Ashley Singh was leaning into her internship with Tesla (only six months into Austin, where she had relocated) when she received some big news — the kind that changes the course of your life in a major way. Singh got a call that most content creators can only dream of; she was offered a role in a movie with her idol, Lilly Singh. The film, “Doin’ It,” would later go on to premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival, held in March 2024, and tackle one of the most unspoken and taboo topics in the South Asian community: Sex.
Beyond entertainment, the film catalyzes discussions surrounding sexuality, identity, and cultural norms. By challenging taboos and embracing diverse perspectives, “Doin’ It” encourages audiences to confront societal stigmas and embrace self-discovery.
[Read Related: Lilly Singh: She Said ‘Bad Gyal Forward’ and we Pulled up]
Written by and starring Lilly Singh, “Doin’ It” is about a 30-year-old Indian American virgin who gets a job teaching high school sex-ed. The R-rated sex comedy tackles themes of identity, sex, shame, and growing up. It’s also a story about the unlikely people who come into our lives when we are least expecting them and push us past the limits we’ve set for ourselves.
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Speaking about her journey to the big screen, Singh explained, via a Zoom call, how supportive her parents were when they learned she’d been offered the role.
I was just so grateful that my parents were very supportive because I feel like a lot of parents in that situation would have been like, you moved there, you signed the contract…you’re working, you’re making that money, and you’re going back to school in the fall. But they said, ‘this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is amazing! Jobs will always be there. But this is something that’s so time-sensitive.’
Despite being a newcomer, Singh wholeheartedly embraced the demanding role of a high school student, navigating the complexities of adolescence and sexuality while struggling with the ongoing challenges of being a teenager. Initially expecting to play a version of herself, Singh was taken aback when the director introduced a new dimension to her character — a valley girl persona. Adjusting to this unexpected twist proved challenging, but ultimately rewarding, as Singh immersed herself in the role.
Singh’s journey from content creation to acting exemplifies the evolving entertainment landscape. Inspired by the growing intersection between social media influencers and traditional media, Singh seized the opportunity to audition for the role despite unconventional circumstances.
I started content creation in 2020, during the pandemic, when a lot of other creators did as well. And my whole thing was like South Asian comedy skits; relatable stuff. And then when I saw this opportunity they asked for an actor’s reel and my dumbass literally thought that I would be sending my reel, like my Instagram reel. So that’s what I sent over. And the producers said, ‘that is not what we meant at all. But you seem like a funny person. And you seem like you’ve fit the whole vibe of the movie.’
For Singh, transitioning from content creation to acting required embracing uncertainty and stepping outside her comfort zone. While embracing the “gray areas” of the industry, she learned the importance of taking risks and seizing opportunities regardless of initial doubts or limitations.
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One of the highlights of Singh’s journey has been working alongside Lilly Singh, whom she’s been a fan of since the early days of “Unicorn Island.” Despite initial nerves, Singh found the iconic comedian to be a welcoming and supportive co-star, fostering a positive and inclusive environment on set.
I went to her “Unicorn Island” concert about 10 years ago. I think there’s a picture of me and her standing next to each other. They’re wearing ‘the shirt.’ So it was crazy; I was just looking at that and I felt very nostalgic. I was flying into Toronto and looking at that picture. And I was like, ‘oh my god, the 12-year-old me would literally be screaming, crying, throwing up right now, this is such a crazy experience!’ She is such an energy; she really dominates the room.
[Read Related: NBC’s ‘A Little Late with Lilly Singh’ is Better Late Than Never]
As Singh embarks on her next chapter in Los Angeles, she’s starry-eyed and committed to pursuing her passion for acting. One piece of advice she has for others: Embrace your passions, take risks, and put yourself in rooms where you don’t belong because you never know who might just take a chance on you.
Catch our Instagram Live conversation with Ashley Singh and “Doin’ It” producer Anita Verma-Lallian below:
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