Kausar Mohammed On Becoming A Superhero, On-Screen Diversity, And ‘Camp Cretaceous’

A jack of all trades!

Kausar is quickly becoming one of our favorite actresses to see on screen! Recently, you may recognize her as the new superhero ‘Fast Track’ on CW’s ‘The Flash’, or as the voice of ‘Yaz’ in Netflix’s popular animated series ‘Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Kausar about her organization, future projects, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in acting?

K: “I knew I liked doing theater and comedy in elementary school. I was cast in the Nutcracker, where I played a clown and unlike other clowns, I was very badly cast – I was awful at somersaults. It was so bad, actually embarrassing for me, even though I was really trying. But, I just took it all in and said, “I’m a clown, let’s do it, I’m committed.” When it came to the show, it was actually a great moment and I remember how fun it was to make people laugh in real time. I still can’t do somersaults… but it taught me a good lesson!”

We have to talk about your new role in CW’s “The Flash”. Can you tell us a little more about your role?

K: “I play the role of Dr. Mean Dhawan, a scientist in Central City and I essentially find a way to use science to get my own super powers — which leads me to the name, Fast Track. Her story is a rollercoaster as she learns how to juggle her superpowers and how she balances it all along the way. You have to watch and find out!”

Do you think that you have anything in common with your character?

K: “Yes, I do! I love how she is South Asian. In addition, the reason she created the machine that gives her superpowers is because she wanted everyone to have access to super healing. When I auditioned for this role, I really resonated with that desire to help make people’s lives better in whatever way I can.”

If your character could fight alongside any other in the DC universe, who would you choose and why?

K: “Hands down, it would be Harley Quinn! I’ve always loved the villain when it comes to fantasy action stories and movies. Harley is so much fun to watch and read about. I think they would be a great pair to start some trouble with… ( :.”

You also voice ‘Yaz’ in the Netflix hit series “Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous”. Were you a fan of the ‘Jurassic Park’ franchise before you got the role?

K: “100%, I was a huge fan of dinosaurs, ever since I was little! I actually wanted to be a paleontologist when I was younger, so much so, on career day in school I would even dress up as a paleontologist. I had it all, the kakis, glasses, hair pulled back, the plain colors, binder, etc. I was in it to win it! Lo and behold, I didn’t know dinosaurs would be such a big part of my adulthood too!”

How important do you think diversity is in the entertainment industry?

K: “Diversity is the future of Hollywood and embracing models of equitable structures within the industry is of the utmost importance. How can the stories we tell really center folks who have been historically marginalized? I truly believe in the power of the media and its ability to make an impact on how we’re able to imagine better futures for ourselves. In our industry we need diversity on every level – from executive producers, to actors to who is in our writer’s room.”

What advice would you give to young POC girls wanting to become an actress?

K: “There is a reality that the system isn’t built for anyone who’s not a white straight male, so in terms of being a young POC actress, pave your own way, tell your own stories, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t play the roles you dream of playing.”

What urged you to create your amazing organization, ‘SHIFT’?

K: “SHIFT was started back in 2017 at the height of the #metoo movement. My co-founders and I, Natalie Bui and Veline Mojarro, started it because we wanted to create spaces where folks could really unpack conversations around consent, race, and gender equity that center the most impacted people. So SHIFT was born. We are a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion company that provides trainings, workshops, and facilitation to campuses, workspaces, and orgs. DEI work can’t be impactful if it’s not grounded in institutionalized accountability practices and community care and that is what we aim to do with SHIFT.” 

You have also dabbled in writing; Can we expect more of that from you in the future? 

K: “Absolutely, writing brings me so much joy! I have so many projects that I’m working on, everything from horror and comedy. I look forward to sharing it with the world soon and there is more exciting news to come out with it.”

Where can we follow your amazing journey? You can follow me on my socials 

K: “@Kausartheperson on twitter and IG

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.