In this week’s A-typical interview we feature Indian-born South African actress Ayushi Chhabra.
The actress is best known for her role in CBS’s TV series, ‘Star Trek- Picard’, in which she plays the alien character “PEL”. She stars alongside Sir Patrick Stewart and Allison Pill in the hit sci-fi TV show.
Ayushi’s extensive resume of acting also includes over 50 national (U.S) and international commercials for A-list brands like Amazon, Toyota, Google, U.S. Census, Motorola, Samsung, GAP, Emirates, Hyatt, State Farm, Vitamix, Snapchat, Facebook, Target, Walmart, and Apple.
Ayushi was born in India but spent her childhood in Nigeria, and then moved to South Africa with her family at the age of 13. At the age of 24, she moved to Los Angeles.
Who has the better food, Nigeria or South Africa?
South Africa has the BEST food in the world – so rich in flavor, texture and colour, and the portions are always big which I love, since I’m such a foodie! Haha. From our braai to bunny chow, there’s just nothing like it and I’ve travelled and moved around a lot, so trust me when I say, the food here is beyond amazing.
The best and worst thing about Hollywood is?
The best thing is that any day you could step out of your door and your whole life could change. There is that magic in the air, but the worst thing is that my family is not with me and I miss them a lot.
The one thing that people don't know about Ayushi Chhabra is?
That I used to host a food ASMR channel on YouTube with my friends, that Hindi is my first language and that I am terrified of lizards. There, I gave you three things! Haha.
Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter? And why?
Instagram and Twitter because TikTok seems a bit intimidating to me. I just don’t understand it. Maybe I am too old for it lol.
How would you describe your experience of working on the set of Star Trek?
I would describe it as transformative, exhilarating and unforgettable! It is a dream come true for any actor to be on a big set like that, and learn from the best in the business. Also, I had very cool brows! Oh and Trekkies around the world are the most awesome people and I can proudly say I am one of them now.
Your celebrity crush growing up was?
Hrithik Roshan when I was a child, and Trevor Noah since young adulthood and presently. Haha, maybe it’s true love.
The meal that most reminds you of your childhood is?
My masi’s aloo parathas (stuffed potato rotis), my mom’s prawn curry and my dad’s egg bhurji masala vibe (lol don’t ask the name).
You can star alongside either Shahrukh Khan or Aamir Khan in a Bollywood blockbuster. Who do you choose?
That’s a hard choice. But I’d pick Shahrukh Khan. He is the undefeated King of Romance and watching him and Kajol in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai , and K3G, is precisely what inspired me to be an actress.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
This Girl Is On Fire by Alicia Keys
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?
A text from my mother, that read, ‘train yourself to find the blessing in everything’
Your idea of a perfect date is?
Somewhere in nature, with the view of the sunset, a good bottle of wine, great conversation and lots of laughter.