Like Praveena from XO Kitty, Sasha Bhasin is a strong fierce woman who knows what she wants. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be an actress and wasn’t going to take a no from her parents or anyone else. She has come a long way from dragging her mom to casting calls to being a love interest in one of the top Netflix shows! Just like we hope to see more of Praveena in season three of XO Kitty, I have full confidence that we will be seeing a lot more of Sasha Bhasin on our screens as she tackles every role she gets her hands on. It is important to note that Sasha is also a singer, recently coming out with a new song, and a passionate advocate for the environment and pugs! Please read on to learn more about the charming Sasha Bhasin.

Where are you based?
New York City.

What inspired you to pursue a career in acting?
Since I was super little, I always felt like acting was my path. I loved to put on performances for my family, and even dragged my mom to those crazy Disney Channel open casting calls that had 10,000+ kids auditioning. I would google “how to get an agent” and “open casting calls Florida” because the desire was so incredibly strong – I don’t know why but it just always was.

We loved your character in XO, Kitty. What does it mean to you to play Praveena in XO, Kitty?
It means the world to portray Praveena! Not only because XO, Kitty is such a huge show with amazing fans, but because playing a queer South Asian “cool” girl is just so unheard of, and it feels like a dream come true to be a part of this world.

Praveena is very special as she is not only an Indian girl, but she is queer. There hasn’t been much representation for a character like this. How did it feel to be one of the first?
Like I said before, it is genuinely unbelievable. I think Praveena is so special and not a very common archetype because not only is she queer and Indian, but she’s also a desirable love interest, which may not seem like a big deal but watching television shows that would mostly always portray Indian people as caricatures — it means a lot.

We hear Praveena is coming back for season three! What do you hope to see developed for her character?
I can’t comment on season 3! You’ll just have to wait and see.

There is a hint at more love for Praveena at the end of season two. What are your thoughts on this budding new romance? Do you think Praveena will be able to have love without Yuri drama?
I truly hope so. I hope that we get to learn more about Praveena and Juliana because it felt like they had a spicy history!

Do you feel the industry is making meaningful strides in representation?
I think so. Progress isn’t linear, but XO, Kitty is definitely a step in the right direction. I do feel like POC are often used as tokens so that a project can claim diversity and representation, but that ends up being very obviously contrived. At the same time, however, more POC in TV/Film is better than nothing!

In The Pitt, you are part of a story highlighting real-world healthcare industry struggles. What drew you to this role, and what do you hope audiences take away from the series?
The Pitt is such a beautiful project, and I think it gives such a close-to-accurate peek into the lives of healthcare workers. I hope folks working in the medical industry feel seen and appreciated.

Brave the Dark is based on a true story. How did you prepare for the role of Tina Baxter, and what was the most challenging or rewarding aspect of filming?
Playing Tina was one of the first roles I ever worked on, and my process back then was pretty chaotic. I think the most challenging aspect of that project was just doing it — I had never worked on a real set with a whole cast and crew, so I was definitely trying to figure things out as I went, but I learned so much from Brave the Dark and am honored to be a part of such a moving true story.

Do you have a favorite genre to act in, or one you are eager to explore next? Do you have any dream roles?
I love horror films but my dream role — there’s a few. I want to play a Bond Girl, I want to play a Queen, I want to play a sociopath, I want to play an actress, I want to play a woman written by Sylvia Plath…I think that’s why I love being an actor so much, I can become whoever I want.

You grew up in a household where acting was not initially encouraged. How did you find the courage to pursue your passion, and what advice would you give to others facing similar challenges?
I think if you want something, and you really want it so badly, you just have to tune everything out and go and get it. I remember I would watch this one YouTube video over, and over, and over again — it was a speech of this guy, Eric Thomas, that I’ll sum up to the point: When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful. [https://youtu.be/6vuetQSwFW8]

Alongside acting you also create music. How would you describe your sound, and are there any upcoming releases fans should look out for?
Making music is something newer for me, and I think I’m still finding my sound, but I love blending Indian instruments and Bollywood melodies with an experimental pop vibe. I have a few songs that we’re still working on, but they should be released in the next few months. My very first single “The Famous Cannibal” just dropped on Spotify and there’s more to come!

We heard about your advocacy work with Conscious Planet’s Save Soil movement. What inspired you to support this cause, and how do you stay involved?
“Save Soil” is really near and dear to my heart because as humans, we should be protecting our planet and nourishing the earth in the same way that the earth nourishes us. I think we, as a collective, have become so removed from where our food comes from, and that’s a big reason why we’re trashing the planet like this. I volunteer whenever I can and try to get the word out about “Save Soil” using the platforms that I have.

With the new administration destroying environmental protections, what are your hopes for the sustainability movement? What would you like to see more people do to help?
I think that the way society is set up right now purposefully removes the humanity in us. Not to get too esoteric, but we are so lucky to be human, and to be living on this planet. I think the way to get people to care about the planet is not to tell them to care about the planet, but rather getting people more in touch with themselves — to practice more self-love. When you love yourself, you’ll naturally love the world around you and want to make the world a better place.

Can you also enlighten us about your work with PugHearts Rescue? Did you get your own pugs from PugHearts Rescue?
I have two pugs, and I am obsessed with my little guys — I didn’t get them from PugHearts but one day when I was scrolling through Instagram, I came across PugHearts, which is a non-profit based in Texas that rescues pugs who have been abandoned or abused and provides them with medical treatment as well as adoption. I love all animals, but pugs are my heart, and I donate as often in addition to spread awareness for others to donate or help!

Are there any upcoming projects you would like to share?
I can’t say too much right now, but you’ll be seeing me back on your screen really soon!

It has been a crazy past few years, and we suspect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
I think positivity is a choice. I consciously decide every day to make the day great. Sometimes I fail and sit in bed all day watching Netflix, but mostly I’m able to make sure my inner world is beautiful, therefore coloring my reality in a gorgeous way.

What is your motto in life?
My motto changes all the time, but right now it’s “You can’t cry about having a lot on your plate when it was your goal to eat.”

To learn more about Sasha, please check out her instagram:
sashabhasin

Team Credits:
Photographer: Kira Bucca
Stylist: Kristopher Fraser
Hair and Make-up: Aleetha Clanton
Photo Assistant: Michael Newman

COVER - XO Sasha Bhasin