PRIYA KANSARA
- 5' ELEVEN''
- 5 hours ago
- 6 min read
The only way is up for Priya Kansara. For this acclaimed actress, the starting journey from Miss Eaton in Bridgerton to the stunt-driven lead of Polite Society, and further still to voicing the on-ship AI opposite Ryan Gosling in Project Hail Mary, shows a former STEM student from London reaching ever higher into the industry, each new role embracing a challenge greater than the last.
Now, with the Apple TV+ series Star City joining her filmography and Project Hail Mary
freshly in theatres, Kansara proves she has a knack for roles rooted in originality and
human connection, gravitating towards projects that demand something tactile.
In Star City, set behind the Iron Curtain within an alternative universe, Kansara plays
Lakshmi Chandra, suitably as a woman in STEM navigating the paranoia and high-stakes
tension of the Soviet space race, holding her own opposite co-stars Rhys Ifans and Anna
Maxwell Martin.
5’ELEVEN” sat down with Priya for an exclusive Front Row interview conversing on lessons learned on set, embodying mutual passions in her characterisations, as well as her dream on-set designers.
Interview by Izabelle Pullin
Photographed by Panos Damaskinidis
Fashion Editor Alton Hetariki Makeup by Francesca Brazzo at The Wall Group using Armani Beauty
Hair by Sandra Hahnel at Caren using SamMcKnight Priya appears courtesy of 2pmSharp
Stripe shirt and leather scoop neck dress by Tod’s
Could you tell us about your life before acting and the transition into your career?
I always wanted to be an actress, probably since I was about four years old. You could ask
me back then, and I would have confidently said that this was what I wanted to do.
However, it wasn’t a career that was particularly encouraged around me, as no one I knew
worked in a creative job. It wasn't something that felt accessible. I enjoyed school, so I ended up studying Molecular Biology at university and took on a typical job. Yet while studying, I realised how deep my passion for acting and performance ran. I enrolled in acting classes part-time during the evenings. It was during COVID that I really had time to reflect on my life. I thought, ‘I want to give this a shot’, and I made the leap. I got incredibly lucky, and things happened quickly after that. Touch wood it continues.
You worked and studied in a STEM field prior to your pursuit in acting and have
taken on roles in sci-fi projects like Project Hail Mary and Star City. Is this blend of
science and creativity important to you?
In a sense it truly is. I believe that an inherent part of acting lies within understanding life
experiences. Understanding the world around you, as well as those in a different walks of
life. Ultimately you can grasp human emotions and characters on deeper levels, for
instance in Star City, I play a scientist, and in Project Hail Mary, Ryan Gosling’s character
Dr Ryland Grace, has a background in molecular biology. To many degrees in Star City, I
was able to understand my own character, as well as those around me due to the
relatability there. I hope that this allows me to play these roles more authentically.
With Project Hail Mary being your first blockbuster film, how did it compare to
previous projects?
It was drastically different for me, particularly because I was doing voice acting for the first
time and engaging in a lot of improvisation. Honestly, I felt a bit under-qualified, which was
terrifying! Yet I’m so proud of the work overall.
You’ve been praised frequently for your hands-on approach to acting. In a world
increasingly influenced by AI, how vital are organic filmmaking processes to you?
It’s incredibly important to me. I admire our directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller for
prioritising the human craft. They chose an artist over hiring a robot, that is likely cheaper
and easier to obtain. In Project Hail Mary, our human interactions led to spontaneous
moments that a machine couldn't replicate; adding humour to elements that weren’t initially
meant to be humorous, as well as developing this world that felt distinctly human and
connected. I believe that honouring the craft and the inherently human nature of
storytelling is paramount.
Could you tell us more about your role in the For All Mankind spin-off, Star City?
In Star City, I play Lakshmi Chandra, a scientist from India who enters the story later on
and evolves into a crucial character. I’ll try to refrain from giving too much away but the
series is filled with unexpected twists and turns that escalate the tension as it progresses.
The entire cast who were all brilliant, felt like a family, and shooting in Lithuania for months
was a truly enjoyable experience.
Brush stroke denim jacket by Aje. ‘La Paris’ shirt by Marc-Antoine Barrois. Belted suede mini skirt by Ami Paris. Sunglasses by Gucci.
What initially attracted you to this project?
Honestly, I thought she was such a cool character. Lakshmi is a confident woman in
STEM, aware of her capabilities and ready for challenges, which is an element about her
character that I really enjoy. Her energy drew me in, and the timing was serendipitous. Just
after finishing Project Hail Mary, I was offered this audition. It felt poetic to build on that
experience in a new role related to outer-space, allowing me to implement all the things I
had learnt from Ryan as well as the entire Project Hail Mary experience.
Were there any memorable moments on set that highlighted your experience?
While I can’t reveal much due to spoilers, I can say that the finale is quite the finale! I’m
really excited for everyone to see how it all unfolds.
Sci-fi has played a running theme in your recent projects. Are there genres you’d
like to explore further?
Oh, absolutely! I want to do everything. I feel fortunate that my career has surprised me at
every turn. I started with Bridgerton, which was unexpected, and I’ve continued to be
amazed by the roles that have come my way. I will say however that I’d love to dive into
fantastical genres - perhaps play a warrior princess in a cool, action-heavy setting.
Recently I have loved shows like Bait, The Studio and The Bear. The works of director,
Yorgos Lanthimos are another that come to mind. I find myself drawn to the ‘weird and
wacky’.
From Bridgerton to Polite Society and Project Hail Mary, your filmography has been
diverse and each one an original feeling piece. Is this uniqueness what draws you to
projects?
Definitely! I feel that I gravitate towards roles that feel unique and interesting. Although it
may seem like I’m making specific choices, I believe actors have less control than people
think. In some cases with Project Hail Mary for example, that part was offered to me. I
didn’t even audition for it, and I had never considered it to be a project that I’d work on.
Yet, it came my way and I would have been crazy to say no to it. I consider myself lucky
that the stars have aligned and that I’ve landed diverse characters that resonate with me,
and I love the opportunities that come my way.
You’ve collaborated with amazing designers in the past like PC Williams on Polite
Society. Are there any costume designers you’d love to work with in the future?
Firstly, PC is incredible! She has such an eye for colour which in the current climate is
often opposed to and understands how costumes translate on screen in line with the
story's tone. The costumes in Polite Society were iconic; I've seen people dress as my
character for Halloween, which makes me so happy. Overall I just think that PC is
fantastic.
Stripe shirt and sequin dress by Mithridate. Mules by Sophia Webster
In terms of designers that I admire, I’d also love to work with some talented Indian names
like Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta and Sabyasachi. Their work is remarkable. Honestly you
name it, the craftsmanship coming out of South Asia is so special, and I’d be thrilled to
incorporate that into my future projects. I’ve also collaborated with Prada and Roberto
Cavalli in the past which have both been incredible experiences.
Finally, how was your experience on set with 5Eleven Mag?
I had such a great time shooting! I’ve loved exploring fashion as its been a field that I’m
still learning about as I progress through the industry. Collaborating with my fantastic stylist
Karen Clarkson, has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace aspects of
myself that I didn’t know existed. Perhaps I didn’t have the access in the past or rather
didn’t have the opportunity to play around as much.
For example, discussing wardrobe in Star City with our costume designer, Nicole
Fischnaller has been enlightening - delving into Lakshmi’s character and the way in which
this would carry impact in the clothes that she wears. Honestly, this blend of fashion
alongside acting has been such a rewarding experience.
Look out for Priya Kansara in Apple TV+’s Star City, where she is sure to continue
impressing audiences with her individuality and talent.
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