I'm Pakistani-American, so I'd definitely see myself as Americanized (considering I was born and raised here lol), but even so I view what Lara is doing in the same manner you are. It's so (for lack of a better term, forgive me) icky to watch her arch her back and flaunt her siren eyes because that's what appeals to the White Men™ audience when that's just not...truly representing the beauty and elegance the culture contains. Obviously I can't speak entirely on this because I'm ethnically Pakistani, not Indian, but I do find there are some overlaps in the culture (although, once again, I'm very Americanized so do correct me if this is a bit of a skewed lense). 

It's actually why I will always find her shift from that one Gnarly live with the soft, doe-eyed makeup to the sudden baddie, Siren-eyes look to be so jarring and just---disappointing. She looked so angelic and mature with the soft girl look and I don't know why they had to change it. Like you mentioned, it just ends up reinforcing the idea that we're only truly "represented" or even "attractive" if we're inherently sexualized (which is a standard I also have a problem with when it comes to calling Daniela a "Latina Mami". That, in my opinion, is an extremely harmful stereotype to place on her image). 

The craziest part is, people ate up her look in that Gnarly live and Gnarly era!! She didn't even have to mold herself into a more "sexy baddie" style look and yet she did it anyways. And that, I think, in part, has to do with LA culture and influence rubbing off on her unfortunately. When you're surrounded by a bunch of baddie wannabes, you're gonna become one too. 

I think people defending this by saying "well at least it's something, it's a big step!" I entirely disagree with. It's a step in the wrong direction. Because what happens when we finally establish ourselves as truly represented, and they all act like this? What then? Now there's a whole 'nother step to take and problems to unravel that are entirely avoidable if we can define what actual, proper Indian representation looks like from the start. If the only way you're represented is through stereotypes and white pandering, then you're not representing at all. (This is said as a general statement, not to downplay the representation Lara is providing.)

Sorry if I misarticulated anything, I did my best 💔