Diya Patel is a vibrant emerging actress and model hailing from Mumbai, India. Poised to make her television debut in the Amazon Prime series ‘Waack Girls’, directed by Sooni Taraporevala, Diya joins an eclectic group of women to tell an inspiring story of finding freedom through artistic expression - specifically, the dance style of ‘Waacking’.

We spoke to Diya about ‘Waack Girls’, her role in the show and working with Sooni Taraporevala, as well as her modelling career and her own personal philosophy that guides her artistic and professional choices in her blossoming career: “Living Life Off Leash”.

In your own words, how would you describe Waack Girls?

Waack Girls is the story of six girls in Kolkata united by a dream to dance and explore a new art form while struggling to navigate the hardships in their lives together. It is fast paced, funny, subtle in parts, bold when it needs to be, but brimming with youthful energy from start to finish. By being daringly different, breaking molds and challenging stereotypes Waack Girls manages to keep the audience hooked. 

Your character Diya is college friends with Lopa (played by Rytasha Rathore), manager of the Waack Girls, and arranges for their first professional gig to be at your character’s engagement party in Episode 4. In the words of Lopa, it turns out to be one ‘memorable engagement ceremony’! What was it like filming those scenes?

As an actor it can be challenging to play a character with many sides to her. Filming the wedding scenes was fun and a novel experience for me. I’ve never filmed a scene with as much energy and as many extras, The buzz on set was infectious. As I have done a fair bit of modelling for bridal campaigns, I felt surprisingly comfortable in my bridal attire. To get to scream, shout and cry on screen was something new to me. I loved every bit of acting out a range of emotions and being vulnerable.

The show is directed by director and screenwriter Sooni Taraporevala, who is known for being the screenwriter of iconic movies such as ‘Mississippi Masala’ starring Denzel Washington and the Oscar nominated ‘Salaam Bombay!’ What was your experience like working with such a powerhouse female director and creative?

I have known Sooni my entire life, but this was our first time working together on a set. It was a treat to observe a master at work. Her focus, dedication and attention to detail has sparked an urge in me to explore working as a director. Despite the relentless pressure of being a director, Sooni has a remarkable ability to handle everyone on set with enormous kindness and respect. A quality I admire a lot.

‘Waack Girls’ does a lot in terms of representation, showcasing the lives of a diverse group of Indian women fighting the norms of society and finding freedom through artistic expression and movement in the form of ‘Waacking’; a style of dance originating from the LGBTQ scene during the 1970s disco era in LA. How does it feel to be part of a show like this and why do you think shows like this are important?

Waacking originated in the 1970s disco era and has since evolved in unique ways across the globe. It has evolved and organically grown to become a significant means of self-expression for anybody and everybody particularly for those socially marginalised because of race or sexual orientation. I feel privileged being part of a show that promotes inclusivity and diversity. As a woman of color I feel that it is imperative for our voices and stories to be heard. By providing a voice to the voiceless, Waack Girls certainly contributes to changing attitudes. 

As well as acting, you are a model, having modelled for brands like Dior and Sabyasachi as well as being featured in Vogue India. How do you find the process of modelling and do you feel there are any similarities between modelling and the acting process?

I have been incredibly lucky and able to learn a lot from my modelling experience. Working with amazing photographers, stylists and makeup artists has taught the ins and outs of what it’s like to be on set, with a crew or posing in front of a camera. How to think fast, adapt and be flexible. Skills imperative for an actor. Besides both modelling and acting are careers fraught with rejection which teaches you grit, determination and how to persevere through the hard times. The ability to believe in yourself is an invaluable life lesson.

You describe your personal philosophy as “Living Life Off Leash.” Can you explain further what that means to you?

“Living life off leash” has become a mantra of mine. It stems from my love for dogs, especially for my rescue pup Johanna, who has taught me how to break free from any limitations and live with fearless spontaneity. Caring for a pet is akin to parenting a child. It fosters selflessness and an abiding sense of responsibility for someone dependent on you. Caring for Johanna has been my most fulfilling personal experience giving and receiving unconditional love.

Waack Girls is now streaming on Prime.