Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; December 17, 2018)

She made an impact with her wrestling act in Dangal as Babita Phogat. Her second film, Pataakha, had her in a completely deglam look, but it did not really find a connect with the audience. However, with her third outing, Badhaai Ho, Sanya Malhotra has moved on from being the Dangal girl. Here, she talks about how life has changed for her and what she looks forward to.

How has the success of Badhaai Ho changed things for you?
It’s been overwhelming. There was a life before and now, after Badhaai Ho. Earlier, whenever I used to go out, I would be referred to as the Dangal girl. I remember I was at a café when a lady came up to me and asked if I was Babita from Dangal. But after Badhaai Ho people know me as Sanya. I went to Dehradun for an event recently — there were so many people who were waiting for me for two hours! They had seen the film, and one of the girls told me she was getting the outfit I had worn in the song Morni Banke stitched for herself (laughs). I would like to be called the Dangal girl for the rest of my life, but it feels good when people say, ‘You are Sanya from Badhaai Ho’.

This is the first time you played a commercial heroine. Will this be the way forward?
No, as an actor, I want to do everything. I want to be a part of content-driven films, not just the mainstream Bollywood type of movies. But things are changing; people are writing scripts that are relatable.

What was your reaction when you watched Badhaai Ho?
I am never happy to see myself on screen. I am always picking on something or the other about the way I have performed a scene. I take a day or two to be okay with it. When I saw Badhaai Ho, I felt I could have done certain scenes better. But I have to stop being so serious about these things because I can’t change anything. What I see, people can’t. Being so judgmental and beating myself up over my work is hard on me and my family. I would rather learn from my mistakes. I am very fortunate to work with amazing directors and actors so early in my career.

What do you think went wrong with Pataakha?
I don’t know. But now that it has been released on a digital platform, I get so many messages from people saying they regret not going to the theatre to watch it. As an actor, it was a satisfying experience. I learnt a lot from Vishal ji (Bhardwaj) Playing Chutki was a great opportunity. I couldn’t relate to her at all. It was a challenge to get out of my comfort zone to play her. She was spiteful, loud and aggressive. I enjoyed being her on and off the sets. I am not worried whether it made money or not. What really matters is that whoever has seen it has liked it.

Who were your favourite actors growing up?
I was a crazy Shah Rukh Khan fan. I was also a huge Madhuri Dixit-Nene fan. Main Madhuri banana chahti thi. Whenever I used to watch her dance I would go home and do the same. When my parents used to say dance karke dikhao in front of guests, I would wear a proper costume and perform. I must have grooved on Akhiyaan Milaoon Kabhi (Raja, 1995) the maximum number of times! 

What next?
I will be going on a vacation with my friends and my sister for Christmas and New Year’s. I have been busy either shooting or promoting films, so I really need a break (smiles).