Kavita Awaasthi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 20, 2019)

Dangal (2016) actor Sanya Malhotra was thrilled when she bagged the role of Anupama Banerjee, daughter of Maths genius, author, and Guinness Book Records holder Shakuntala Devi, for the upcoming film co-starring Vidya Balan. Sanya will be essaying the role of Vidya’s on-screen daughter in the biopic of Shakuntala Devi who is also known as a Human Computer, and not many are aware that Vidya is one of Sanya’s favourite actors.

A source says, “During Badhaai Ho (2017), Vidya had called to congratulate her and Sanya was super thrilled to hear from her. Vidya even appreciated her for Pataakha (2018). Now, Sanya is elated to be doing a film with Vidya and she is thrilled to have got that opportunity.”

“It feels surreal to be cast with her. I remember when I first met Vidya, it was in some Bollywood party and I was a fan-girl there. I embarrassed myself and might have embarrassed her as well. Later, I remember that I was in Delhi with my family when I got a call from Vidya and I got super excited. I was delighted to get a call from one of my favourite actors and more so, when she appreciated my work in Badhaai Ho. She had even hosted a special screening for Photograph and I was super happy and excited about that. Truly, I am happy to work with such a brilliant actor. She is amazing on set and is an amazing co-star to work with. I have learnt so much from whatever scenes I have shot with her until now because of the brilliance she holds as an actor,” says Sanya.