Aadila Dosani: Portraying one-half of the Bobbsey twins on the CW’s “Nancy Drew” is a massive win for BIOPIC representation
The Canadian star discusses her role in the sleuth series, life growing up in Calgary, her blazing passion for acting, and bringing more BIOPIC representation to the entertainment industry.
Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, Aadila Dosani explored an array of different creative avenues, enlisting in many extracurriculars with the encouragement of her parents. Everything changed when she was enrolled in community theatre, where she discovered the art of acting. She had finally found her happy place. This experience led to her developing her skills and pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
Aadila can now be found in her latest groundbreaking role on the second season of the new re-adaptation series “Nancy Drew” on the CW. This show spins a dark, modern twist on the beloved novel plot of a young detective who solves mystery cases — introducing more psychological and supernatural elements, and bringing in more members to join the Drew Crew as she embarks on her adventures to uncover hidden clues and solve cases. Readers of the novel series should expect a different reimagining here and approach this project with an open mind. For those who are already familiar with Nancy’s history, they would be able to quickly recall some of her most notable allies. The individuals who have come to her aid in the past include Ned Nickerson, the Hardy Boys, and the Bobbsey twins. As the series progresses - hosting two seasons so far - new characters from the Nancy Drew universe (and faces that exist only on the show) are introduced on screen to drive the story’s narrative forward to the next phase.
Cue in Canadian talent Aadila Dosani, working alongside co-star Praneet Akill, who have both stepped up to deliver brilliant takes with their portrayals as the sleuth twins, Amanda and Gil Bobbsey.
Aadila recalls the moment she initially learned that she had received the role as one-half of the Bobbsey twins:
“I was elated. I read for the role in July 2020 when things in the industry were slowly starting to open up here in Vancouver. Naturally, there were a plethora of delays as the studio took time to put COVID safety measures and protocols into place. Because of that, and knowing the show had expanded their search to make sure they found the perfect twins for them, I thought the role was gone! I had fallen so hard for Amanda, so it was a tough one to swallow. However, I got a call at 10:30pm from my agent several weeks later (who also played such a wonderfully timed, yet cruel joke on me) and gave me the news - the rest is history!
I didn’t initially know I was reading for a Bobbsey Twin. We didn’t find out Amanda and Gil were The Bobbsey’s until we had a zoom meet and greet with Noga and Melinda, two of our Executive Producers, where they dropped the news! I was shell shocked, speechless, and beyond excited.”
Prior to being cast in the mystery series, Aadila was already familiar with a lot of the source material, having read all of the Nancy Drew books as well as the Hardy Boys. She had also read some of the Bobbsey Twin novels, but admits that her mom has read them all —“she is such a sleuth!”
This casting is a major achievement as a step forward in BIOPIC representation, a reputable fact that Aadila is very proud about.
“It is a massive win for BIPOC representation. Traditionally, the Bobbsey twins are two sets of affluent Caucasian twins. The fact that two South Asian actors get to represent the Bobbsey twins, without any explanation as to why they belong in the Drew universe is massive. There is no alluding to us being South Asian (which I find happens so often when there is a creative choice to go this direction in fictional worlds – explaining how we found ourselves in said world), no backstory about our heritage – that is the win. We can finally just belong.”
Discussing this new rendition, she explains how this series differentiates from the original adaptation and how the interpretation of these characters are being interpreted for modern television.
“These characters are really full and layered. In my opinion, they are so much more approachable than the characters from the source material. They are dealing with so many issues that are so prevalent today.
We have all been put through the ringer this past year. It took a pandemic for all of us to really realize the importance of mental health. This season deals with elements of that. The Drew Crew explores such psychological elements – what is real, what isn’t? How can we differentiate reality versus the narrative that we may or may not be creating in our own minds. What is a healthy relationship? What is a toxic relationship? How do these fragments of our imagination manifest themselves in reality?
And we can’t forget the supernatural elements! This season is scary! The supernatural elements are insane! I have to watch some of the episodes during the day because I am too afraid to watch them in the dark.”
Aadila goes on to share an unknown fact from set: not only are the Drew Crew incredible sleuths… but they’re also dynamite singers! In between takes, everyone is always breaking out into show tunes. A divine experience that’s another reason why she loves the days when
Aadila goes on to share an unknown fact from set: not only are the Drew Crew incredible sleuths… but they’re also dynamite singers! In between takes, everyone is always breaking out into show tunes. A divine experience that’s another reason why she loves the days when everyone is working. This small detail holds a lot of valuable potential — a Nancy Drew musical episode?! (hint, hint!) It’s definitely a concept the writers should consider for the show’s future.
Aadila touches on her childhood in Calgary and expresses how much her parents have inspired her while growing up. They have always been her role models in life.
“Growing up in Calgary was pretty wonderful. I was and am so fortunate to have grown up the way I did. My parents immigrated to Canada from East Africa in the 70s in search for a better life for their family – and a wonderful life they gave my sister and I. We didn’t always have a lot in terms of materialistic things, but we had each other! My parents always supported my sister and I in anything and everything we wanted to pursue.
“They worked really hard to make sure we were able to participate in all of the after school activities and it is because of that I found my love for the stage!
I grew up with a community – my family and I being Ismaili Muslim, we were always at community events. I didn’t have one mom, I had 10! Kind of like growing up in a pack and it was awesome!
I had watched my parents work so hard, experienced them losing everything, and then having to build themselves back up again. They are my role models. They never gave up and really wanted to build a foundation and better life for their family. I have never witnessed any two humans who have worked so hard. My dad made so many career sacrifices so that he could be with his family. He chose us and that has really stuck with me. My parents live for their kids, and their dedication to my sister and I is what drives me. I just want to be in a place where I can take care of them the way they deserve and take care of me.”
Many artists have inspired Aadila along her journey. Every few years, it seems that someone will pop up that she simply can’t get enough of; she falls in love with their presence on and off screen. One of those actors that she’s always had an affinity for is Robin Williams. His work has always spoken to her
“His improvisational skills to this day are still unparalleled. He was magic to me, He still is magic to me. He brought me into realms, like a spirit guide, where I was completely immersed. His performances took me on the wildest rides. From “Mork & Mindy” to “Mrs. Doubtfire” to “Patch Adams” to “Jack” to “Jumanji” to “Aladdin” to “Bicentennial Man” – all of his work. I love all of his work. His imagination and brilliance inspire me everyday to paint the vividest of portraits like he did.”
She lists off several artists who she would love to collaborate with in the future. A list that’s still ever growing: the one and only Queen B, Beyoncé. Kajol. Mindy Kaling. Shonda Rhimes. Anupam Kher. Kate Winslet. Katey Segal. Julie Andrews. Bernadette Peters. WHOOPI [Goldberg]! All the ladies of SNL – past, present, and future. Jameela Jamil. Octavia Spencer.
As an actress, she states that she’s still learning new things everyday:
“I think right now, in this moment, I am learning to practice gratitude EVERYDAY. Don’t get me wrong, I am beyond grateful for everything I have, I mean practice gratitude on a deeper, spiritual non-materialist level. I am so incredibly lucky to be healthy and working. Coming out of this crazy year I truly learned what it means to not take anything for granted. I think earlier on in my career I would start to expect things – like a spoiled child. And not out of any sort of malicious intent, I was working so hard I came to a point where I felt like I deserved the wins. But everyone in this industry deserves the wins. Because everyone puts their heart and soul into it – they miss out on family weddings and their kids graduations for a job. I was on a trajectory and wanted more and forgot to live in the moment and be so grateful for what I had (as nothing is ever guaranteed). Your life can be taken from you with the blink of an eye. Your career, your health, your family. I am also still learning to stay in my own lane and not compare myself and my journey to others – which I feel like will be a lifelong learning lesson.”
In regards to the types of roles she would like to pursue in the future, Aadila says that changes on the daily! One day she wants to be a gritty detective and explore all the layers, like DC Comics Renee Montoya who then takes on the identity of “The Question.” Then, the next day, she would love to play an alien, like Robin Williams in “Mork & Mindy,” where she can use humor to create much needed levity in these dark times (“I honestly just want to make people laugh. All the time. That fuels me. I feel so full when I can make my family, friends, and peers smile. It’s the best feeling.”) And yet on other days, she wants to be in a Bollywood film. One of her major aspirations is to be able to tell her own story of being a first-generation South Asian Canadian/North American who struggles to find her own identity through all the cultural and traditional pressures put on her from her family.
Through all of her experience, she shares that she’s learned that wearing a Teflon suit does not come instinctually to her and because of that, she needs to take better care of herself – physically, mentally, and spiritually.
“I know it sounds cliché – but it took me 20 years to take a good hard look at myself in the mirror to see how close I was to falling. I tend to take things on, like most artists do… we are empathetic beasts. I didn’t have a healthy process on how to cope with all the energies we embrace. I found I was fading, fast. And not in a good way – I was living on a slippery slope. I realized even though I thought I was putting myself first, I wasn’t. Why? The fear of not being recognized and liked. I wanted everyone to love me even if it was a huge detriment to myself. That fear messed me up, it still does, and I learned if I wanted any sort of longevity in this career I had to find a way to let go. Still working on it.”
Aadila expresses her thoughts on the challenges of being an actor and also what she finds to be the most rewarding aspect of this career path:
“I think the most challenging is not having a clear trajectory and not being able to control the outcome. There is no rhyme or reason for so many things in our world. Why you get a job, why you don’t. With other career paths you have tangible things to work on, skills you can sharpen that will lead to a desired outcome. Not with this industry! All this also makes it super challenging to live in the moment. That is another thing I have found extremely difficult. Because nothing is ever certain and you never know when the next job will come, like, when you do have a win and are playing on set, it is so hard to be in the moment and take in all of that magic. I know it sounds silly, but it’s true. For me anyway. I have let so many magical moments pass me by because I have been worried about what will come tomorrow – tomorrow never came and those jobs were tainted with such regret.The most rewarding for me is collaborating with all the artists on set – from actors, writers, crew. I love people. I love connecting with people. I love bringing to life words on pages with these people. I also find the work really rewarding. I often live in a French Vanilla Fantasy, AKA, I am a consummate daydreamer. So doing the work, creating backstories, giving subtext to all these amazing characters is one of the raddest parts of the job for me. That’s the raddest and most rewarding!”
Aadila shares some of the causes that she advocates for:
“I really love and am very passionate about the #Iamsizesexy movement/initiative that Addionelle had initiated years ago. Having conversations about body positivity, especially within this industry, is very important to me. I have gone through so much in this industry with people criticizing how I look and the size of my body. I deal with body dysmorphia issues myself on the daily.
AKF (Aga Khan Foundation) and AKDN (Aga Khan Development Network) Canada as well as FOCUS Canada are also causes that I am very passionate about. AKF’s work demonstrates and is built on the foundation that change is possible when poverty is tackled on multiple fronts, long-term, with communities in charge. These foundations do such important work. It is awe-inspiring.”
Another cause she is strongly passionate about is assisting the homeless, especially homeless youth. “Homelessness and the lack of resources in programs aimed to help with the transition these humans need to reintegrate into society breaks my heart. We all deserve a chance at changing our life and I would love to be a very small part in helping someone with that.”
In her free time, Aadila enjoys a good glass of wine or mescal, and reading a Daniel Steel novel. (“Honestly, these days staring at a blank wall and basking in the sun while listening to Bollywood Hits hits the spot!”) She also loves working out (eating pasta more than that!) and she’s currently obsessed with EMS and infrared training. On her off days she’s usually working out, and then rewarding herself with a nosh and cocktail while daydreaming about all the things.
Aadila shares the best piece of advice she’s been given (“It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”) and that if she wasn’t an actress, she would love to pursue a profession as a librarian.
“I’d love to become a librarian! I LOVE the scent of an old-fashioned book. I love learning. I love exploring the world through stories, poetry, essays, pros. Well… let’s be honest, a nice glass of Bordeaux and a book is my ultimate bliss – with a side of some Bravo ‘Housewives.’”
What is Aadila’s biggest dream?
“Well… this is a tough one. If you asked me a year ago my biggest dream would evolve around my career. Now, my dream would be to build a communal living community in the bush but I must also have walk out access to the ocean where my close friends and family can have their own airstreams and we can raise our kids together and be happy! You did say dream! Bonfires on the nightly – smores and all!”
People inspire Aadila. “We have all been through the ringer this past year, some more than others. Sometimes it is hard to get yourself out of those dark holes, but when you see people who do, well… nothing else really compares. Humanity is a virtue. The power of belief, love and compassion conquer all.”
Hallmark movies invoke a lot of nostalgia for Aadila — growing up, she watched all of the Hallmark TV movies with her family (and she still does!) “The holiday ones, the Valentines Day ones, summer romances, Thanksgiving Homecoming ones, you name it – we have probably seen them all! That is also why working on these films is such a treat for me (more so my family)!”
The top three items on her bucket list:
Eat Pray Love trip (aka travel the seven seas and experience global cuisine)!
Do a Carnival tour (Trinidad & Tobago, Rio de Janeiro)
Be in a Bollywood Film
Aadila concludes our conversation with some advice for other aspiring artists:
“Say YES, not just to opportunities in this industry, but in life. Step outside your comfort zone. That’s where the magic lies. You can’t be a storyteller without living a full life, so go live one! Get dirty, cry, laugh, embrace heartbreak, mourn, eat, love. Tunnel Vision does not serve an artist. In fact, focusing on that “rose coloured dream” will be such a determent in the long run and in my experience, it will take you longer to achieve your dreams. Living in a box isn’t what we are meant to do!”
Follow along with Aadila’s journey!
Check out her socials: https://instagram.com/aadiladosani
And be sure to watch “Nancy Drew” on the CW!
Meet the Author
Bri Rodriguez is a writer and photographer from Tallahassee, Florida. Always passionate about the arts - she’s been an avid reader and writer ever since she was a young girl - finding solace in books, exploring literary worlds, and the ability to express herself and tell stories through the written word. Her education in Commercial Photography Technology opened new doors for her artistry; she is currently in pursuit of her bachelors in English to further her studies in literature and creative writing and hone her craft. She aspires to forge her own path as a content creator and delve deeper into the entertainment industry. Bri contributes her writing to multiple publications and actively seeks out new opportunities, which led to her joining the Rival team.
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