Anya Lahiri

Biography

Born in Golders Green, London, United Kingdom of Indian and Finnish origin, Anya attended the Henrietta Barnett School in Hampstead Garden Suburb, where she excelled in languages and music. Lahiri graduated from Birkbeck, University of London with a degree in humanities and literature in 2005.

Modelling and singing

Anya was scouted in Covent Garden at age 14 by Select Model Management in London. She was sent on an audition for what she thought was a music video which turned out to be an audition for a musical group. At first, she was reluctant to audition but changed her mind. She performed All Saints' Never Ever and was chosen to become a part of the girl group Precious. The band was chosen by British viewers to represent the UK in the 1999 Eurovision Song Contest with their first single Say It Again, and arrived 12th. After that, they released their first album, called 'Precious' with yielded two Top 10 hits singles 'Rewind' and 'It's Gonna Be My Way'. In the summer of 2000, the band tried to enter the United States market. In November 2000, they released their last single called "New Beginning" with a video clip set in an industrial warehouse with the girl band acting like tough girls. By the end of 2000, the group went under scrunity and the girls decided it was time to stop.

Following the breakup of Precious, Anya returned to her education, attending Birkbeck, University of London, while continuing to model. During this time, she has modelled for brands such as Asda and ASOS as well as gracing the covers of Company and More. She was one of the FHM PitGirls in 2003.

Acting

In 2003, Anya landed her first acting role alongside Sienna Miller in Keen Eddie. Miller advised Anya what acting classes to take and which reputable agencies she should try to represent her. In 2004, she appeared in the movie Tornado with Daniel Bernhardt, and in The Grooming with Jacqueline Bisset. By 2005, she finished her studies in humanities and literature and was free to pursue her interest in acting full-time.

In 2006, Anya moved to Los Angeles where she focused on becoming an actress. Being an established model, Anya signed with Next Models during which time she became the face of the Anna Beth's jewels new collection. That same year, she starred in I Can't Think Straight.

By 2007, Anya moved back to London where she appeared in five episodes of Dream Team as Emma. Following that, she filmed "Daylight Robbery" and "Goal! 3: Taking on the World".

In 2009, Anya focused on modeling where she was signed to agencies such as Models 1 in London, Next Models in Los Angeles, and MC2 Models in Tel Aviv. Anya was featured in editorials for She Magazine as well as landing a campaign for Poule de Luxe. She also appeared in The Scar Crow and Life Blood.

In 2010, she made the short film The Commuter, which was filmed entirely on the Nokia N8 in HD. She has a small part in Swinging with the Finkels and plays Maddie in Meet Pursuit Delange, a short film.

In 2011, Anya starred opposite Adrien Brody in a Super Bowl advertisement for Stella Artois.

Barry's Boot Camp

In 2006, Anya began working out with Barry's Boot Camp which eventually led to her training to become a fitness instructor. Since then, she has trained the likes of Kim Kardashian and Natalie Imbruglia . In 2011, she played an integral role in the establishment of Barry's Boot Camp in London. Today, she splits her time modeling, acting, and being a fitness instructor.