Pop-Culturalist.com

Vritika Gupta is a rising star captivating audiences with her breakout performance in Hulu’s limited series Under the Bridge. Based on acclaimed author Rebecca Godfrey’s book, the series recounts the 1997 true story of fourteen-year-old Reena Virk (played by Gupta), who went to join friends at a party and never returned home. Through the perspectives of Godfrey (Riley Keough) and a local police officer (Lily Gladstone), the series delves into the hidden world of the young girls accused of the murder, unveiling startling truths about the unlikely killer. Pop Culturalist had the privilege of speaking with Vritika about her journey into Reena Virk’s story.

PC: You did such a beautiful job honoring Reena Virk and her life in Under the Bridge. For many, this is the first time they are hearing her story. Did you feel a sense of responsibility heading into this project? What was it about her that you connected with?
Vritika: Absolutely, Reena’s story is deeply tragic and has impacted many lives. It was crucial for me to honor her respectfully and convey her experiences in the best way possible. Although my experiences are different from Reena’s, I can relate to her desire to be accepted by others, which is an emotion many people may have felt at some point in their lives. Her relationship with her uncle is special in the show, and it is something I can connect with from my personal life as well.

PC: You did such a deep dive into Reena before you began filming. How did learning about her from different perspectives influence your work?
Vritika: Learning about Reena from different perspectives provided me with an understanding of who she was and the complexities of her life. Reading both Rebecca Godfrey’s and Manjit Virk’s books allowed me to see the multifaceted nature of her personality and the circumstances that led to her tragic end, through various perspectives from different outlets. This influenced my work by helping me portray Reena as a real person with depth and nuance, rather than a one-dimensional teenage girl.

PC: There’s such an empathetic quality that you brought to her story and the ways in which you explored the varying layers of this character. As an actress, how did you find your way into Reena and create the space for yourself to tackle this sensitive and important story?
Vritika: To find my way into Reena’s character, I immersed myself in her world by reading about her life and understanding the context of her struggles. It was essential for me to approach her story with empathy and respect, acknowledging the pain she endured while also exploring her relationships with her family, friends, and the people around her. Creating that space required a balance of emotional vulnerability from the entire cast and for me to understand her as a person with many layers.

PC: Music was such an integral part of Reena, and you created a music playlist for her. Is that typically how you prepare for a role? How did that exercise help bridge your connection with her? What was on that playlist?
Vritika: Using music to prepare for a role is something I usually do not do, but it felt so right in this moment. Music can evoke emotions and memories, and knowing that music was an escape for Reena was something I held very close to my heart. For Reena, I created a playlist that included songs she might have listened to and songs that captured the mood of her experiences. This helped me understand certain emotions and feelings that Reena may have felt and allowed me to get into her mentality.

PC: This is such a breakout performance by you. What did you learn about your own craft by bringing this story to life?
Vritika: Bringing Reena’s story to life was a multilayered learning experience for me. It taught me the importance of authenticity and emotional honesty in my craft. I also learned the value of thorough research and the need to approach sensitive subjects with care and empathy. This performance pushed me to grow as an actress and to always strive to honor the stories of those I portray.

PC: Outside of Under the Bridge, what is next for you?
Vritika: After Under the Bridge, I am looking forward to exploring new roles that challenge me in different ways. I am also eager to work on projects that allow me to collaborate with talented actors and further develop my craft. That would be a dream, and I am so excited to see what the future holds!

To keep up with Vritika, follow her on Instagram. Stream Under the Bridge on Hulu today.

Photo Credit: Catie Laffoon