What Lilly Singh Does Isn't 'Niche'

Lilly Singh’s Journey with “Doin’ It” and the Power of Storytelling

Lilly Singh has been making waves in the entertainment industry for years, but her latest project, “Doin’ It,” is a bold step into uncharted territory. The film, which she wrote, directed, and produced, is a sex comedy from a South Asian perspective, featuring Singh as Maya, a thirty-something virgin who finds herself teaching sex education to teens. It's a genre that many Hollywood executives might have dismissed, but for Singh, it was a story she felt compelled to tell.

“I feel like I want to tell stories that every exec is gonna be like, ‘No, that’s too niche,’” Singh shared. “The word niche triggers me, because we’re not niche. We’re not at all niche, and that’s just a word that’s used against us.” For Singh, the film represents more than just a comedic take on sex—it’s a way to highlight the voices and experiences of her community that are often overlooked.

A Personal and Creative Challenge

Singh admitted that writing a feature film was a significant learning curve. “I’ve written short form content for a really long time, so this is my first time doing a feature script. There was a big learning curve for me; I have to think about longer character arcs, I have to follow all these rules.” She also faced the challenge of maintaining her creative integrity while navigating the complex world of film production.

Producing the film was another hurdle. “Producing is a lot, let me tell you. Love acting, love writing—producing? Could do without her, not gonna lie.” She noted the many elements involved in bringing a film to life, from music clearances to distribution strategies. Despite the challenges, Singh found the experience rewarding. “I got a crash course in movie-making. Don’t get me wrong, I still by no means know everything. There’s a lot I have to learn, but I do feel like, especially the past year, I’ve had a crash course in how to release a movie.”

Finding Healing Through Acting

One of the most profound aspects of the film for Singh was its therapeutic impact. “Acting can be quite healing and therapeutic for the actor,” she said. “The concept of this movie is about sex ed, it’s about a thirty-something-year-old virgin who finds herself teaching sex ed. There’s themes around sex and sexuality and shame and all this stuff— I can tell you as an actor, as the person behind the role, I have literally healed some of my trauma through playing this character.”

She also reflected on her growth as a writer. “I’ve tried for years to repel against this, but I’ve just fully embraced and accepted that I am a sensitive artist. When I write things and I have certain concepts, they’re really precious to me. I did learn through this movie that it’s OK to be like that, but there’s also great power in collaborating.”

A Film That Challenges Norms

“Doin’ It” is not just a comedy—it’s a powerful statement on the importance of sex education and the need for open conversations about sexuality. Singh emphasized the research that went into accurately portraying the experiences of young people and educators. “We had to do a lot of research to make sure that how we’re representing the younger kids in the movie is accurate. I talked to a lot of my younger nieces and nephews: ‘What is your generation doing in this regard?’”

She also highlighted the importance of normalizing discussions around sex and sexuality. “The movie is not about her ultimately losing her virginity. It’s about her unlearning shame and making choices that are right for her. I think that’s the best positive message you can give people, especially women.”

The Role of Family and Culture

Singh’s mother played a crucial role in the film as the cultural consultant, ensuring that the language and settings were authentic. “My mom actually helped on the movie. She is the credited cultural consultant on the movie. She was on set helping us, making sure the Punjabi, the Hindi, was on point.” The involvement of her family added a personal touch to the film, and Singh found it surprising that even her aunties were excited about the project.

“The wildest part of this for me has been the fact that my mom actually helped on the movie. She hasn’t watched it yet. That’s gonna happen tonight.” She also mentioned the unexpected support from her relatives, noting that even her reserved aunties were eager to see the film.

Looking Ahead

Despite the challenges, Singh remains passionate about storytelling. “I want to tell stories that I did not have growing up. It actually, like, aggravates me. It’s a passion, but it’s also like a chip on my shoulder, where I just believe in the power of storytelling.” Her next project, a film based on her real-life aunties, is already in the works. “It’s kind of like ‘Girls Trip’ with four Indian aunties. That’s the next movie I want to make.”

For now, Singh is focused on the release of “Doin’ It,” which will hit theaters on Friday, September 19. As she continues to push boundaries and tell stories that matter, her journey serves as an inspiration for others looking to break barriers in the entertainment industry.