FILE - In this Oct. 30, 2014 file photo, Gugu Mbatha-Raw arrives at the BAFTA Los Angeles Britannia Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. The 31-year-old actress has transformed herself into a hot new pop star in "Beyond the Lights," which was released on Friday, Nov. 14, 2014. This photo released by Relativity Media shows Minnie Driver, center left, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in a scene from Relativity Media's "Beyond the Lights." AP Photo/Relativity Media, Suzanne Tenner, File LOS ANGELES (AP) - British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw has had a busy 2014. Earlier this year, she starred in "Belle," based on a true story about a mixed-race woman who was raised in British aristocracy in the 18th century. Now, the 31-year-old actress has transformed herself into a hot new pop star in "Beyond the Lights," which was released on Friday. Mbatha-Raw studied the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna and Katy Perry to transform into her character Noni for the indie drama, directed by Gina Price-Bythewood. The story exposes the dark aspects of fame and pressures of oversexualization encountered by some female artists. The film underscores the importance of having a strong sense of self-worth, Mbatha-Raw says. "If you're trading your self-worth for an image of sexuality and something that you think is going to be commercial and sell, I just don't think those are very healthy messages for young women today and I think that people often believe the fantasy," she said in a recent interview. Mbatha-Raw says she doesn't feel the same pressures as an actress because you get to play different characters. "The great thing about something like (the character) Noni is that I was able to physically transform and to go on a journey through a different person's eyes but then I can still come back to me," she said. I just think that's important as I say to be able to touch base with yourself.