Aliza Vellani

Aliza Vellani (born October 30, 1991) is a Canadian film and television actress whose career has spanned over a decade, showcasing a versatile range across comedy, drama, and genre series. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia to Indian immigrants from East Africa, she was immersed in a multicultural environment that later informed many of her nuanced performances. From a young age she attended York House School, where she began formal training in acting, voice, and dance, a foundation that earned her the BC and National Istar Awards for Arts and Culture in both 2007 and 2008. After completing high school, Vellani pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Theatre at Simon Fraser University, honing her craft through rigorous academic and practical experiences in the performing arts.

Vellani first captured national attention with her role as Layla Siddiqui on the CBC series Little Mosque on the Prairie, a groundbreaking sitcom that explored Muslim life in a small Canadian town with humor and heart. She later expanded her repertoire with guest appearances on popular U.S. shows, including Marcy on The CW’s iZombie and Sandeep in the revival season of The X‑Files. Most recently, she portrayed Rani Singh in Netflix’s Sweet Tooth, a post‑apocalyptic adventure where her performance added depth to the series’ diverse cast. Throughout her career, Vellani has been praised for her authentic portrayals of culturally rich characters, her dedication to representing under‑represented communities, and her commitment to continuous artistic growth. As she continues to evolve as an actress, she remains a prominent figure in both Canadian and international entertainment landscapes.