'They wanted it to be real': Main character in new Netflix animated series brought to life by B.C. girl
A B.C. girl is making her voice acting debut in a new animated Netflix series, saying she's excited that they chose her to bring the spunky, South Asian lead to life.
Pavan Bharaj, from Burnaby, says she decided to audition for "Deepa and Anoop' two years ago when she was 10, despite never having acted before.
"I never really thought about being an actor or voice actor until this opportunity came up. And my mom showed it to me and she's like, 'Hey, do you think that you would want to do this?' And I said, 'yes,' because it seemed like something new and creative and something that might be fun," she tells CTV News.
Bharaj plays a seven-year-old girl named Deepa whose sidekick is a colourful baby elephant named Anoop.
"It's really nice because usually they get an adult. But for this they wanted a kid because they wanted it to be real, they wanted a real child to portray the character," Bharaj says.
"She's very energetic and optimistic and is always going on adventures and having fun."
The series debuts Monday and is a production of Mattel, Inc. – marking the toy company's first foray into original programming. The company described the series in a media release last month.
"The dynamic duo, self-appointed 'concierges of fun,' makes everything bigger, grander and more wonderful for guests at Mango Manor, the bed and breakfast run by Deepa’s multigenerational family," it reads.
"With a Bollywood number in every episode, Deepa creates music, merriment and mischief while working with the rambunctious Anoop to solve the simplest of problems with the most imaginative of solutions."
Pavan Bharaj is seen in the studio recording the voice of the lead character in a new Netflix animated series.
The characters of Deepa's father, mother and grandmother are also voiced by actors of Indian descent.
Bharaj says she really appreciates that the company made this decision, although given that the series was produced during the pandemic she didn’t get the chance to meet her co-stars in person.
"I think it's really great that they decided to choose and find a person of colour to do this project because it's all about a South Asian family. So it's really nice that they were able to get a lot of South Asian people in the cast," she said.
For Bharaj's mother, the chance for her daughter and other South Asian children to see themselves, their families and their culture reflected in the series is exciting – and it's something she says she never had growing up.
The family is looking forward to sitting down together and watching the première with a few friends
"I don't think we're going to have a big party because it is a Monday and not many people are free," Bharaj said.
"So maybe a small party."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.