Nitya Vidyasagar


Nitya Vidyasagar is an Omani-born Indian-American actress best known for her role as "Leela" on Sesame Street from 2008 to 2016.

Early life and education

Vidyasagar was born in Muscat, Oman on July 11, 1985. She grew up in India and the United States. She received a BFA with Honors in Drama Tisch School of the Arts and a Minor in Music from the College of Arts and Sciences, New York University.

Career

Vidyasagar is the first Indian-American cast member of Sesame Street. Leela runs a laundromat next to Mr. Hooper's Store. Sesame Street producers were not looking for an Indian-American actress before they cast Vidyasagar, but the show's writers plan to use parts of Vidyasagar's background in certain episodes. Leela is described as "a young Indian-American who embraces her heritage and culture".
Vidyasagar is primarily a stage actress. She trained at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting.
Her stage credits include:
Her screen and television work includes appearances in: