Anya Singh is ready to explore a completely new side of her acting abilities with Vikram Bhatt's upcoming supernatural horror film 1920: Cold Winter. The actress recently attended the film's cast reveal and muhurat ceremony in Mumbai, where she opened up about her challenging role, her excitement about working with director Vikram Bhatt and her reunion with co-star Ahan Shetty. The sixth instalment in the popular 1920 franchise marks Anya's first venture into the horror genre, making it an exciting yet intimidating experience for the actress. With a period setting, an intense character and music playing an important role in the narrative, the film promises to take her into unfamiliar creative territory.
Talking about what attracted her to the project, Anya expressed her happiness that Vikram Bhatt recognised the intensity she could bring to the character. She said, “I think it's always very interesting for any actor to take on diverse and distinct roles. I'm really happy that Vikram Sir saw the intensity in my eyes—as he puts it—which makes me well-suited to portray this character. Since it's a period film where music is deeply integrated into the narrative, the role is quite intense. It's very different from my work in Sanya or Baads, but a challenge is always something that an actor finds deeply satisfying and enjoyable. I'm very excited, and I'm truly grateful to Vikram Sir—and to Anand Sir—for considering me for this role, though I can't reveal the character's name just yet.” Her comments suggest that the character will offer a significant departure from her previous performances, giving her an opportunity to explore a more demanding role.
While Anya is excited about the challenge, she also admitted that the horror genre makes her nervous. The actress has never previously explored supernatural horror on screen, and the prospect of filming a scary story presents a different experience from her earlier projects. However, she is approaching the challenge with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. The film's period setting and the importance of music within the narrative add further layers to the role, potentially requiring her to work with a distinct atmosphere and emotional tone. For an actor looking to expand her range, such a project can offer an opportunity to experiment with new techniques and discover different dimensions of performance.
Anya is also looking forward to sharing screen space with Ahan Shetty again. Speaking about their working relationship, she said, “I'm also really excited to be working alongside Ahan again; there's a natural sense of comfort between us. Since we're filming a horror movie—a genre I've never explored before, and one that actually scares me quite a bit—I think I'll be able to lean on him for some support. So, yes!” Their reunion follows their association with the war drama Border 2, and their existing familiarity could help them navigate the demands of their new roles. The actress's candid admission adds a relatable touch to the film's preparations, showing that even performers can feel apprehensive when stepping into unfamiliar genres.
The film's cast reveal and muhurat ceremony in Mumbai brought together director Vikram Bhatt, Ahan Shetty, Anya Singh, Larissa Bonesi and veteran producer Anand Pandit. Himesh Reshammiya has also been brought on board to compose the film's music. At the launch, Anand Pandit emphasised that 1920: Cold Winter would offer an original story rather than simply repeat familiar horror conventions. With music expected to play a significant role and the story set in a period environment, the film aims to create its own identity within the established supernatural franchise. Vikram Bhatt's experience in horror filmmaking will also be central to guiding the new cast through the demands of the genre.
With 1920: Cold Winter, Anya Singh is taking a bold step into a genre that she admits genuinely frightens her. Her enthusiasm for exploring an intense character, combined with her comfort in working alongside Ahan Shetty, sets the stage for an interesting new chapter in her career. As anticipation builds around the film, audiences will be curious to see how the actors adapt to its supernatural world and how the period setting shapes the storytelling. For Anya, the project appears to be about more than trying something new; it is an opportunity to challenge herself, collaborate with an experienced filmmaker and discover what she can bring to the world of horror.