Exclusive - Butterfly actor Reina Hardesty says she loves Indian movies: ‘Devdas, Lagaan are my favourites’

Reina Hardesty at the premiere of Butterfly

For Reina Hardesty, who is going to be seen as a cold-blooded assassin in the spy thriller Butterfly, Indian cinema isn’t just a passing interest; it’s a part of her growing-up years.

In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, about her latest role as Rebecca in Butterfly, the American actor lit up when we asked her about Bollywood. Reina revealed that she has been a fan since childhood.

“Yeah, I grew up watching Bollywood,” she said with a smile. “Devdas, Lagaan… I’ve seen them like 30 times each. I could recite the whole soundtrack.”

Reina credits her sister for introducing her to the films, which left a lasting impression not just for their music but for the way they blend intense drama with sweeping romance.

Reina Hardesty, best known for bringing complex emotions to her characters, says Bollywood’s emotional storytelling resonates with her. “I love Bollywood movies."

In Butterfly, Hardesty plays Rebecca, a young assassin with a hardened exterior who slowly begins to show her vulnerabilities.

While the role is far removed from the vibrant worlds of Devdas or Lagaan, Reina admits she’d be thrilled to cross over into Indian cinema.

Asked if she would take part in a Bollywood dance sequence, her answer came without hesitation: “That would be a dream come true. I would love to do that.”

Watch the exclusive interview:

Her co-star and producer Daniel Dae Kim was quick to join in the fun, saying he could "see her doing it in a heartbeat."

While there's no Bollywood project on her schedule just yet, Reina Hardesty’s openness to the idea and her ability to bring emotional depth to intense roles could make her a natural fit for a cross-cultural collaboration.

For now, fans can watch her in Butterfly, which is going to air on Prime Video from August 13. Butterfly also stars Daniel Dae Kim, Piper Parabu and Louis Landau.