the star previously shared her personal reasons for developing a fondness for Devi, her on-screen persona, and how it inspired her to reconnect with her cultural roots.

Prior to the premiere of the third season of Never Have I Ever, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan revealed the pivotal reason behind her deep affection for her character, Devi Vishwakumar, on the show. In a widely circulated YouTube short, the actress shared her delight when Asian girls relate to her character's experiences, rather than simply seeing a Brown girl being admired from afar. She reflected on her own experiences of typically seeing white girls as the ones being pined over.

For Ramakrishnan, sparking this shift was profoundly meaningful, bringing her closer to her cultural roots as someone who has been distanced from her heritage. Moreover, with the show encompassing various ethnicities, many of whom are Asian, her connection to her roots strengthened. Therefore, Saweetie's recognition and celebration of her talent in a room full of people also acknowledge her successful portrayal of her cultural background, and Ramakrishnan's evident pride further underscores this.

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What do you think of Saweetie's shout-out for Maitreyi Ramakrishnan at the annual Gold Gala? Let us know in the comments below!