Ashley Ganger – Grand Army

By starrymag | October 28, 2020

By: Robert Warren

 

 

Q) What is the premise for the new series “Grand Army?”

 

A) “Grand Army” is a show about being a teenager in this generation. The world is a very crazy place and growing up in it is even more challenging. “Grand Army” highlights those challenges and brings light to so many issues that young people face, while presenting it in a very realistic way.

 

Q) In this series you play Meera, the opposite of “good Indian daughter.” What can you tell us about her?

 

A) Meera is a part of the drama department. She is super into her art and using it to not only express herself, but also stand up for what she believes in. She has a strong relationship with her older brother Sid (Amir Bageria). Meera is just 100% herself, she’s a badass and she doesn’t take shit from anyone.

 

Q) What are the family dynamics that she has in this show that typically aren’t explored with Indian families on TV? 

 

A) I think we don’t see enough Indian families on TV in general. In “Grand Army,” you see a family with a star son and daughter who likes to challenge their very traditional mindset. In my opinion, it’s a very accurate portrayal of an Indian family, especially with immigrant parents. Meera pushes the boundaries for the stereotypical Indian female and I’m excited to be a part of that. It’s time for POC to stop being painted in stereotypical lenses.

 

Q) This show takes place in the biggest public high school in Brooklyn. How do you think that setting in the show really sets the scene for what plays out?

 

A) Having It be the largest public high school really puts into perspective how much social media matters and how quickly information spreads. Imagine having something traumatic happen and your entire school knows about it and talks about it instantly. It also adds to the diversity. You really have every type of teenager in this school, every type of socioeconomic class and background.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on “Grand Army?”

 

A) I remember binge watching “Nashville” and seeing Odessa [A’zion] in one of the seasons and seeing Amir in “Degrassi” so that was cool!

 

Q) This show is loosely based on Slut: The Play by Katie Cappiello. Where might we see similarities to that with this show?

 

A) Joey’s storyline is the one that was featured in slut, so you’ll find similarities in that part. Some of the actors in “Grand Army” were in the original play. I found that really special.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film for the show?

 

A) The art show scene was one of my favorites. We were almost done filming and it was around 12 am, super late and this lady walked up with a bucket of the cutest tiniest puppies. In hindsight kind of an odd situation… [laughs] But we were having the best time playing with them. I also really enjoyed filming the scene at the beginning of episode 7 between Sid and Meera. It had always been was one of my favorites since I first read it.  It really shows how close they are.

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day of being on set?

 

A) Pizza, wine and reality TV! “Love Island” is the best mindless no effort show to watch and I mean that in the best way.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Grand Army” that is going to make it a fast fan favorite series?

 

A) How relatable the characters are, everyone will find someone to relate to in this show and I really believe that. Every teenager will see themselves in some aspect of this show. “Grand Army” will make you cry, laugh, question yourself and the world around you and I think people will appreciate that right now.

 

Q) What do you hope people take away from this series?

 

A) I just hope people reflect on the show and not gloss over how important these issues are. This show can be related to our modern-day world so easily, I hope People make the connections and ask the hard questions that sometimes get lost.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fan feedback you’ll be receiving?

 

A) I am definitely looking forward to that. It’s going to be cool and interesting to see people respond to a project that I felt so passionately about.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do?

 

A) Thank you! Thank you to everyone who took the time to watch the show and support it for what it is. So, thank you!