Real Housewives: Star felt pressure of South Asian representation

Between fights, friendships and fame, the life of a Real Housewife can be hectic.

And with The Real Housewives of New York City currently filming season 15, viewers can expect to get a peek into the lives of the Big Apple’s rich and famous.

Current star Jessel Taank spoke to BBC Asian Network about her experiences of being the first South Asian cast member on the reality TV show.

“I did feel an immense amount of pressure. It’s kind of like all eyes on you,” she says.

“I just want to focus on being myself and representing what being Indian means to me.”

Jessel says it didn’t help that she felt misunderstood by her cast mates.

Her grandparents were born in India, later emigrating to Kenya and then going to London – something she says “was really confusing” for others on the show.

“A lot of the cast mates didn’t understand that,” she says.

“They were confused as to why I was from Africa or assume that because I’m Indian, I grew up wealthy.”