A cosmic youth with Akira Akbar

Interview by Erna Džaferović / ernadzaferovic

Even if she is only 15 years old, Akira Akbar is already a celebrity. Before acting she worked as a model for brands like Nike and Levi’s, but being a star on the big screen was definitely her destiny. Her first role was in 2015, in an episode of “Criminal Minds”. After landing that role, she was chosen to portray amazing characters. She has been a guest-star of NBC’s “This Is Us” as well as the renowned TV Show “Grey’s Anatomy”.

Playing the role of Monica Rambeau in the Marvel Studios movie “Captain Marvel” has increased her visibility significantly – a movie where she portrayed the young 'niece' of Carol Danvers, played by Brie Larson. Lately, she starred in the Netflix film “We Can Be Heroes” with Priyanka Chopra and Christian Slater and we recently found out that Fast Forward is her favorite character.

Despite her young age, Akira wants to be an inspiration for all the other young girls around the world as she tries to push them to be authentic and powerful. She has a movie coming out with no spoilers activated. So, let’s see together her passions, secrets and newly discovered hobbies.

You recently played a role in the movie ‘We Can Be Heroes’. Can you tell us something about it?

We Can Be Heroes is about a young group of kids who work together to save their parents form an alien invasion.

What is the hardest part of being a celebrity, especially when you are a teenager?

The hardest thing about being a celebrity is your privacy. It’s very hard to keep things private when it comes to your personal or family business. Also, my safety is a little bit concerning because we are considered a bit higher profile.

What is your most favorite character you've ever played?

My favorite character that I’ve played would probably be Fast Forward because the experience of working on set was so much fun.

Who do you consider to be your acting role model and why?

Viola Davis because she is so amazing and talented. She sets the bar high for African American people, I aspire to be just like her.

What influenced you to pursue a career as an actress?

I used to watch a lot of tv, and I would pay close attention to the actors, to the point where I would memorize the lines every time I would watch that same episode. So that made me realize that I could be just like those people on tv.

How was it working with Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson?

It was so amazing! They are so inspiring and hardworking and kind. I learned so much just by watching them on set.

If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would play you?

Probably Zendaya because I feel like we both started off in the industry around the same age. We kind of have similar backgrounds.

Besides acting, what are your hobbies and interests?

I love to be creative; I’m always looking for new ways to switch things up. Skateboarding and roller-skating are also my new hobbies. For Christmas, I got roller- skates, so I’ve been practicing ever since.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, I see myself being a huge actress and a runway model.

What’s next for Akira?

I have a movie coming out and I am also on a series that I can’t really talk too much about. So, stay tuned!