'I Believe It's Already Underway': Lauren Gottlieb On Her Bollywood Comeback (Exclusive)

Lauren Gottlieb became a household name in India after she made her Bollywood debut with the 2013 release ABCD. The Remo D’Souza directorial was a dance-based film, and the actress’ dance moves grabbed everyone’s attention. Later, she starred in multiple Hindi movies, and featured in dance numbers. However, Lauren moved to the US again a few years ago, but recently, was seen in a song Who Rules The World which is a promotional song for Netflix’s series The Royals.

The Free Press Journal interacted with Lauren and spoke to her about her song, plans of making a Bollywood comeback, and a lot more…

What response are you getting for your new song Who Rules The World?

The response we’re getting for Who Rules The World has been super positive! It’s such a fun and powerful anthem, and what makes it even more exciting is that it plays as the title track before every episode of the series. I really think that as the show progresses, people are going to fall in love with the track even more.

How was your experience of teaming up with Netflix?

The song was actually a collaboration with the amazing team at Believe, and they were just incredibly supportive throughout the process. It was so fun having clients who not only backed the project fully but also showed up to set and genuinely had a blast. They were jamming out with us! It really felt like one big celebration.

Are you also a part of the series The Royals or is it just a promotional song collaboration?

I’m not a part of the series The Royals, it was purely a music video promotional collaboration. I choreographed and starred in the music video, which was created to celebrate the energy and theme of the show.

It’s been really long since we’ve seen you in a Bollywood film. What has kept you away from Hindi film songs?

Yes, it has been a while, but I really believe in doing life my own way — following the inner voice and trusting the timing of things. There was a period where I felt strongly that I needed to reconnect with my family. I was watching my parents grow older and realizing I didn’t truly know them the way I wanted to. My nephews were growing up, and I hadn’t spent enough time with them either. Then, of course, COVID hit and took two years from all of us. On top of that, I found the love of my life and really focused on building a strong foundation for that relationship.

But now, I’m back and so excited about the projects coming my way. With all the life experience and professional growth I’ve had, I’m stepping into a new chapter where I’m not just performing — I’m also conceptualizing, helping put together the production, choreographing, and starring in projects. It’s a whole new level of creative collaboration and evolution for me.

Are you still in touch with your ABCD team — Remo D’Souza, Salman, Punit, and others?

Yes, absolutely! I’m still in touch with the ABCD fam. I recently starred in a song for Remo and Lizelle D’Souza’s new music label, which was really special. Salman and I have been reconnecting lately, chatting about new projects and possibilities. And Punit and I just went to a little Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa reunion — it was so fun to catch up and see everyone again. That bond really does last.

You were part of ABCD and ABCD 2, but when Street Dancer was made, you weren’t in it. Were you upset about that?

At that time, I had moved to New York and was deep into a two-year acting program, really focused on studying and growing as an artist. I was in a different chapter of my life, fully committed to learning and evolving, so I wasn’t in the space to take on film projects then.

What’s next? Any plans for making a comeback in Bollywood?

When I returned to India recently for my first dance teaching tour, it was such a powerful moment of reconnection — I got to catch up with old colleagues and collaborators, and we’re now in discussions about some exciting projects. So, would I say there’s a comeback happening? Absolutely! I believe it’s already underway.