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Exclusive: “I’ve Always Been a Storyteller,” Kavya Trehan on Music, Acting and Owning Her Creative Fire



The Delhi-based, multifaceted creative Kavya Trehan has been creating a whirlwind in the industry as a singer-songwriter and model with her sartorial and eclectic choices fronting brand campaigns. In 2023, the singer made her Lollapalooza India debut, sharing stage space with Divine, Diplo and Imagine Dragons. Kavya began performing at just 14 and has since collaborated with some of India’s top producers, while also touring with her band, MOSKO. Her solo venture, KAVYA, is an exploration of raw emotion and a tribute to her roots. Always striving to grow as an artist, she began writing music using Ableton in 2016. Since then, she’s been consistently releasing original tracks that blend R&B, electronic, and indie-pop influences.



But it was Kavya Trehan’s breakout role in Netflix’s original series The Royals that truly turned heads. Starting theatre when she was as young as 8 years old, she has held her own alongside some of the industry's most seasoned actors, and her portrayal stood out for its originality and distinctively offbeat style. As Princess Divyaranjini—better known as Jinnie—Kavya brought to life a character who’s far from your average royal. Jinnie is a wild child with a crown—boho, bold, and completely unapologetic in her fashion. She’s more into parties, clothes, and dodging the responsibilities of royal life than upholding tradition, and that’s exactly why viewers fell in love with her.


From her dream collaborators to details about her upcoming album, Kavya Trehan opens up in this exclusive interview with The Style List.


What excited you about being part of The Royals?

What drew me to this project was the sheer grandeur of the script and the depth of the character's arc. Jinnie’s journey of self-discovery offered a range of emotional and psychological nuances that I found incredibly exciting to explore as an actor. There was also something instinctively right about the overall energy of the show—the cast, the makers, the vision. It felt like the right team and the right moment. And of course, I’ve always wanted to be part of a Netflix project, so the opportunity to contribute to something with such global reach was very compelling


Who is Jinnie to you? How would you describe her?

Jinnie is such a fascinating character— a shapeshifter, and above all, a profound explorer whose insatiable curiosity drives every decision she makes. What intrigued me most was the contrast between her inner world and how she chooses to express herself outwardly. She’s incredulously bright, endlessly curious, and lovable, which makes her both unpredictable and deeply human in her own unique way. It was this complexity—her fluid identity and the tension between thought and expression—that really drew me to her.



Did you relate to Jinnie in any way?

On paper, Jinnie and I are wildly different—I mean, she’s a diva with a flair for drama. But as I started building her character, I found these little bridges of similarity that helped me connect with her. For one, she loves her siblings with this all-consuming, slightly chaotic affection, which I totally get. Second, fashion is her love language. She doesn’t just wear clothes; she makes statements. And lastly, if Jinnie were an animal, she’d 100% be a cat. She’s curious, unpredictable, will cuddle only when she feels like it, and somehow always lands on her feet.


What was the most fun or challenging part of playing her?

The most fun part? Definitely dressing up and stepping onto set—it honestly felt like walking into a real-life fairytale. Everything was so grand and historically astute, I had to pinch myself sometimes!


How did your music or performance background help you in this role?

As a musician, I’m constantly stepping into different characters on stage—it’s like mini acting gigs every time I perform. I also find that when I sing my own songs live, I end up re-living and re-feeling them in completely new ways. So for me, acting felt like a natural extension of that—it’s still storytelling, just through a different lens. Honestly, it’s all part of the same creative toolkit; acting just happens to wear a different hat (and sometimes a crown, in Jinnie’s case!). My vocal versatility as a singer really came in handy too—I ended up giving Jinnie a slightly higher pitch and this playful rhythm in her speech.



What was it like working with such a star-studded cast?

Working with this cast was both humbling and a complete masterclass. Everyone had their own unique rhythm and approach to the craft, and I felt like I was learning by simply being around them. I’m still trying to unlock Ishaan’s superhuman ability to multitask without breaking a sweat, and Vihaan’s microscopic attention to detail when it comes to his character. Bhumi has this beautiful way of uplifting all the women around her—it’s like she walks onto set with a spotlight of encouragement. Zeenat? She brings wit and ease like she invented both. Sakshi’s ability to switch on instantly is honestly theatrical sorcery, and Sumukhi’s comedic consistency is so sharp, thank god it’s trademarked. The list genuinely goes on—it was inspiring and made me want to raise my own game every single day


Zeenat Aman is a legend. Did she give you any advice or say something that stayed with you?

She truly takes your breath away! She’s impacted me deeply, especially in how she leads with empathy, not just in words but through action—particularly when it comes to animals. And one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from her is that when your partner genuinely champions you, without ego or condition, that’s rare—and that’s a keeper.



Ishaan Khatter has such a strong screen presence. What was your equation with him like on set?

He’s truly enigmatic—there’s a quiet brilliance about him that naturally draws people in. We first connected through music, and that became this beautiful foundation for a bond that’s grown beyond the set of The Royals. Off-screen, we’ve found a sibling-like dynamic that’s rooted in genuine care. I think we’d both agree that we share a kind of maternal instinct—constantly checking in, making sure the other’s okay. It’s rare to find that kind of connection, and I really value it.


Bhumi Pednekar always picks bold, strong roles. Did you learn anything from watching her work?

Bhumi is an absolute powerhouse. Her dedication, laser-sharp focus, and the way she immerses herself in every detail of her work is something we all have so much to learn from. And then there’s her love for good food—always served in the most perfectly compartmentalised plates, which is honestly a personality trait at this point! I do wish I had more scenes with her to really bounce off ideas and energy, but maybe that’s what season 2 is for.


Was there a moment on set where you felt, “Wow, I’m really learning from these people”?

Throughout the entire process, I’m always in ‘sponge mode,’ soaking up everything around me. A standout moment was during the sibling fight scene—when punches were flying. That’s when I realised sometimes you just have to switch your brain off and let your body take over. It gave me the confidence to fully dive in, and we ended up creating some truly raw and special moments—so much so that it even inspired a whole wave of ‘sibling core’ memes online. Who knew real punches could lead to internet aww moments?


Did playing Jinnie change how you see power or identity?

It helped me deeply appreciate the importance of personal agency, and reinforced how sensitivity to our shared humanity is one of the most undervalued—and often overlooked—qualities in the human experience. I immediately started educating myself more about the princesses of the past and present—their stories and their impact. For instance, Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur is renowned not only for her royal heritage but also for her significant contributions to education and women’s empowerment in India. Those are stories that we've all got to talk about more! 


If Jinnie had a playlist, what song would top it?

Bossa nova classics like George Ben Jor, Luiz Bonafá ,etc.


Is acting something you’ve always wanted to explore?

Many people might not realise this because I tend to keep my head down and focus on the work itself, but I’ve actually been acting since I was eight years old. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of projects—from theatrical productions to short films, television commercials, and various OTT platforms.


What kind of roles would you love to play next?

I want to do all sorts of roles, and never box myself in one archetype. One of my long-term aspirations is to be part of a horror film produced by A24—a company renowned for its innovative storytelling and bold approach to the genre.


Are there any dream directors or creators you'd love to work with?

I would love to work with Vishal Bhardwaj, Pan Nalin, Tarsem Singh, Guillermo Del Toro and Ari Aster.


What are you currently working on—musically or otherwise—that has your heart?

I’m really excited to share that my EP ‘Hyperreal’ is releasing starting 19th June, offering a glimpse into the sounds and stories I’ve been passionate about exploring. Alongside this, I’ve been deeply immersed in writing my debut full-length album, which I’m thrilled to say will be coming out in 2026. There’s a lot of heart and evolution behind these projects, and I think anyone who’s curious about my journey as an artist will find something meaningful in them. I can’t wait for people to hear and experience this new chapter of my creative expression.


Would you act more in the future or stick to music?

I will never stop doing what my heart desires, and celebrating my multidisciplinary nature of being is my sole duty!


Who or what is inspiring you creatively right now—books, people, places, music?

Lately, I’ve been reading more than usual, but what’s truly inspiring me right now is travelling. Every time I set out on a new journey, I feel like I discover a new version of myself. It’s this ongoing process that allows me to experience the world—and myself—in fresh and meaningful ways.


How do you handle the quiet between projects? Do you embrace rest or chase the next spark?

I’m always working—I rarely sit still. This relentless drive stems largely from my survival instincts as an independent artist, having never really had the privilege to pause or slow down. Coming from an extremely humble, single-parent upbringing has instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for every opportunity. I’m genuinely grateful that my passion for creating continues to evolve, pushing me to explore new avenues. As a result, I’ve come to embrace the fact that my mind often juggles five equally active and exciting projects at once—and I’m absolutely at peace with that dynamic.



What does success look like for you now? Has it changed from when you first started out?

I believe success is really luck meeting opportunity, and for me, nothing has changed in that belief. I’ve always aimed for the stars, chased my ambitions relentlessly, and never left a stone unturned when it comes to hard work. At the end of the day, I feel incredibly lucky—always—and grateful for every step of this precious life I call my own.

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