Actor Anya Singh, who is currently seen in Netflix’s The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, revealed that her most challenging role to date was playing Lala, a content creator, in the coming-of-age drama Kho Gaye Hum Kahan. In an exclusive conversation with Zoom, the actress shared why the role scared her and how she prepared to bring such relatable and modern characters to life.
On Choosing Relatable Characters
Anya has carved a niche for herself by portraying characters that deeply resonate with younger audiences. From Stree 2 to Aryan Khan’s Netflix directorial debut, where she plays Lakshya’s manager, her performances have consistently struck a chord with Gen-Z.
When asked if this was a calculated career move, Anya clarified that her choices are driven by passion rather than strategy.
“I like to challenge myself as a performer. For me, the joy lies in creating a human being, building a psyche, and truly inhabiting the character,” she explained.
“Sometimes, it’s also about the desire to work with certain directors or to be part of a world that excites me — that’s what happened with Stree 2 and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan.”
Playing Lala: A Role That Pushed Her Limits
Anya revealed that playing Lala, a social media influencer, was far more complex than it appeared.
“Lala was my most challenging character. It might seem easy because content creators are everywhere today, but she was very far from who I am,” Anya confessed.
“I used to get scared sometimes going on that set because I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off. But the fun for me was in facing that fear.”
Her dedication paid off, with audiences praising her nuanced portrayal of a character navigating fame, identity, and authenticity in the digital age.
Learning Gen-Z Lingo for Roles
Known for roles like Chitti in Stree 2 and Lala in Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, Anya also spoke about adapting to Gen-Z culture for her characters.
“To play such characters, I have to learn their language because I don’t naturally speak like that,” she laughed.
“I interact with people who are closer to Lala or Chitti, but on social media, we’re mostly seeing the image they put out, not who they are personally. It’s a great reference point for me, but ultimately, the core of a character goes beyond generations.”
What’s Next for Anya Singh
Anya’s latest series, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*, is now streaming on Netflix, where she once again delivers a performance that has resonated strongly with young audiences. She continues to seek roles that challenge her and allow her to explore diverse narratives.
