Ritu Arya is one of Hollywood’s rising stars, and it’s only a matter of time before she’s everywhere. The Surrey-born actress has already made a major impact with standout roles in The Umbrella Academy, Red Notice, Barbie and the critically acclaimed Polite Society. And if you think that’s impressive enough, fasten your seatbelt.
In her latest role, Arya plays the badass character of Zara, a rookie MI6 agent in Paris Has Fallen, an action-filled thriller packed with suspense, and twists. The episode finale for the show will premiere exclusively on Lionsgate Play on November 8.
And to share more about her character, Arya sat down with ELLE and opened up about her character’s journey.
ELLE: Tell us about your character, Zara.
Ritu Arya (RA): Zara is a rookie MI6 agent stationed in Paris. She’s eager for excitement, but she quickly realises that the reality of the job is far more intense than she expected. At first, she might even regret wishing for a more thrilling life, but as events unfold, she’s forced to grow in ways she hadn’t anticipated.
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ELLE: What drew you towards this character?
RA: I love how courageous and badass she is. She’s a trained spy and a skilled fighter, but sometimes her overconfidence gets the best of her. Throughout the show, though, she learns that things aren’t always as black and white as they seem. Like all of us, she’s human, and she has to navigate the complexities of her job and her personal life, which forces her to question her own assumptions and grow.
ELLE: What’s in store for Zara in Paris Has Fallen?
RA: Zara goes through a walk of trust and self-discovery. Professionally, she’s learning to navigate the pressures of her role as an MI6 agent. Personally, she has more baggage with a complicated relationship with her girlfriend, Thea, who is struggling with drug addiction. Thea is lying to her about it, and Zara, in turn, is hiding the truth about her own job.
This creates a dynamic of secrets and trust issues that ultimately lead to some painful but necessary truths coming to light. There’s also the dynamic with Vincent (played by Tewfik Jallab), whom Zara initially distrusts. Over time, they form a bond through their shared experiences, and Zara learns to trust him as a colleague and a partner.
ELLE: What is the premise of Paris Has Fallen?
RA: The show revolves around Vincent, a former bodyguard to a high-profile minister, who joins forces with Zara, to track down Jacob Pierce, a terrorist seeking revenge against the government for the mistreatment he endured. Together, they form a task force and must navigate dangerous situations while uncovering a larger conspiracy.
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ELLE: What was your first reaction when you first read the script?
RA: I was hooked right away. Paris Has Fallen’s storyline was engaging, and I immediately connected with Zara. I couldn’t really imagine anyone else playing her, which made me even more excited about the project. The blend of action and character-driven storytelling drew me in.
What really makes the show stand out for me is how it balances the fast-paced thrill of the mission with the complex relationships and emotional arcs of the characters. It’s not just about the action; it’s about these characters’ personal journeys and the way they evolve through the challenges they face.
ELLE: What was it like shooting the opening sequence?
RA: The opening sequence is amazing, it’s one long, continuous camera shot, which is visually stunning. Oded, who directed the first four episodes, really made it work. It introduces all the characters in a very stylish way, and there’s this incredible dance sequence featuring punk-style ballet dancers and a creepy mime that adds to the whole atmosphere. It’s such a bold and dramatic way to kick off the show, and it really sets the tone for what’s to come.
ELLE: Has Fallen is such an iconic movie series, do you think it will work well for television?
RA: Definitely. It’s very different from a movie. Paris Has Fallen having eight episodes gives the story more room to breathe, allowing us to really explore the characters and the intricate dynamics between them. It’s not just about the action—it’s about understanding why these characters do what they do and how their relationships evolve over time.
ELLE: Can you tell us what it’s like for Zara working in a male-dominated profession?
RA: That’s definitely something Zara has to navigate. She’s working in a traditionally male-dominated field, but what I love about her dynamic with Vincent is that, while she might initially judge him based on his background and experience, they quickly become equals. They form a genuine partnership based on mutual respect, regardless of their gender or experience. It’s a really interesting story, and it’s fun to see how they come to trust and rely on each other.
