FULL VIDEO INTERVIEW: Mira Singh on her Expo 2020 Dubai fame: 'My life has changed'
She captured hearts all around the world as the unofficial star of the Dubai Expo 2020 opening ceremony.
Dubai-born Mira Singh was given the part of a young girl whose journey creates the Expo story at the heart of the show.
The 11-year-old is a showbiz veteran, starting as a child model at the age of six and more recently featuring in commercials for Aldar Properties and Ikea.
Mira has “always loved” performing.
She’s also appeared in a National Day show and is on the shortlist for commemorations for the 50th anniversary of the UAE later this year.
A pupil at JSS International School at Jumeirah Village Circle, Mira’s father is Indian and her mother is from Belarus.
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Spectacular fireworks and entertainment welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday night. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
The opening ceremony under the magnificent Al Wasl dome. Photo: Karim Sahib / AFP -
The silver and white ghaf tree forms a centrepiece at the performance centre of Al Wasl Plaza during the opening ceremony. Photo: Ali Haider / EPA -
Andrea Bocelli takes the stage at the opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony. Getty -
Ellie Goulding performs at the Expo 2020 opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, at the Expo 2020 opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Chinese pianist Lang Lang opens the performance at Al Wasl Plaza for the Middle East's first Expo. Photo: Ali Haider / EPA -
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday. Photo: Reuters -
In the pink with a splash of colour as the event starts with a bang. Photo: Reuters -
The impressive opening ceremony for Expo 2020 Dubai, which was streamed live to millions around the world. Photo: Giuseppe Cacace / AFP -
All flowered up at the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Reuters -
If the opening night is anything to go by, the entire event promises to be quite a spectacle. Reuters -
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Kamran Jebreili / AP -
Lights, colour and fun are the order of the day. Photo: Reuters -
Andra Day takes centre stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, declares Expo 2020 Dubai open with a prayer. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
World-renowned Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi performs in his country's Expo opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Ahlam AlShamsi performs. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Dimitri Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions, the governing body of world's fairs, addresses the audience at the opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Hussain Al Jassmi, Mayssa Karaa and Almas perform during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. AFP -
Fireworks light up the skies around the Expo site in Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
A logo of Expo 2020 Dubai is projected during the opening ceremony. AFP -
Flag-raising at the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday. -
Ahlam AlShamsi performs during the opening ceremony. Photo: Kamran Jebreili / AP -
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Reuters -
The opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday. Photo: Reuters -
The full spectacle that was the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony on Thursday night. Photo: David Jimenez / Expo 2020 Dubai -
Dubai opens its Expo 2020 with an extravagant opening ceremony of fireworks, flags and light shows. Photo: AFP -
Opening ceremony fireworks. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
A young Emirati performs in the story of the ring that inspired the Expo 2020 Dubai logo. Photo: Christophe Viseux / Expo 2020 Dubai -
The world's fair was delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Performers line up to welcome visitors to the site of Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: AFP -
Emirati girls welcome guests before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Traditions at play to help kick off the event. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Guests arrive before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A buzz is spreading around the site before the opening ceremony. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Al Wasl Plaza before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The national flags of countries participating in Expo 2020 Dubai. AFP -
Excited spectators arrive. AFP -
Members of staff pose for a picture before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
An ideal photo opportunity. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Last-minute preparations, as meticulous as ever, for the big event. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Final preparations are under way in Al Wasl Plaza before the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony on Thursday. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Officials have anticipated and prepared for every eventuality that could crop up during the 182-day world's fair. Photo: Chris Whiteoak / The National
Keeping up her studies meant rehearsals took place in the evenings. “It is sometimes tricky fitting it all in around my schooling, but my principal is very understanding,” Mira said.
She’s also a versatile performer. “I enjoy all types of dance – Indian dance, contemporary dance and hip-hop, and I also love to sing and act,” she said.
Her part in the opening ceremony is described by its creators as “a young local girl observing the challenges of today and representing hope for the future”.
On stage at Al Wasl Plaza, her role included climbing a ladder for a dazzling sequence that showed the creation of the world and guiding blind opera singer Andrea Bocelli on stage for the finale alongside Ellie Goulding, Angelique Kidjo and Andra Day, among others.
“I’ve not only met lots of famous people, but have also been lucky enough to work with them, which has been so exciting. It’s an opportunity I am incredibly grateful for,” Mira said.
Now the show is over, Mira wants to spend more time with her friends and visit the world's fair where she says the UAE, China, Egypt and Russia pavilions are top of her list. “And of course India and Belarus.”
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Visitors enjoy a light show at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
Light show at Al Wasl Plaza, Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -
A view of Expo 2020 Dubai from the Garden in the Sky. Victor Besa / The National -
Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to welcome millions of visitors over the next six months. Victor Besa / The National -
Expo 2020 Dubai seen from the Garden in the Sky. Victor Besa / The National -
People visit the Russia pavilion during the first day of Expo 2020 Dubai. AP -
Performers dance during the opening ceremony of the Russian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The National -
Afghanistan's flag flies alongside others at the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters -
Al Wasl Dome at sunset at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Middle East's first World Fair. AP -
The Water Feature at sunset at Expo 2020 Dubai, where millions of visitors will travel over the next six months. AP -
People pass by the Spain pavilion during the first day of Expo 2020 Dubai. AP -
Visitors enjoy the Expo 2020 Dubai Water Feature area. Victor Besa / The National. -
Visitors at the Expo 2020 Water Feature area, on the first day of the world fair. Victor Besa / The National -
Wearing traditional costume, Keren Tang poses in front of the China pavilion. Victor Besa / The National -
The Expo Explorer ride passes the China pavilion, which takes its inspiration from a Chinese lantern. Victor Besa / The National -
Visitors to the Switzerland pavilion take shade under umbrellas while waiting in line. Victor Besa / The National -
Visitors at the Belarus pavilion area. Victor Besa / The National -
The UAE's Al Fursan aerobatics team perform on the first day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Kazakhstani women in traditional costume pose for a picture at the expo. AFP -
A visitor in the Pakistan pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A guest receives her stamp at the China pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The spectacular UAE pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors explore the Expo 2020 Dubai site. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visitors at the Pakistan pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Green lights come off the floor and the ceiling in the Pakistan pavilion to do with the Billion trees project on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The United Kingdom pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
International Colours Parade on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
International Colours Parade on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
International Colours Parade on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
International Colours Parade on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Italy pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
International Colours Parade on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The beauty of imaging. The anthropomorphic installation 'The Beauty of Imaging' is a fascinating example of art and life sciences marriage. The giant, 4 metres high and composed of 82 screens divided into 225 high-resolution LED tiles, pays homage with its iconic figure to the most famous artistic expressions, from classical sculpture to the genius of Michelangelo, up to Picasso's reworking of forms. Inside the Italy pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A life-size model of MichelangeloÕs David. Inside the Italy pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid visits Expo 2020 Dubai on Day One. All photos: @HHShkMohd / Twitter -
Anatomic clock. Inside the Italy pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Inside the Italy pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Inside the Italy pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
People interact with wandering robots on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak with Jeoungyeol Yu, Commissioner General of the Korea Pavilion, President and CEO of KOTRA at the official opening of the Korea pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The official opening of the Korea pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Thani Al Zeyoudi the Minister of State for Foreign Trade at the official opening of the Korea pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak at the official opening of the Korea pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Emirati traditional musicians greet visitors upon arrival. EPA -
From the moment the doors opened at 10am on Friday, crowds have flocked to the world’s fair. EPA -
Zeleros premieres its hyperloop vehicle during a media tour of the Spain Pavilion. AP Photo -
Qataris take part in a traditional sword dance at the opening of the Qatar Pavilion. AP Photo -
A visitor takes a selfie with a wandering robot. AP Photo -
Visitors can choose from a vast selection of gifts at the souvenir shop. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The official shop is stocked with souvenirs. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Flag-waving visitors arrive at the international event. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
People eager to get a glimpse of the 'world's greatest show' arrive bright and early on Friday morning. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Nitin Nishant takes a selfie in front of the Expo map. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Jaber, with his children Theyab, 6, and Shasna, 7, scans their tickets. 'We are looking forward to seeing the UAE pavilion, its our home country,' he said. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Filipino singers jump for joy as the doors to the world's fair finally open to the public. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Designated staff are on hand to help navigate visitors around the sprawling site. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The first day of the six-month expo gets under way. Chris Whiteoak / The National
