Lilly Singh is not your typical entertainer. Known for her infectious energy and razor-sharp wit, she’s built an empire that goes beyond just comedy. She’s become a mainstream media powerhouse, seamlessly blending humour, authenticity, and advocacy into a career that is as impactful as it is entertaining. But what really sets her apart? It’s the way she balances a magnetic, high-energy presence with an unexpected calmness. To complement the bubbly persona you might expect, Lilly is composed, thoughtful, and laser-focused on what she stands for: the power of storytelling to create a more gender-equal world. She’s not here to shout about change; she’s here to create it, and she’s doing it with a perfect mix of humour, action, and heart.
Singh’s journey from digital platform to mainstream media has been nothing short of transformative. Looking back, she acknowledges the steep learning curve that comes with stepping into larger productions. While both arenas involve storytelling, the processes are quite different. In her early days, Singh took on multiple roles, such as writing, directing, acting, and editing her own work. This hands-on approach allowed her to unleash her creativity but often left her feeling a bit overwhelmed. As she transitioned into mainstream media, she found herself on larger sets with extended shooting schedules. This change has sharpened her skills and also fostered significant personal growth. “When you sit with a character for five or six months,” she explains, “you inevitably have to learn about yourself.” This immersive experience allows her to explore the intricacies of each character deeply, leading to insights that are both enlightening and therapeutic. Whether she’s playing a strong female lead or tackling complex societal issues, Singh believes that every role teaches her something new about herself.
However, the transition hasn’t been without its challenges. As a minority in Hollywood, she feels an added pressure to accurately represent her South Asian community while navigating an industry that often lacks diversity. “It’s really tough to advocate for the stories I want to tell when so many others have their opinions about them,” she shares candidly. The layers of bureaucracy can complicate the creative process, making it challenging for her vision to come to life.
But Singh has a unique ability to tackle serious issues through humour, believing that comedy can shine a light on cultural norms and societal expectations while making tough conversations more accessible. “Most of my comedy is born from a place of having a chip on my shoulder,” she admits, and this perspective drives much of her work as she critiques the societal pressures faced by South Asian women.
More recently, she has taken this approach further with her film ‘Doin’ It’, which addresses the often-taboo subject of sexual liberation. Reflecting on her own upbringing, she candidly shares the feeling of being embarrassed about her limited understanding of relationships and intimacy. However, after talking with some friends — especially those from the South Asian community — she discovered that many shared similar feelings. “We’re told we’re not allowed to enjoy intimacy or be sexual,” she explains. This serious subject can be nuanced and complex, which led her to think about how to make it entertaining. Her solution? A sex comedy. Growing up watching such films, she realised there was a gap for stories told from a female perspective. In many of these comedies, the female character is often the butt of the joke rather than an empowered figure. “I wanted to show an empowered woman on a realistic journey,” she says proudly. The film doesn’t cater to the male gaze or conform to others’ opinions; instead, it focuses on a woman who is unlearning shame and discovering her body on her own terms.
Interestingly, Singh’s mother played a key role in the film as a cultural consultant. The experience even transformed their relationship. “For the first time in our lives, we talked openly about these topics during filming. My mom started making sex jokes!” Singh laughs, noting how this shift helped them become more comfortable discussing subjects that should be normal between mothers and daughters. She hopes that ‘Doin’ It’ will help normalise such conversations around intimacy, paving the way for future generations to discuss these topics openly without embarrassment or fear.
At the core of Singh’s work is a fierce commitment to advocacy, with a particular focus on gender equality. As the co-founder of Unicorn Island Productions and the Unicorn Island Fund, she’s using her platform to amplify underrepresented voices and push for stories that matter — stories that challenge norms and spark change.
Through Unicorn Island Productions, she is bringing to life narratives that too often go untold. Her film, which is still under development, is a prime example — she’s tackling the critical but under-discussed issue of women’s healthcare, a topic that rarely gets the attention it deserves in mainstream media. But while developing such stories, she’s not just about statistics and facts. For her, entertainment comes first. “I want you to watch my content and be entertained,” she explains, acknowledging that while her projects are meant to be enjoyable, they also carry a deeper purpose.
Her advocacy doesn’t stop at the screen. The Unicorn Island Fund, the charitable arm of her initiatives, focuses on grassroots work — primarily in India — where her personal connection fuels much of the effort. The fund supports organisations empowering girls and women through education, healthcare, and financial independence, creating lasting change on the ground.
Singh’s quest for change took a significant step forward when she was appointed as a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocate. But for her, this isn’t just a vanity title — it’s a real opportunity to make a difference. She’s committed to bridging the gap between the UN and the people who are directly facing the challenges the SDGs aim to address.
One moment that really stuck with her when she attended a UN General Assembly meeting was the absence of young voices in the room. “It’s mainly older individuals discussing global issues, but many solutions lie with young people,” she observes. For her, it’s not just about attending high-profile events; it’s about ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table when it comes to solving the world’s most pressing problems. She’s determined to open doors at the UN and make sure that the voices of the next generation are heard.
Singh’s evolution is one that’s both personal and powerful. From tackling gender equality to advocating for cultural representation, she uses her platform to amplify voices that often go unheard, bringing a fresh, unapologetic approach to issues that matter — one that makes you laugh, think, and maybe even change your perspective.
What’s most impressive is how she’s managed to be both a disruptor and a role model. She’s not just a voice in the room; she’s a force for quiet yet undeniable transformation. Her humour is a tool, a vehicle for change that reaches millions. Through her work, she proves that laughter can spark real, meaningful dialogue and empower the communities that need it most. She is unstoppable, not because she’s shouting from the rooftops, but because she’s relentlessly moving the needle forward — one story, one punchline, and one moment of change at a time.
ELLE India Editor: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi; Photographer: Veronica Sams; Fashion Director: Zoha Castelino; Bookings Editor: Rishith Shetty; Words: Anamm Inamdar; Makeup: Aaron Paul (Exclusive Artists); Hair: Kat Thomson (The Wall Group); Assisted by: AmbiKa “B” Sanjana, Sarah Gibson (Styling); Location courtesy: The Fairmont Century Plaza; Tourism Partner: Discover Los Angeles; Artist Reputation Management: Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
