Sat Jan 18 05:58:15 UTC 2025: ## XO, Kitty Star Sasha Bhasin Steals Hearts as Praveena

**SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA** – Sasha Bhasin, the actress portraying Praveena in Netflix’s *XO, Kitty*, is capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. Bhasin’s portrayal of the openly queer Indian student at KISS has made her a breakout star, despite a relatively short storyline in the *To All the Boys* spin-off’s second season.

Bhasin, who was born in India and raised in Florida, landed the role almost by chance. After securing a post-graduate tech job and taking a break from acting, she auditioned for *XO, Kitty* on a whim. A quick audition taped in a friend’s apartment led to a callback and, ultimately, a trip to Seoul to film the show.

The role holds deep personal significance for Bhasin. Playing an openly queer Indian character resonated strongly with her, particularly given the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in India. However, what truly impressed Bhasin was the show’s nuanced portrayal of Praveena’s identity, where her Indian heritage was seamlessly integrated into her character rather than serving as a stereotypical trope.

“I was over the moon to be playing an openly queer, hot, cool girl character, especially being Indian,” Bhasin told *Teen Vogue*. “I also thought it was really cool that being Indian wasn’t the trope…It really felt organic and didn’t feel like anybody was trying to check a box.”

Bhasin’s performance has sparked a wave of fan adoration, with viewers clamoring for more screen time for Praveena in a potential third season. Her journey from a last-minute audition to a starring role in a popular Netflix series is a testament to her talent and the growing demand for authentic and diverse representation in media.

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