Poised and perceptive, akin to his reel counterpart, rising star Yuvraj Menda’s portrayal of the nerdy Dilton Doiley in the Indian adaptation of The Archies (2023) was our first introduction to the actor. We can all agree that we collectively took a liking to his eccentricities and quirks – cue the nod of approval packaged as a lingering ‘thank yew.’ Menda comes bearing a truckload of raw talent, an outsider’s equitable perspective and a striking sense of personal style. He’s here to squash stereotypes and prove his mettle as a proficient performer. And it’s only the start. We got a chance to catch up with the star, and here’s what he had to say.
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ELLE: How do you work on your craft?
Yuvraj Menda (YM): Just like with anything in life, practice makes perfect, and the more I act, the more I will learn. With the amount I’ve acted as of now, I’ve learned so much, and I’m so grateful. But in the long run, the amount I’ve learned by acting once is just the tip of the iceberg. Hence, I want to keep acting so that the learning never stops.
ELLE: As a prominent Gen Z fashion icon, who were your major style influences growing up?
YM: Well, I don’t know if I’d call myself a Gen Z fashion icon, but I remember this: when I was younger, I was that kid who’d always be dressed up by his mom. When I was around ten years old, if I went out, my mom would lay my outfit on my bed beforehand. And that’s when I started getting interested and falling in love with something as simple as putting an outfit together. So, I didn’t have any icons I looked up to, but my mom sparked my interest.
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ELLE: Was acting always on the cards for you?
YM: I’ve always loved acting ever since I was in school. Acting, performing, or just being on stage. I always found it to be an escape. I always considered it a medium where I could express myself but still have the excuse of, “Oh, I’m just portraying a character.” I could still hide behind the intricacies of character but also show myself on a stage. But I didn’t think of it as a serious career I could pursue until I auditioned for The Archies.
ELLE: What fictional character would you love to reprise in a remake?
YM: I know it doesn’t make sense age-wise anymore because I’ve passed the age to do it, but Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone, would be it. As a child, I remember just watching that movie on repeat and thinking it was comedic genius. I was in love with every single prank and trap Kevin McAllister had set up for the thieves invading his house. I have it memorised by heart, and yes, that movie was a big part of my childhood.
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ELLE: Where do you see yourself in five years?
YM: I mean, the honest answer is I have absolutely no idea where life will take me. I hope I’m still as happy, content and at peace with life as I am right now. That’s what I feel like everyone should strive for.
Image Credits (Feature and Thumbnail): Mourya Dandu
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