Finding Laughter in the Uncomfortable: Lily Singh and Sara Zandieh on Doin’ It
In their new film Doin’ It, comedian, actor, and writer Lily Singh teams up with director and co-writer Sara Zandieh to tackle one of life’s most universal yet least openly discussed subjects: sex. But instead of approaching the topic with solemnity, the creative duo leans into comedy as a way to break down walls, invite conversation, and spark reflection.
For Singh, who first rose to fame through her sharp, observational comedy, using humor to confront difficult topics isn’t new territory.
“Since the beginning of my career, I’ve always used comedy as a vehicle to have otherwise awkward, difficult, uncomfortable conversations,” she explained. “There’s no conversation more awkward than talking about sex. So I thought, why not go all in?”
That comedic lens was what first drew Singh to an early draft of the script by writer Neil Patel. The opportunity to tell a story that could be both disarmingly funny and deeply resonant felt like a natural extension of her creative voice.
For Zandieh, directing a film that walks the line between levity and gravity required a delicate touch.
“We never wanted the comedy to undercut the seriousness of the subject,” Zandieh said. “Instead, we wanted it to be a tool that made the story more approachable. You can make people laugh and then, once their guard is down, they’re more open to engaging with something real.”
The balance between humor and authenticity became the film’s heartbeat, shaping its rhythm both on the page and on set.
Both emphasized that Doin’ It is ultimately about collaboration, not just between writers and performers, but between the film and its audience.
“Sex is something everyone experiences differently, but it’s often spoken about in whispers,” Singh noted. “With this film, we wanted to create a space where people could laugh, but also see themselves and feel less alone.”
Zandieh added, “It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about starting conversations in a way that feels safe, joyful, and human.”
As Singh put it: “If you can get people to laugh, you can get them to listen.”
