BY IRVIN RIVERA

Multi-talented British-Indian actress RITU ARYA plays inspector Urvashi Das in Netflix’s action film RED NOTICE alongside Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and Ryan Reynolds. ARYA also plays LILA, a fan favorite from Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy. Aside from acting, she’s also creating music as the drummer of her indie-pop band KIN. 

Ritu possesses this certain charm and ability to captivate you as an audience. She commands the screen and grabs your attention with her brilliant performance of her characters. There’s something magnetic about her and that’s one reason why fans gravitate towards her. 

In this exclusive interview, ARYA dishes on her RED NOTICE role, the challenges and the highs of filming, creating during COVID, her music career, melding music and acting together, her character Lila from The Umbrella Academy, and her acting journey so far.

Hi Ritu, how are you?

I’m great, thank you for asking. 

What has been keeping you busy aside from filming and productions?

Well, I’m back in the United Kingdom after quite some time away, so I’ve been catching up with family and helping my parents spring clean. Wild stuff, you know. I’m in stunt rehearsals for a movie I’m about to start and I am also recording in the studio playing drums for a new EP.

How was it to play your character, inspector Urvashi Das, in Red Notice?

I LOVED playing her. She’s this no nonsense, high status, sort of relentless woman that was so much fun to play. It felt super empowering - also challenging.

What drew you to her character?

She’s unafraid to take up space and use her voice. She’s not intimidated by anyone. I wanted to explore that more.

Talk about the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?

Okay, I was pretty concerned how I would act normal with 3 people I was completely starstruck by. Wouldn’t you be? Also, how would I play a character with such high levels of stature & competence when I can barely match my socks?
The biggest challenge was when COVID hit halfway through production. We stopped and didn’t know if we’d be able to come back and finish. Months later when we did, we were in this NBA style bubble, and it was all masks and shields and 6 feet apart. We also were not able to see family and friends for nearly 4 months. That was so hard. It built resilience in me that I didn't know; I had- a huge learning experience.

For the highs, it was always the people. It was amazing working with Dwayne, Ryan, and Gal. They were so down to earth and fun. I didn’t know it was possible, but Gal is even more gorgeous in real life. I remember just laughing a ton before takes with DJ about stupid shit. I was totally in awe of Ryan’s work as well. Every take was different and hilarious.

I also need to mention our director, Rawson, who was an absolute joy. Astoundingly chilled considering all the restraints that came with shooting during the pandemic.

The crew were so talented and just had this wonderful energy to be with every day. I guess the positive about being in the bubble and only having each other was that it bonded us.

How did you manage to rise above the challenges?

Meditation.

What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the film? Filming the scene where Das arrests Hartley in the hotel bar.

How exciting was it to research and step into the characters that you play?

I love doing the research. I feel like I got to learn about a whole other profession and way of life. It’s fascinating.

What’s the most exciting role that you’ve played so far? 

Lila in The Umbrella Academy - I adore her.

Other characters in my repertoire for those interested :

Grumpy camel Mermaid number 2

Corpse , in (I swear I am not lying about this) a 24 HOUR SHOW. 

Which role resonated with you the most? Why?

The role I’m rehearsing now for a movie I’m about to shoot. She’s an artist who’s just dropped out of school. She’s back home, totally lost and it’s complex and messy. She’s questioning her purpose, her skill, her identity and looking for an escape. Yeah, I’ve been through that.

Let’s talk about your new music with your band KIN. What's the inspiration behind The Runaways?

The lyrics are a story about two lovers based on an experience our singer had. In general, our music has often been inspired by bands like daughter, foals, the XX, Alt J, Warpaint, Cocteau twins, etc.

What's the best part about being part of the band and also doing acting?

There’s something very grounding and comforting about playing an instrument. It’s lovely being part of a team with Grace and Adam. It just feels like we’re pals hanging out.

How do you harmoniously fuse music and acting?

When I’m away filming, I write remotely in my free time. We send each other ideas and I go into a studio or use my electric kit. When I’ve been too busy, they’ve performed with a substitute drummer. We kind of make it work and they’re so understanding and supportive. I feel very lucky.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you? 

Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers!

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? 

Wait here while I try to think of something cool. Still waiting. Shh

RED NOTICE AND THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY IS NOW STREAMING ON NETFLIX