Canadian South-Asian actress Parveen Kaur currently stars in the NBC supernatural drama MANIFEST as Saanvi Bahl. Saanvi is a brilliant graduate student and medical researcher, who upon landing from the mysterious flight, learns her work has led to some startling medical breakthroughs.

Executive-produced by Robert Zemeckis, the series centers on a plane full of passengers, who experience what they think is a routine electrical storm and turbulence, but upon landing, they learn that, somehow, they've been missing for the last five and a half years – presumed dead.

 Kaur is a pioneer in her role selection, working to take on only positive affirmations of diverse women in film and television. She was previously awarded with the Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival’s Star Award for her work towards creating space for positive representations. She is also an incredibly passionate advocate for the depiction (or lack thereof) of STEM professionals in media – which also aligns with her character in the show. 

In this exclusive interview, PARVEEN KAUR talking about her role as Saanvi Bahl, the challenges and the fun of playing her character, being a fan favorite and LGBTQ advocate, and discover what book she would be if she is one.

How would you describe Manifest to those who have not seen the show yet?

I would describe “Manifest” as a sci-fi family drama!

How much research did you do to get into Saanvi’s character?

I wish there was a way to research what it is like to go missing and miraculously return five and a half years without having aged a day! On the practical side, I have luckily played a doctor in the past, so being able to tap back into that was already a great starting point. We also have our wonderful on-set medic, Mike, who has been nothing short of amazing and a crucial resource. From drawing blood to CPR, he’s always there to make sure Saanvi looks the part!  

How did you manage any challenge that the role presents?
The night before we shot the pilot episode, I got a call from our showrunner Jeff Rake saying that they had decided to change my character arc. We were shooting the next morning at 7:00am and I was first up. I had spent a good amount of time preparing my scenes before finding out they had to be scrapped and re-written. I had a good cry in the bathtub and then just had to let it go and trust that I was good enough to handle whatever they threw at me. It was a huge lesson for me to always stay open and to roll with the punches.

What’s the best thing about playing Saanvi?
I get to really stretch my imagination being on a sci-fi while also learning cool doctor jargon!

How would you describe your character’s development throughout the seasons of the show?
Saanvi has developed so much, especially during this season. We get more insight into her personal life and we also get to see her fall apart at times. And for anyone who watches the show, they know how Saanvi really likes to keep herself levelheaded and collected.

Let’s talk about the fan’s positive reception to the plot twist about Saanvi’s past relationship with Alex (who is a woman). How was that like? How was it to be on the spotlight amongst the lgbtq+ community?
The response has been incredible. I’m honored and proud to be an ally of the LGBTQ+ community! I love the chemistry between Saanvi and Alex, and fans will get to see more of us together this season!

Fans are wondering if Saanvi is going to be left out especially now that she has “cured” herself. What are your thoughts on this?
Cured (or not cured) Saanvi is such an integral part of solving whatever happened to us on the plane… It would be very hard to leave her out of that.

How do you think the journal is going to factor in to whether Saanvi should be trying to “cure” others? 
My lips are sealed!

Let’s talk more about acting. Out of all the roles that you’ve played so far, which one resonates with you the most and why?
You pull something from every part that you take on. I think playing Aanya Gupta on “The Strain” was a big one for me. Being immersed in a world created by Guillermo Del Toro, who I believe is a genius…it was life changing for me.

If you’re not acting, what else keeps you busy?
I love going to the movies! I’m always trying to find new food spots in different cities as well, and always love spending time with my family. 

If you were a book, what book would you be?
Ohhhh, great question! The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

See Parveen as Saanvi on Manifest!