Rising actor Zain Iqbal landed his first starring role as Ravi Singh in the eagerly anticipated New York Times best-selling book from Holly Jackson, turned TV series ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ opposite Emma Myers. The series has proven to be a huge hit, and we wanted to learn more about the Greater Manchester-raised, London transplant that is taking over our screens and is quickly becoming one to watch!
What were you like as a child and when did acting enter your life?
Hi FY! Thank you for having me. As a child I was very creative, my brain would always work in the most creative ways. I would love to draw, paint, and build stuff and then show my creations to people. I recently had a memory come back to me of being asked to spell the word ‘cat’ and instead of spelling it, I drew a cat so that really sums it up. Other than that I was mostly a quiet kid but there were times I was causing havoc. Acting is recent for me, I started around 4-5 years ago. I’ve always had a love for films and performances on film. That started from a young age because of my dad, he would show us classics like ‘The Godfather’, ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ and take us to the cinema. One day I thought to myself I wanted to try acting so I started doing short films and classes and soon caught the bug, from there on I wanted to do more. I started to really enjoy making characters, getting into different characters’ shoes, and experiencing what they’re going through and feeling.
Full look by Prada
I heard you are a bit of a film nerd, let’s imagine Desert Island. We are giving you all three Godfathers and Star Wars. Which eight films would you bring?
This is the hardest question you can ask someone who loves films but it would go, in no particular order: La Haine, Portrait of a Lady on Fire Tree of Life, Certified Copy, Killing of a Sacred Deer, Suspiria (Luca Guadagnino’s version), Burning (a great Korean film), and Sound of Metal.
It feels like Hollywood has been importing British actors over the years. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that big names like Idris Elba and Daniel Kaluuya are British. Would you ever like to play an American?
I would absolutely love to play an American. A noir film playing a young detective or a villain that’s running around Brooklyn or downtown New York.
Jacket and trousers by Craig Green, t-shirt and boots by OUR LEGACY
You star in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder based on the book by Holly Jackson. How did you make the character of Ravi your own? But how much time did you have to prepare for the role?
I mean for me it was really bringing the right level of vulnerability to Ravi and finding that within myself as I’m quite a closed book. The moments when he talks to Pip about his feelings are so key to the story so it was important to get that right. And then for the fun scenes, I brought the witty cheekiness and sense of humour. I think there was quite a good length of time to prepare for the role. I started to work on Ravi from the beginning of the audition process which was over a month or two in addition to a week or two of rehearsals with Emma.
Do you ever create soundtracks or keep diaries for your character? What would we find on Ravi’s mixtape?
Yes, I do, but I usually create soundtracks based on emotion. During filming I listened to a lot of James Blake, maybe that was influenced by the Ravi in me who knows? In terms of diaries, for Ravi, I had a little notepad filled with details that I felt were important from the book. It was also filled with a lot of answers to questions that weren’t in the book. I would also constantly ask Holly, the writer of the book, all sorts about Ravi. Due to the show being based on a book there is already quite a lot of detail already there but usually, I would delve into the backstory of the character. And then before filming, I let it all go so that I’m not restricting myself and I’m free in the moment.
Was it important for you to identify with Ravi?
Yes definitely, I feel the more I understood him the easier it was to play him. There were moments in scenes where I felt like I could improvise because of this. A lot didn’t make the cut but some did like the pancake scene, where I offer Pip a bite. Ultimately he’s a sweet kid who is living in unfortunate circumstances, he’s a light in the dark world he lives in.
Full look by Burberry, sunglasses by Jacques Marie Mage
The role of Ravi is your first big role and it’s a leading character. Do you have a preference for projects or is it all about the script and production team?
I do have a preference over projects but for me the script and production team are more important. I want to play characters that are challenging and will keep me on my toes. And I want to work with filmmakers/directors that are interesting and want to tell great stories.
There has been a lot of discussion over the years on representation for South and East Asians, especially in modeling where there are practically nil on the books. If you have an opinion feel free to share, but what I really want to know is what type of roles are not being written that you would like to see more of?
You asking this question means there is a long way to go in terms of representation. I wouldn’t say there is a particular type of role but I would say that when the role is just a role without it being labeled a ‘South/East Asian role’ that’s when progress is being made massively.
T-shirt by Our Legacy, Jeans by JW ANDERSON
At Fucking Young! We love fashion, so I have to ask, what was the worst trend you ever sported?
I love fashion way more than I should. I don’t really have a worst trend, I feel in fashion I respect everyone’s choices regardless of whether I love it or hate it. Someone might hate the trends I wear, you know and that’s fine. Fashion is one of the greatest ways of expressing yourself.
If you could live in any fashion decade, what would it be?
I love the 90’s era, Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, and David Bowie. The 90’s Miu Miu, Prada, Armani shows. All that good stuff.
Full look by Versace
Full look by Alexander McQueen
With having to do so much press, do you work with a stylist? How has your style evolved over the years? Do you still shop vintage?
Yes, I work with my stylist Koulla, she’s the best and she understands me really well. Some of the looks she has made me have been outstanding and it’s all to her. My style has always been pretty consistent. Obviously, when you’re younger you try wild shit but now it’s very consistent and everything in my wardrobe works seamlessly together. For me, it’s more about the cut and the fit of a piece rather than what it is. I love shopping vintage, every time I go to another country the only thing on my mind is vintage shopping.
Thanks for talking with us, and we hope to see much more of you in the future!
