Lemonade Mouth is as big a hit as High School Musical and Camp Rock. How does an 18-year-old Asian girl from London get from here to there?

Last year, the man who now manages me was researching different British actresses and stumbled across me on YouTube. He got in contact with my agent, within a couple of months I was off to America.

You play the role of Mohini ‘Mo’ Banjaree...
She’s a bassist and she meets the rest of the bandmates in detention because she sneaks out with her boyfriend. She’s not the type to get into trouble, and she doesn’t like it at all. She’s an academic type, and quite repressed in some ways because it turns out she has this inner diva that comes out halfway through the film. It’s great because throughout the film we see her develop and find her own identity.

How did it feel flying the Asian flag for us?
It’s such a brilliant feeling. Disney movies are known for creating characters kids can relate to, especially ones who feel like they haven’t quite found their place. So bringing in the cultural aspect really added to the story of outsiders looking to find a way in. Personally, I’ve always loved being from another culture.

Over 13 million viewers tuned in to watch you...
It’s got so much heart as a film. For the kids, it spreads a good message and it’s got really great music – we all love the songs!  

That’s a pretty convincing American accent you have there…
It’s funny, because I didn’t use it when I auditioned, but I learnt on the job really – using people around you every day is a good way to involve yourself in the surrounding. I guess I’ve always been drawn to acting because I like mimicking people!

Disney stars get mad adulation. How’s it working for you?
Honestly, I haven’t actually experienced it as much as you’d have thought yet. Maybe it’s because I’m in Australia at the moment filming Terra Nova (Steven Spielberg’s new sci-fi TV series), so I’ve been quite isolated from everything. So no, I’ve not yet had a major case of paparazzi or anything, but it will be interesting to see what the reaction is like when I go back to America. You just have to deal with it, take it as it comes.

So you won’t be going off the rails Demi Levato stylee?
Nah. My greatest pleasure is playing the game Mafia with my mates. I said to them only last week I bet in ten years we’ll still be gathered round playing Mafia! I don’t think everything necessarily has to change. I’m pretty outgoing, I love singing, writing songs, playing piano. I’ll take fun with family and friends over going wild any day.

You have a thing about climbing trees…
I did it the other week actually! It’s not a hobby of mine – I don’t go for it on a Friday night or anything – I just have a thing for a good tree and wanting to jump up it.

Would you really pick Brighton Beach over Malibu Beach?
Yeah! It’s the chips that do it! Our fish and chips are the best, and it’s just picking home or away. I think I’d pick home.

Have the American boys taken to your English accent?
They love it! Mate, it really helped me out a lot and if you ever want to sweet-talk someone, you just smack on the accent. It’s funny because whenever I’m chatting with them, my accent is exaggerated or I sound really posh.

So you’re liking the male reaction?

What male reaction? I don’t notice that sort of thing, I just think everyone’s being friendly!

• Lemonade Mouth is out now on DVD . The soundtrack is out on Walt Disney Records. Terra Nova is showing on Sky One now.