Anya Singh is just getting started

She’s a self-proclaimed “greedy actor,” a romantic at heart, articulate to a fault, and a diehard animal lover. “I’d probably have worked with wildlife had I not been an actor,” says Cosmopolitan India’s digital cover star, Anya Singh—also the proud owner of a T-shirt that reads “EW, people.”

Since her 2017 debut, she’s had a number of high-profile projects in her kitty, including Stree 2 (2024) and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023). Though what brought her truly under the spotlight is her portrayal of Sanya Ahmed—the resourceful, contract-loving talent manager—in The Ba****ds of Bollywood that hit Netflix in September. 

“Even though I knew people would enjoy it, it was an extremely pleasant surprise for all of us to receive the kind of love we did,” she shares. “I was nervous about my character because she was a bit vanilla—the more practical and level-headed of the lot—whereas everyone else had so many punchlines. Incredibly, though, it all fell into place.”

Friends like family 

Every time she found herself being a little too forthright—in her opinion—the 33-year-old would try to laugh it off in the guise of nonchalance. Although she often took her time to mull over her responses, the words flowed sans hesitation when she spoke about her co-stars, the smile in her voice evident.

“The dynamic on set was quite like a family. I’ve never laughed so much on a set!” she says. “Manoj [Pahwa] sir, Lakshya, and Raghav [Juyal] have a great sense of humour. And then you throw Aryan [Khan] in the mix, who’s much the same!”

From the on-set antics Singh shares, we realise that the chemistry in The Ba****ds of Bollywood pretty much spills over from the camaraderie the cast shared on set. Like Lakshya taking over the job of resident ‘orderer’ as they had lunch together every day, and being ribbed for fumbling her lines.
 
“I was constantly surrounded by the boys, and their humour is very different! I call them ‘boys’ because it was like a sweet gang… Raghav was the quirkiest. Manoj sir, the wisest. Lakshya is the most hardworking and disciplined. Aryan is extremely witty and observant… And there I was, among the lot, just enjoying myself…” 

Speaking of enjoying herself, before shooting began, Singh lived the moment most Indians can only dream of—she met Shah Rukh Khan!

“He knows my name!” she exclaims, recalling the first time she met him at the puja of the show.
“Getting to spend time with Shah Rukh sir at Mannat, being welcomed and taken care of… It was so surreal that I found myself asking, ‘Is this really happening?’ I always loved him as an actor, a performer. Now, I feel fortunate to know him as a human being.”

Life in the limelight 

Being part of one of Netflix’s buzziest series of the year came with its own set of challenges, beginning with renewed public attention and scrutiny. We live in a day and age where everyone’s a critic, has an opinion, and no one’s afraid to hold back from sharing what they believe — albeit with the crutch of anonymity that social media offers.

Thankfully, being photographed, judged, and dissected incessantly isn’t much of a bother to Singh, nor is the pressure to “look perfect.”

“I wear makeup at shoots but not for, say, everyday chores. Sometimes I make an effort; sometimes I simply choose comfort,” she shrugs. “I know I need to look good at events, but that’s work. In my personal space, I’ve always been a minimalist with both my dressing and makeup. In fact, staying true to myself is what gives me confidence.”
 
Nevertheless, everything from textured skin to fluctuations in shape and size becomes fodder for social media chatter. 

Although Singh has been quite lucky with supportive followers, she stresses the dearth of empathy in today’s world: “People have become a little too generous with their opinions, and don’t realise the effect their words can have. As a woman, I know how our bodies function. There’s so much that’s not in our control…Trolls, in general, believe they can say whatever they want to an actor. But they forget we’re human beings first.”

Finding love—on set and off it

Present-day dynamics of dating are multidimensional, even as real human connections seem to be fading, thanks to the screens we’re perpetually glued to. Dating is clearly challenging enough for the layperson. But is it harder for an actor? Does fame make it trickier? 
 
“I don’t think dating within the industry is that difficult. Dating people not from the industry is,” Singh explains. “We tend to meet people from the profession. It’s easier because they understand your job, your work hours, and what your days might be like. It’s like how doctors usually end up with doctors.” 
 
And when she does click with someone, is she a “fall fast” kind of person, or is it the “slow burn” kind of energy she prefers when it comes to love?

“I used to be the kind who fell fast, but I’ve learnt my lesson!” she laughs. “‘Buddy, take your time’ is how I now function. It’s taken me some time, but I’ve learnt to set strong boundaries.” 
 
Cautious or not, Singh is a romantic at heart and knows when to appreciate effort. 

“I find writing notes and letters quite romantic,” she shares, recalling thoughtful gestures from a former partner. “If someone’s taken the time out to pen something down for you, which no one really does today because of technology, that extra effort means a lot for me.”

There’s intimacy in reality, and then there’s intimacy on screen. The perfect first kiss, choreographed movements, cinematic lighting—all part of storytelling today. As awkward as such moments can be in actuality, it’s perhaps exponentially so on set. 

“It’s always awkward! And a very vulnerable position to be in,” she adds. “Even when they reduce the crew on set, you have people telling you to turn a little left, tilt a little right… We have to take direction while performing such a scene with somebody with whom we’re not romantically involved! Though there are intimacy coordinators, and it helps to strike up a friendship with your co-star.”

The coveted wishlist

A “greedy actor” is how Singh describes herself—and it has nothing to do with her paycheck. Anya is hungry to work with a plethora of filmmakers. 

“I’d love to work with Zoya Akhtar, Rajkumar Hirani and Shoojit Sarkar, but my list is not limited. I want to work with everybody! The newer generation of filmmakers, especially, has a very interesting voice,” she shares. “I’ve worked with Arjun Varain Singh [Kho Gaye Hum Kahan] and Aryan [The Ba****ds of Bollywood], who were both debutant directors. People may be hesitant about first-time directors, but I love the clarity with which they come. It’s extremely collaborative.”
 
With the phenomenal success of her show, 2025 was a game-changer for Singh, and the next year has a lot more work lined up for her. She, however, is just as focused on growing on the personal front. 

“I started my exercise journey just three years ago, and I’ve seen the change it’s brought to my mental health. This year, I want to be more disciplined and strike a better balance between work and getting to do things I really enjoy. Be it working out or spending time with friends. And food! My food habits need work…”

As we near the end of our chat, we wonder what she has in store for audiences in 2026. 

“I have a project releasing soon, but I’m bound by a contract and can’t talk about it. As you know, I take my contracts very seriously,” Sanya… We mean Anya winks.

COSMO QUIZ

Anyaa in three words?
Honest, loyal, and persistent.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? 
I have a garam pani (warm water) concoction. 

The last show you binge-watched? 
The Girlfriend.

Your current celebrity crush? 
Ranveer Singh.

A co-star who makes you laugh the most? 
Raghav Juyal. 

Your go-to 2am snack?
Maggi! Or perhaps a really good pizza. And regular crust!

Are you a texter or do you prefer calls? 
Calls, any day. I’m terrible with texting! 

Mountains or beaches? 
Beaches. 

Your most used emoji? 
The white heart, and the evil eye. 

A song you have on loop? 
I’m a huge ’90s music fan. 

One fashion you wish would disappear forever?
This trend to look outstanding all the time should disappear forever!

One beauty ritual you swear by? 
A nice face massage.

One actor you’d drop everything to work with? 
Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Rajkummar Rao. RRR!

Your go-to comfort movie? 
Dil Dhadakne Do.

If you weren’t an actor, who would you be? 
A psychologist, or working with wildlife.

The last time you felt starstruck? 
When I met Shah Rukh sir. 

One superstition you secretly believe in? 
Karma! Though that’s not a superstition.
 

On Anya: Kawa cream dress by One True Pairing (@onetruepairing.in); jewellery, earrings and bracelet by I Blame Beads (@iblamebeads) and Lunaya (@lunayajewelry).
 

Editor: Snigdha Ahuja (@snigdha.ahuja)

Interview: Shraddha Chowdhury (@shraddha.skc)

Photographer: Sushant Chhabria (@sushantchhabria)

Stylist: Sheefa Gilani (@sheefajgilani)

Cover Design: Mandeep Singh Khokhar (@mandy_khokhar19)

Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (@shalinikanojia)

Makeup and Hair Artist: Tshering Lama (@tshering.lama_), Agency Feat. Artists (@featartists)

Assistant Stylists: Maitri Desai (@maitriidesaii), Amisha Thakkar (@amisha.thakkarr)

Artist PR Agency: Every Media (@everymediaindia)