July 18th 2024.
Anna Shantha Kumble, better known as Lolly, rose to fame in 1999 with her hit single "Mickey". It's hard to believe that it's been almost three decades since the release of this catchy pop track, but Lolly still looks just as youthful and vibrant as she did back then. At 46 years old and now a mother of two, she hasn't aged a day.
Throughout the years, Lolly's signature brunette hair has remained a staple of her look, although the iconic 90s bunchies have been left behind. She still loves to wear vibrant outfits, and can sometimes be spotted taking the stage at festivals or Pride celebrations, belting out her memorable track for adoring fans.
While Lolly may have taken a step back from the music industry, her fans still hold a special place in their hearts for her. In fact, we're giving away two tickets to see Girls Aloud at Brighton Pride in 2024 to five lucky Metro readers. This all-day event will also feature performances from Billy Porter and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and it's sure to be an unforgettable celebration of music and community.
But let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit Lolly's rise to fame. Born in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Anna Kumble first made a name for herself as a model. But at just 21 years old, she decided to pursue a career in music and released her first single, "Viva La Radio". It was a hit, reaching number seven on the charts, but it was her cover of "Mickey" that really launched her into stardom.
Originally recorded by pop group Racey as "Kitty", the song was later changed by American singer Toni Basil, who added the iconic chant that we all know and love. Toni's version also did well on the UK charts, reaching number two in 1982. But it's Lolly's cover that has become a nostalgic favorite for Brits.
Despite her success with two studio albums, Lolly retired from music in 2000 and has not released a full album since. She did, however, make a name for herself as a presenter on the BBC show Xchange, alongside Angellica Bell and Holly Willoughby. She also had a stint on CITV's Toonattik and even filled in for Anna Williamson on Celebs Go Dating.
But perhaps most notably, Lolly has become a regular on the pantomime scene. She has performed in various productions over the past 20 years, often billed as "Anna Kumble". Most recently, she returned to Snow White as the Evil Queen in Telford's 2022 production.
Despite moving away from her music career, Lolly's fans will always remember her as the pop princess who captured their hearts with her infectious tunes. And even though she may not be in the spotlight as much these days, she's still living a happy and fulfilling life with her two children in Buckinghamshire.
In a throwback post on Instagram, Lolly shared a photo from her time as a pop sensation and reflected on the body shaming she faced in the press. But with the support of her loved ones and a special necklace that her mother gave her, which reads "secure", she was able to overcome the negativity and continue living her best life.
Lolly may have left the music industry and her record label, but she will always be famous in the hearts of her devoted fans. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures to share, don't hesitate to reach out to our entertainment team. We'd love to hear from you!
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