Sasha Bhasin's Journey

Top: St. Agni, Shorts: Sandro, Jacket: Munthe, Shoes: Moon Boot

Suppose you're anything like me, constantly scrolling through the latest in youth culture and entertainment. In that case, you've likely come across Sasha Bhasin's captivating performance in the new season of XO Kitty. Sasha's standout portrayal of Praveena in "XO, Kitty" just proves her journey is nothing short of inspiring. When we connected over Zoom, she was snuggled up in her New York City apartment, exuding the same warmth and authenticity she brings to the screen. Our conversation delved into her transition from studying politics at NYU to embracing her true passion for acting, her challenges as an Indian-American pursuing a non-traditional career, and her aspirations beyond the screen.

Hailing from Wellington, Florida, Sasha pursued her education at New York University (NYU), where she majored in politics. She grew up putting on plays and creating characters for her family and friends. However, her initial path didn't lead her directly to the stage or screen. At NYU, she explored various fields, changing her major from economics to physics and finally settling on politics. "I was really trying to find myself and what I was interested in," she explained, admitting that none of her academic pursuits excited her the way acting did.

During her time at NYU, Sasha realized acting was her true calling. She described running from her classes at NYU to attend acting lessons uptown, a schedule that required immense dedication. "I'm fortunate and blessed that I got into NYU," Sasha reflected. "If I hadn't come to New York, I would have never really been able to dig my heels in and get into acting classes and really round out my art."

Look by Etro

For Sasha, pursuing acting wasn't always an easy decision. "I'm Indian, and acting as a job is not the most accepted career in my culture," she revealed. "To my parents, it sounded like I told them I wanted to be a serial killer when I grew up," she laughs. While her mom was initially more supportive, it took time for her dad to come around. Their attitude shifted when Sasha started booking commercials and print ads, demonstrating that acting could be a sustainable career. "When 'Brave the Dark' happened, my parents were very proud of me," she said. Though challenging, the early resistance from her family fueled Sasha's passion. "If there weren't so many roadblocks for me getting into acting, I wouldn't have wanted it as bad," she admitted. "When you have to prove a point, it drives you."

Sasha's first major acting role was in "Brave the Dark," an independent film distributed by Angel Studios. The film stars Nick Hamilton and Jared Harris. "It's a true story about a homeless teenager who makes it against all odds with the help of his school teacher," she explained.

Filming on location in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, at the actual school where the events took place, made the experience even more meaningful. "It was such an emotional and cathartic experience," Sasha shared. Nate, whose story inspired the film, was present on set and served as an executive producer. Although the project was filmed three years ago under strict COVID-19 protocols, its recent acquisition by Angel Studios has brought it new life. "It's going to be in theaters, which is unbelievable," Sasha said, her excitement evident.

Top: St. Agni, Shorts: Sandro, Jacket: Munthe, Shoes: Moon Boot

Sasha Bhasin's journey to landing her role in XO, Kitty was nothing short of a whirlwind. "Okay, so this is a dream," she excitedly shared. "To book a Netflix show with a built-in fan base in season two and go live in Korea for three months is the dream I had been manifesting forever." The audition process was equally surreal. "I got the one scene, and that was actually the scene you see in episode one where I'm like, 'Praveena, nice to meet you,'" Sasha explained. The scene where she first introduces her character felt especially personal for Sasha as she added her touch by wearing headphones. "I put on those headphones myself. I thought it made sense—she's a cool girl, and I live in my headphones all the time. I have these Beats on," she recalled.

Sasha's creative decision to incorporate her Beats headphones into the audition tape caught the casting team's attention. "I think that might have separated the tape from others," she reflected, unsure exactly how she stood out. She submitted her tape, and two days later, she received a call: they wanted her to audition over Zoom with the casting director, David Rappaport, and the showrunner, Jessica O'Toole. "I'm like, Oh my god, is this real?" she said with disbelief. After acing the Zoom audition, Sasha was called back for another round with more producers. Finally, after another two-day wait, her agent called with the exciting news: she was the producer's choice, and all that was needed was studio approval. Sasha flew to Seoul two weeks later to join the XO Kitty cast. "It was just crazy and unbelievable, but I'm so grateful that everything worked out the way it did," she added.

Once in Korea, Sasha seamlessly bonded with the cast, quickly fitting into the role of Praveena, an openly queer Indian character. She appreciated that the show portrayed Praveena's ethnicity and sexuality organically. "She just happens to be an Indian girl who's queer. It really felt organic and didn't feel like anybody was trying to check a box," she said, emphasizing how refreshing it was to see a character's identity portrayed without being the story's central focus. 

Look by Etro

In addition to acting, Sasha has a deep appreciation for fashion and other artistic pursuits. "If I wasn't putting on plays, I was making little designs in my notebook," she said, reflecting on her childhood. She believes that creativity in one art form informs and inspires others. "Fashion informs my acting, acting informs my dancing, dancing informs my singing, and singing informs my acting," she explained. "It's all connected."

Sasha also finds that shifting between artistic endeavors helps recharge her creativity. "If I'm ever overwhelmed...I take a step away and focus on my music," she said. Music is one of Sasha's next big aspirations. "Hopefully, really soon," she said when asked if she plans to release music. Her passion for the arts, whether acting, music, or fashion, is evident in every facet of her life.

As she continues to evolve as an artist, Sasha's story stands as an inspiring example of what can happen when someone refuses to settle for anything less than their true passion. Through her determination, vulnerability, and dedication to her craft, she proves that dreams are worth pursuing and fighting for.

Previous
Previous

From Stage to Screen and Back Again: Milo Manheim's Balancing Act

Next
Next

“I’m Not Queer, I’m Disembodied”