Banita Sandhu forayed into Hindi films with October (2018), but she has had no releases since then, until last month — Sardar Udham. Ask about her absence and the actor, 24, confesses that she took a break to improve her mental health and complete her education.

“I had to go back to London to finish my degree. My mental health was in a very bad space at that time. So, I took a year off to get better, so that I can start doing good work again,” she shares.

October was her first collaboration with filmmaker Shoojit Sircar, and she garnered immense praise for her role. Though she’s had no releases for three years, her performance is etched in the minds of film buffs. “I’m aware of what October has become today, thanks to social media... I didn’t realise it would achieve cult status,” Sandhu gushes.

In her latest outing, despite limited screen time, her portrayal of a mute girl, who lets her eyes do the talking, has fetched her appreciation. “Shoojit sir puts his actors in a very safe space where we can play and the cameras will be there to catch those moments,” she says.

Teaming up with Sircar once again, the actor says, feels like coming back home, adding, “He has been with me since the beginning of my career. He is my mentor and life guide.”