Showing posts with label Sanya Malhotra interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sanya Malhotra interview. Show all posts
Unfortunate that so many women related to Richa's struggle in Mrs-Arati Kadav
9:32 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; March 8, 2025)
“There is no exaggeration,” says director Arati Kadav about her film Mrs, adding that the casualness of misogyny and patriarchy – not just from men but also other women – is shown in the film exactly as it is. The film, starring Sanya Malhotra in the lead role, highlights the story of an average Indian family that doesn’t realise the burden of invisible labour women carry every single day. From ‘ghar ka khana’ to ‘silbatte ki chutney’ – phrases used casually, and even fondly – Arati points out how loaded they actually are.
Both Sanya and Arati say that working on the film made them realise how they also have taken their mothers’ invisible workload for granted. “I told my mom, if I calculate the labour you put in making chips at home, instead of buying chips, suddenly that Rs. 200 will seem like nothing. But this labour is invisible because we’re conditioned not to see it,” Arati says.
Since its release, the film has sparked a debate, as many women have found the casual misogyny shown in the film very real and triggering. Arati says that women from all age groups have told her how deeply they related to the story, but it wasn’t a surprise to her – because this was a film where the research started from her own home.
With Mrs, an adaptation of Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, Arati’s thought was simple: Society and families need to stop treating women like a ‘function’ – homemaker, cook, caretaker – and start seeing them as individuals with their own dreams, their own identities.
THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT STORY, KYUNKI YE GHAR›GHAR KI KAHANI HAI: ARATI
Arati says that the research for this film started from her own home before speaking to other women. “When Sanya and I came to Delhi, we had conversations with many women. It was such a cathartic experience. There was one woman who was from an extremely privileged household. She was a housewife, same age as Sanya’s character, going through the same journey. When I heard her story, I got goosebumps. I realized then that this story had to be told with honesty, sincerity, and love, because it is the story of so many women. You can’t be casual about it. Mujhe lagta hai ye bahut important story hai kyunki ye ghar-ghar ki kahani hai. In the entire film, the camera is only in the kitchen and rarely anywhere else.”
The director says that she wanted to make it a very personal story of a girl who has ambitions, which are being crushed. “In the film, she actually makes an effort to impress. She has the excitement of a fresh-faced girl in a new job. Gradually, her morale deflates. My idea was that if a woman is respected for who she is, she will also be a good provider in the house.”
THE TEAM BROUGHT THEIR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES TO THE FILM: SANYA
Sanya adds that Arati and she interviewed many women for the film, which is why many find it so relatable. “A friend of mine, who has faced similar challenges, was gracious enough to share her therapy notes with me. Arati and Anu (Anu Singh Choudhary, writer of the film) worked on this script for almost a year, bringing their own personal experiences to it. That’s why the story resonates with so many women. I have heard people say to my mother, ‘Pura din toh ghar pe hi baithe rehti ho. Kya hi hota hai kaam ghar ka?’ I have seen Richa in my mother, my sister, and my married friends. I have not personally experienced her struggles, but of course, when you’re playing such a character, you have to have empathy. I think I have a natural empathy for women going through similar struggles. It breaks my heart, but at the same time, I’m hopeful that a film like this will bring some change. People will become more aware of these everyday struggles that often go unnoticed.”
‘LADKI KO KHANA BANANA NAHI SIKHAYA?’ THIS IS SUCH A COMMON LINE: SANYA
Sanya says how serving the family is an “everyday reality for so many women – waking up early, cooking for the entire family, going to work, and then coming home to cook again.” “Our mothers have been doing everything selflessly for so long. Now, when I see my mother, she’s tired of stepping into the kitchen. And she feels bad about it because we put our mothers on a pedestal – ‘Maa ke khaane ki toh baat hi kuch aur hoti hai.’ In the film, Richa’s husband tells her mother, ‘Agar aapne nahi sikhaya toh meri maa ise khana banana sikha degi.’ This is such a common thing to hear – not just in the film, I have heard it around me. ‘Ladki ko khana banana nahi aata? Aapne sikhaya nahi?’ Yes, cooking is a life skill – but everyone should know it. Not just women.”
Arati adds, “Even I am guilty of treating my mother like a function. We grew up without understanding this invisible workload our mothers carried day in and day out, quietly, with no day off. It is important that we don’t look at women as a function – doing laundry, keeping the home in order. We see the father as someone bringing value to society and not the mother. But the truth is, women bring immense value – to those fathers, to the families and the society. Women also need to realize that they are individuals who deserve their own passions, hobbies, and dreams – and not just keep serving others. We can’t change everything with one film, but at least we can start a conversation through Mrs.”
“The broken kitchen pipeline in the film is a metaphor for how broken the whole system is. The helper says that ‘puri pipeline badalni padegi, ye leakage local nahi hai.’ It was a metaphor for ye patriarchy puri badalni padegi. It’s not an individual problem where just fixing her husband will solve everything. A much bigger change is needed. You can introduce policy changes, a token Women’s Day celebration, but all of that is superficial. The real change has to be in attitude and mindset. Everyone has to sit together, break the system, and remake it,” says Arati
I wanted to map subtle heartbreaks throughout the story: Arati
Arati says that when she was discussing the film with a friend, he spoke about how “marriage is sometimes a series of subtle heartbreaks.”
Arati wanted to map these heartbreaks throughout the story. “I thought, let me start it with chai. On the first day after their wedding, the husband pours half of his tea into another cup and offers it to her. The next day, she takes out a teacup for herself (hoping for the same treatment), but he just leaves with his own cup. We have mapped such small moments across the film – the moments that turn Richa from a young, new bride into a person who has lost her smile.”
“It’s like a horror show in a dollhouse. Everything looks pretty from the outside. People say, ‘Ye toh kitna perfect hai. Kya problem hai meri beti ko?’ Even the mother (in the film) says, ‘Tumhare saath jaake sorry bol dete hain, itna achha ghar hai.’ She also moves from a smaller house to a bigger house, to the man of her dreams. So, what is the problem? The problem is so internal and so psychological that no one can see it, no one can understand it,” says Arati
The social media debate that Mrs sparked
The film triggered an intense discussion on social media – from some accusing it of damaging ‘family values’ to others praising it for holding up a mirror to the society and the deep conditioning that normalizes inequality in homes
-----------------------------------------------
People associate pride with women doing free labour. They try to give scientific reasons jo humne iss film mein daalne ki koshish ki hai. Silbatte se chutney nahi hai toh enzymes nahi hote, masala ghar mein grind hota hai toh chemical free hai - Arati Kadav
People keep forgetting that feminism includes both men and women-Sanya Malhotra
8:25 AM
Actor Sanya Malhotra dialled up the fun factor to full as she answered fan questions and shook a leg at a recent Stars In The City session
Compiled by Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 6, 2025)
“When I read the script of Mrs, I could see myself in it,” said actor Sanya Malhotra, during a recent edition of HT City’s Stars In The City.
As she gears up for the upcoming release of Mrs on Zee5, the actor opened up about what drew her to the films and its themes of gender equality and patriarchy. In a candid conversation with Sonal Kalra, Chief Managing Editor, Entertainment and Lifestyle, Hindustan Times, Sanya explained, “I haven’t faced the same challenges as my character Richa, but I have seen her in my mother, my sister, and in women around me. I’m hoping after watching it, people will realise that some things need to change.”
‘FEMINISM IS FOR EVERYONE’
Would the film’s message then be unfair to men who are supportive of the women in their lives? Sanya asserted, “People keep forgetting that feminism includes both men and women. Patriarchy also puts a lot of pressure on men. When we were prepping for Mrs, my co-actor Nishant Dahiya was empathizing with his character Diwakar (Richa’s husband in the film) — that irritated me. But I realized we are all products of our conditioning and patriarchy. I could understand aadmiyon pe kitna pressure hota hai; uss chakkar mein apne emotions bhi baahar nahin la sakte.”
THE MAGIC OF AANKH!
On a lighter note, how could we not ask the actor about her recent song Aankh with singer Sunidhi Chauhan?
As the audience cheered at the mention of the viral track, Sanya replied, “I am very keen on pursuing this glamorous side along with acting. As an actor, I like doing character-driven movies like Mrs, Pagglait (2021) and Kathal (2023). But bachpan se toh maine yahi dekha hai, actors ko dance karte huye, woh bhi bada pasand hai.”
The actor, who is a trained dancer, added, “For this song, I practised a lot for two weeks. I have never looked like this on screen, so it was a big step for me. The song was incredible, and the choreography was insane!”
Taking the energy up a notch, Sanya also shook a leg with fans and participated in a hook step challenge, busting out some flawless moves as she danced to chartbusters such as Chikni Chameli (Agneepath, 2011) and What is Mobile Number (Haseena Maan Jayegi, 1999).
‘NO TIME TO GET MARRIED’
As the actor talked about drawing inspiration for her character from women around her, we asked, what about becoming a ‘Mrs’ in real life? However, Sanya, who has been rumoured to be dating sitarist Rishabh Sharma, played it coy: “Nahin, I don’t have the time. Yahaan chhutti lene ka time nahin hai!”
On the work front, some of Sanya’s films, Ludo (2020), Love Hostel (2022) and now Mrs, have headed straight to OTT. She shared: “My films have done really well on OTT, so there is no concern whatsoever.”
Shah Rukh Khan told me, ‘Dil ki suno, dimaag ki nahi,’ and that stayed with me-Sanya Malhotra
7:57 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; November 4, 2023)
Sanya Malhotra was recently seen in Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan, which she says is the “biggest film in her filmography”, and the actress started her career with Aamir Khan’s Dangal. Having worked with the two superstars, she tells us about the traits that she finds similar among these two Khans.
“I feel very lucky to have films like Dangal and Jawanin my career. Both Babita (Dangal) and Eeram (Jawan) are strong characters. Dangal led the foundation and conditioned me as an actor. I have worked very hard for all the films that I have been a part of in the past seven years since,” she says.
Speaking of the Khans, Sanya revealed, “They are both very passionate. The love they have for people and the way they make you feel comfortable is what is common between them. Not once did Shah Rukh sir make me feel like I was working with a superstar during Jawan. He is very easy-going. He once told me not to overthink things. He sensed that I am an overthinker, as I was nervous while working with stalwarts. I used to veil it, but he could see through me. He told me, ‘Dil ki suno, dimaag ki nahi,’ and that stayed with me. It teaches you to always be in the present. In acting, when you follow this, you can live a character fully.”
Sanya adds that she was happiest when she got to shake a leg with SRK in Zinda Banda. “When that happened, I couldn’t wait to call my mom and tell her about it. The whole thing was a surreal feeling. I love dancing and I got a chance to do it with my favourite person! He was so dedicated. He didn’t take a breather and it was very hot in Chennai while shooting it. I manifested working with SRK and that happened. I have also been manifesting a dance film with Shahid Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. They are good dancers. Let’s see how that goes,” she said.
Gujarati theatre has a massive fan following and given an opportunity, I’d like to do a Gujarati play-Sanya Malhotra
8:24 AM
Yesha Bhatt (BOMBAY TIMES; October 24, 2023)
Sanya Malhotra, who’s currently riding high on the success of Jawan in which she starred with Shah Rukh Khan, is now “looking forward to working with the third Khan”, Salman, (she made her debut in Dangal, starring Aamir Khan). “I hope and pray that it happens soon,” she laughs. On a recent trip to Ahmedabad, Sanya spoke to us about festive fashion and how she loves binging on festive food.
‘I don’t feel guilty about binging during festivals’
Sanya, who loves dressing up for every occasion, says she doesn’t need a festival or reason to put on her best attire and some jhumkas and bangles.
She says, “When it comes to festivals, I am quite a Dilliwali. I love dressing up, wearing a beautiful saree, and gajra.”
Sanya shares, “I am very comfortable in sarees and kurta suits, so I often go for a bun. That’ll be my go-to festive look. As far as dressing up is concerned, even if I am sitting at home doing nothing, I love to dress up.”
And what about festive binging? Given that actresses need to stay in shape, does she have cheat meals during the festive season? Sanya, who is a self-confessed foodie, says, “Food for me is fuel, it makes me very happy. I don’t feel guilty about eating anything or even binging. I eat everything that I feel like eating, so there are no restrictions for me as such, not even during the festive season.”
‘Would love to venture into Gujarati theatre someday’
Earlier this year, the Telugu period classic RRR shone at the Oscars, and now the Malayalam film 2018 being India’s nomination for the Oscars for 2024, has Sanya thought of foraying into regional cinema? “I love being in front of the camera, I love acting and being on set. I just love being part of great films and yes, someday I might even do regional films. Speaking of regional content, Gujarati theatre is doing extremely well and is commercially viable. I have seen Gujarati plays enjoying immense popularity even in Mumbai. I do not know Gujarati, but I think it won’t be difficult for me to learn it. Gujarati theatre has a massive fan following and given an opportunity, I’d like to do a Gujarati play.”
‘Want to explore Ahmedabad as a tourist’
Ask her if she has gone around the World Heritage City, gorged on some Gujarati delicacies or tried the thaali, and the Pagglait actress says, “Whenever I have come to Ahmedabad, I have had packed schedules and haven’t been able to explore the city (as a tourist) yet. I hope to do that sometime later this year when I return to the city to buy clothes and jewellery for my sister, who’s getting married.”
I was told, ‘Ab 10-15 saal lagenge to make it in Bollywood.’ In one year, I got a call for Dangal-Sanya Malhotra
8:27 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; October 4, 2023)
Fresh out of a massive success of Jawan with Shah Rukh Khan, Sanya Malhotra looks back at her seven-year-old career and the hurdles she had to overcome. Naturally drawn to strong characters, she shared her journey with Bombay Times. Excerpts:
‘Sometimes I have to remind myself that I have come a long way’
Reflecting upon her career that boasts of some praise-worthy performances like Pagglait, she says, “Sometimes I forget that I have waited for seven years to get the kind of work coming my way. I have to remind myself that I have come a long way. I have to take a step back and see what I have created and what my career looks like. I have a strong family-friend circle that keeps me grounded. They don’t treat me like an actor. I am Sanu or Sani for them. They keep bringing me back to earth.”
‘I always believed in my dream and journey’
The actress says that all these years she shut out the noise and kept following her path with belief. She shares, “Never doubt yourself. Nothing is permanent in life. You will get out of a tough phase. Impermanence is inevitable. There was a time when I was harsh on myself, now I am not. There are days when I wonder if I am doing enough, and on other days I feel content and upbeat. Have confidence in your abilities. Don’t listen to what others are telling you. Block that outer noise. When I moved to Mumbai from Delhi, there were people who told me, ‘Ab 10-15 saal lagenge to make it in Bollywood.’ In one year, I got a call for Nitesh Tiwari’s Dangal. I always believed in my dream and journey. So, believe in yourself.”
‘When you realize you are not the only one battling the imposter syndrome, you feel better’
Shedding light on her personal battles, she revealed, “I used to not like anything I did. People liked me in Badhaai Ho (2018), but I kept talking about how I didn’t do a certain scene right. Now, I am more relaxed and easy-going. It took me time to transition from being not so harsh on myself, to being okay and not striving for perfection. Hearing other actors’ stories on how they dealt with imposter syndrome helped me. Therapy helped me a lot. The last time I felt this was when Kathal released. My imposter syndrome came back, but I told myself it’s okay. When you realize you are not the only one battling this, you feel better.
Imposter syndrome stems majorly from your childhood and how your caregivers treated you. Listening to other people’s stories can help. I love Shah Rukh Khan’s interviews. There is so much wisdom and knowledge there, and not just about how he deals with his career, but life in general. There’s so much one can learn from him.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is the internal psychological experience of feeling like a phoney in some area of your life, despite any success that you have achieved in that area.
If I can spend Diwali in front of the camera, it will be magical-Sanya Malhotra
8:05 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; October 19, 2022)
Sanya Malhotra’s life changed gears over the last two years, with several releases on OTT platforms and a theatrical release earlier this year. She’s currently working on a host of projects, including the remake of The Great Indian Kitchen, Atlee’s next with Shah Rukh Khan and Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur. In a chat with BT, she talks about how she interprets her roles, some of the unputdownable offers and more. Excerpts:
Diwali is around the corner. After a busy year, do you have plans to head home to Delhi?
I’m shooting non-stop. So, I’ve not really drawn out any plans. But it’s exciting to think that I might spend Diwali in front of the camera. It will be magical if that happens. If I have a day off, I will go back home to Delhi and spend some time with my family, eat ghar ka khaana and participate in all the revelry. My perfect Diwali is being around my loved ones. I love all the shebang — rangoli, decoration, making diyas and the food. If I am not doing this, I’m sure I will be shooting in front of the camera.
The Great Indian Kitchen’s remake went on floors recently. With three distinct films to juggle, how do you switch between the emotional zones of your roles?
I do many things that I keep changing depending on the characters I’m playing. Like I’ve worked in a movie called Kathal, for which I drew inspiration from the interactions I had with actual policewomen in Gwalior. I could understand their approach to life and who they are beyond the uniforms that give them authority and power. They’re human, too. The idea is to get to know characters psychologically and emotionally.
Sometimes, I create memory banks for them. Like I wrote diary entries for Sandhya’s character in Pagglait. I didn’t have any experience or any emotional reference point for her. So, I started writing, and I ended up writing poetry, too, which I don’t write in my personal life. I imagine my character’s daily life, put myself in their shoes and think of what would have happened in their lives before. I love doing this exercise where I go deep into their emotional coffers.
When it comes to remakes, I think of my own way of interpreting the character, matching it with the director’s vision and the space of the film. Like The Great Indian Kitchen is something I was looking forward to diving deep into. The original was fantastic, and Nimisha Sajayan was so good in it. But I don’t know how to improvise on that. And that’s also not the intention. I just want to interpret it well without a sense of competition. I treat it as a new story and character.
What drew you to play Siloo Manekshaw in Sam Bahadur, where Sam Manekshaw will be the focal point of the story? Also, there’s isn’t much information on his wife in the public domain.
I just wanted to work with Meghna Gulzar. And you have to trust a director like her who doesn’t take any character lightly. Each one is important. I knew that I would learn something new when I work with her. It was an unputdownable offer. I’ve started shooting for it, and it’s a different experience to surrender myself to her vision. I know she’ll pull me out of my comfort zone, and I look forward to that.
The industry is in a state of uncertainty, where there is an ongoing discussion and debate over the kind of films that can potentially draw people into a theatre. What do you think about this scenario?
We’re all going through a challenging phase, which means this is the time to explore new things through scripts, new mediums and unique stories. As an industry, it’s important to push one another to do better. No one can survive this individually. It’s time to stand together, and this happens in every business. We have to see what we all can bring to the table. The ecosystem of the industry has expanded and made room for so much that we can do. We need to work on it and good will come out of this. It will pull us out of complacency and push us to experiment. Had I been stubborn about where my films (the platform) were released, my career wouldn’t have been on the upswing. Transition is about being flexible and collaborative. You have to adapt constantly. It’s pretty much like picking up the emotional spaces of different characters at different times. Being flexible pushes me to take up characters that are completely unexpected of me, and yet, people accept what I turn in. People love artistes who push their boundaries.
You have refrained from repeating yourself so far in the work that you choose to do. Isn’t it challenging to keep doing that?
That’s my biggest fear and kabhi na kabhi aisa hoga that I will end up being in a space that I have been in before. Woh main kabhi bhi karna nahi chahti. People say that I’m making unconventional choices. It has been a conscious move to not fit into a box which would’ve been easier to do. There’s so much advice that comes to me from various corners on how to dress a certain way or put things out on social media, which I’ve never followed. I work with a fabulous team that advises me, and there are seniors I reach out to periodically, but eventually, I listen to my gut. I’ve been consistently doing that for the five-six years that I’ve been here. One shouldn’t blame anyone else for anything that goes south, right? I wanted to do every kind of film and character and I have stuck to that. I’ll never put myself in a box, and no one can do that to me.
------------------------------
This year, Sanya Malhotra will be celebrating Diwali with her filmi family, and she has no qualms about it
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 19, 2022)
This year, actor Sanya Malhotra will be celebrating Diwali with her filmy family, and she is pretty excited about it. She says being on set is nothing less than a celebration for her, as it reminds her of the passion she has for acting.
The actor will be shooting for the Hindi remake of the critically acclaimed Malayalam movie The Great Indian Kitchen (2021) on Diwali.
“I am very excited to spend this Diwali on the sets of my film because I absolutely love my team and I am having a blast shooting this film. On set wali Diwali will be a very special and a new experience for me,” Malhotra says.
The 30-year-old continues, “This is only because I’m working with such nice people. I am not homesick, but rather I feel at home. I love being on the set. But it’s not that I don’t like being around my family. I get very excited to work on holidays and festivals for some reason. I think it’s because being on set is nothing less than a celebration.”
“I feel extremely grateful around this time. No matter how cliché and cheesy it sounds, but it’s hard to believe that my dreams have actually come true and I’m living my dream life right now,” says the actor, who was last seen in HIT: The First Case.
However, this is not the first time that she will be spending Diwali away from her family. Earlier, while shooting for Dangal (2016) in Ludhiana, she had to be away from her closed ones during the festival. “You find that feeling of solace and being at home only with the people that you’re working with. I’m really looking forward to spending this festival with the team that I’m absolutely loving, and I know that I will have lots of fun,” says the actor.
When not working, her ideal way to celebrate the festival is to spend some time with her family during Diwali and gorge on some home-made food and sweets.
“I’m a homebody. So whenever I’m back in Delhi, around my family and friends, I don’t usually step out. I have a very close circle in Delhi. I just love being at home and around my people. It’s the most grounding thing for me as an actor because I’m constantly working and hopping from one set to the other,” she says, adding, “My perfect Diwali is around my loved ones, eating rajma chawal and mithai, which my mother makes every Diwali”.
I don’t know how pressure and art can really function together-Sanya Malhotra
8:07 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; March 28, 2022)
After making a great start with a film like Dangal, when the OTT space opened up, she dived in and made the most of it with back-to-back projects. In the last two years, Sanya Malhotra has had five releases on OTT platforms, which featured her in author backed roles.
She says, “As an artiste, it doesn’t bother me where a film releases, as long as it reaches people. It would matter to me if I was a producer. For an actor, when a film drops on OTT, it takes a lot of pressure off you. Frankly, I don’t know how pressure and art can really function together. The last three years have changed the dynamics of the industry so much. There is such varied and so much work for the actors. Yes, bade parde pe film dekhna aur apni film wahan release hona is a dream that I won’t let go of. It has its own charm.”
Sanya is among those few actors who have had films releasing at regular intervals throughout the pandemic, including movies like Pagglait and Meenakshi Sundareshwar. Bring it up, and she says, “Personally and professionally, I think 2021 was great, and I have nothing to complain about. Professionally, I would also include 2020 in this. The characters I played were good for my career. They got a love of love and a heartwarming response, which was very encouraging. They were two fantastic years for my career, but I don’t think any of us ever got off the emotional roller-coaster ride that we have been on since what feels like forever. The last year just flew by. I just hope 2022 is as good workwise. I hope more films go to theatres, and hopefully, we can all tackle the pandemic together while taking care of ourselves.”
Among her upcoming projects is Sam Bahadur, Meghna Gulzar’s biopic on Field Marshal Sam Maneckshaw, which features Vicky Kaushal in the title role and also has Sanya sharing screen space with her Dangal co-star Fatima Sana Shaikh.
She plays Maneckshaw’s wife, Siloo, in the movie. “A story like Sam Bahadur does not land on your table every day. I am really looking forward to playing Siloo. This is my third collaboration with Fatima after Dangal and Ludo. It’s so good to do a film with her. We had started our journeys together and I love how well she has carved her space. At the same time, I am happy and grateful for what I have on my table,” she signs off.
Sam Bahadur is special as I am going to be working with Meghna Gulzar. It’s a dream come true-Sanya Malhotra
8:29 AM
Set to play the protagonist’s wife in Gulzar’s next, Sanya says fine script by finer director won her over
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 4, 2021)
Close on the heels of wrapping up HIT with Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra took fans by surprise with the announcement of reuniting with her Dangal co-star, Fatima Sana Shaikh. Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur will see the duo join hands with Vicky Kaushal for the film based on Sam Manekshaw, the Chief of Army staff who was applauded for his heroic acts during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Malhotra, who plays the protagonist’s wife, Silloo Bode, reveals that she met Gulzar only at the time of the announcement. “The character of Silloo spoke to me on many levels. The film is special because I am going to be working with Meghna. It’s a dream come true,” she says.
As two sisters in the real-life inspired boxing drama Dangal, Malhotra and Shaikh’s camaraderie was indeed enjoyable. However, their off-screen bond, made evident during rounds of interviews, also became a talking point. Collaborating with Shaikh again is then another reason for celebration. “First co-stars are always special. Dangal completed five years recently, and this film is a reminder that life has come a long way. Five years ago, we were kids. I am so proud and happy for us, and so excited to work with her again. It warms my heart.”
Despite a debut alongside Aamir Khan, Malhotra’s journey to establishing a noteworthy film career wasn’t without obstacles. Carefully curating a resume with unconventional choices, Malhotra always found the approvals of cine buffs and critics alike. However, she says she was “conditioned to accept that my films will have a certain amount of risk attached with it”. “Unless you challenge yourself, you’ll never grow. I am here to evolve and learn about filmmaking and acting. I am happy with the response to my films this year. I can sense a shift in my career and there’s definitely greater responsibility attached to the stories I pick.”
Her career blueprint, she says, is simple — live one day at a time. “I didn’t have a plan post my debut, and the last five years panned out better than expected. I am going to stick to being mindful of my work and enjoying my life.”
Who is field marshal Sam Manekshaw?
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw had played a vital role in India’s 1971 victory against Pakistan. He is famously remembered for telling Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that the Indian Army wasn’t ready for war in April 1971. After she obliged to give him time to prepare, he delivered one of India’s most noteworthy wins in the December war.
People began judging Meenakshi Sundareshwar right from the beginning, without even watching it-Sanya Malhotra
8:01 AM
The actor is ‘grateful, blessed’ on spending five years in Bollywood
Titas Chowdhury (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 22, 2021)
This month marks actor Sanya Malhotra’s five years in Bollywood. In 2016, she made her debut with Dangal, and over the years, she has carved a niche for herself with slice-of-life films. So, what has changed in five years? “The film (Dangal) did exceptionally well. It paved the way for my career. I had a sense of belonging to the film industry from the beginning, but there’s a sense of comfort now,” Malhotra says.
She adds, “I have had the opportunity to work with some great directors and actors. I feel grateful and blessed.”
The 29-year-old had two releases this year — Pagglait, which saw her playing a young widow, and Meenakshi Sundareshwar, where she essayed the role of a wife in a long-distance marriage. Ask her if the success of Pagglait put faith in her own choices and she admits, “I never lost confidence in myself and I’ve always believed that I was going the right way. But this film came to me at the right time. I was given a lot of freedom to play my part. I learnt a lot about myself throughout the process of filming.”
Meenakshi Sundareshwar, on the other hand, received mixed responses for what many believed was a skewed representation of Tamilians. “I was prepared for it. I think people began judging the film right from the beginning, without even watching it. And at one point, I had to convince myself that the reaction I’d get wasn’t in my control,” she shares.
Focusing on the silver lining, Malhotra adds, “We began shooting for it right after the first lockdown, when I was dying to be on a set. I loved travelling to Karaikudi (Tamil Nadu) to shoot the film. The memories are still vivid in my mind. I choose to focus on the love we got after the first song was released.”
I have always been comfortable talking about sex; I recorded Sasural Wonder Phool in front of my family-Sanya Malhotra
7:59 AM
Sanya, who is making her debut with an audio series, hopes Sasural Wonder Phool will remove the stigma around sex
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; November 9, 2021)
Broach the topic of sex in the family or among a large group of friends, and chances are someone will hurriedly steer the conversation to another subject. A section of the Indian population even today shies away from discussing the three-letter word. This, despite films trying to initiate a dialogue about it — be it by highlighting the importance of consent in sexual relationships or talking about safe sex. Now, Sanya Malhotra is set to give it a go with Sasural Wonder Phool. “I have always been comfortable talking about sex. In fact, I recorded this show in front of my family,” begins the actor, who is making her audio debut with the Audible show.
Unlike her previous projects where she played outgoing and confident characters — a prime example being her latest release, Meenakshi Sundareshwar — Sasural Wonder Phool showcases Malhotra as a conservative character. It’s an unsettling but learning experience for her character when she is married into a family that runs a sex clinic. “My role is a reflection of certain sections of society. She is prudish, shy, and doesn’t want to talk about sex. [In contrast, the family she has married into] is progressive and comfortable talking about sexual illnesses. That is a culture shock for her, like is the case for a lot of people in our society. I’m hoping that the show helps them out.”
Cinema is believed to have the power to transform a society’s ideas and its ways. After all, several films, including Vicky Donor (2012), Badhaai Ho (2018) and Khandaani Shafakhana (2019) have tackled urgent topics — from sperm donation to elderly romance, thus bringing the ‘uncomfortable’ topics into our living room. But does an audio show, in its nascent stages, have the same transformative power?
“Regardless of the medium, [such endeavours] are influencing people. The reason creators are writing such shows is because there is a demand. I truly believe that art has the capacity to influence audiences, help them get out of their bubbles and embrace such topics,” says Malhotra. She notes that most of these subjects have been laced with humour. “Humour makes uncomfortable topics comfortable. After Badhaai Ho, so many people told us about similar experiences. There is so much drama and sadness [in our lives], but we can find something funny out of it too. Humour makes it [relatable].”
The actor hopes that Sasural Wonder Phool, which also has Varun Sharma as part of the voice cast, will be adapted into a movie some day. But the process of recording her first audio show was not exactly a cakewalk. “[Initially, I had inhibitions] about the technical aspect. It’s similar to acting in front of the camera, only here you have to do it in front of the mic. Last year, Audibles sent me all the gadgets to record this series. I sound-proofed my sister’s room and turned it into a studio for eight days. There was no training; all the voice artistes and our director [Siddhanta Pinto] used to be on a Zoom call with us, directing us on how he wanted a scene to sound. It was refreshing to be performing in front of the mic.”
Why would I say no when a part calls out to me?-Sanya Malhotra
8:07 AM
Amused at netizens questioning her being cast as a Tamilian in Meenakshi Sundareshwar, Sanya says she did thorough homework before slipping into the role
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; November 3, 2021)
It’s a popular belief that long-distance relationships don’t work. Sanya Malhotra is putting the theory to test with Meenakshi Sundareshwar. “For some people, long-distance relationships work out. Things are tough, but there is a certain charm to people meeting after a long time. A couple wants to make the most of it when they meet,” begins the leading lady.
The Netflix film, also starring Abhimanyu Dassani, revolves around a newly-wedded couple who find themselves in a long-distance marriage. Malhotra says the vivacious character of Meenakshi prompted her to say yes to the Vivek Soni-directed venture.
After the trailer dropped online, many called out the film for stereotyping Tamilians. The casting of Malhotra in the role of a Tamilian was another aspect that a section of netizens couldn’t digest. Amused, the actor points out that she started her career by playing a Haryanvi in the 2016 hit, Dangal. “I played a Gujarati in Photograph [2019], Punjabi in Badhaai Ho [2018] and Rajasthani in Pataakha [2018]. I’m glad to play characters from varied cultures. I am an actor, and my job is to work on my character. I will do my homework. I wasn’t a wrestler, but we learnt it before we stepped in front of the camera for Dangal. I can’t control what the audience thinks, but I will give my 100 per cent. Why would I say no when a part is calling out to me so strongly?”
She adds that she prepped thoroughly before slipping into the role. “Meenakshi is a Rajinikanth fan, so I watched a few of his films. I had to pick up one of his Tamil dialogues. My diction coach and some Tamilian crew members helped me out.”
I have not risen above box office numbers, but it never bothers me-Sanya Malhotra
8:05 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; September 13, 2021)
In her maiden outing Dangal (2016), Sanya Malhotra portrayed Babita Kumari Phogat, who had to overcome selfdoubt and societal backlash with quiet courage before emerging as one of India’s leading wrestlers. The actress exudes the same grit and resilience in real life as well, having grappled with many challenges before making a mark for herself in the entertainment industry with films like Badhaai Ho and Pagglait. In a chat with BT, she talks about her journey as an artiste, working with the right kind of people and more. Excerpts.
Since your dream debut five years ago, you have always been associated with content-heavy films and meaty roles. And, early this year, you marked your first as a solo heroine with Pagglait. Were you confident about carrying a film like that on your shoulders?
It was definitely a dream debut, and whatever I am today is because of my first film. But, it has taken me time to gain confidence. I did not do Pagglait because I believed in myself, it was confidence of my producer (Guneet Monga) and director (Umesh Bist) that helped me pull it. They really pushed me as an actor. Looking back, I am glad I did it, because the experience changed my life and me as an artiste.
While creative satisfaction is something that every actor strives for, one cannot ignore the importance of commercial success. As a solo lead, were you anxious about your film’s fate?
I never worry about box-office performances or numbers. I am not saying that I have risen above it all, but somehow it has never bothered me. I only get worried, anxious and nervous about my performance and whether I will be able to do justice to the character. That’s the only thing in my control. If the film works at the box office, it’s always a plus.
The past few years have seen the emergence of a new wave of cinema. Has that strengthened your courage to be a part of projects that were previously considered risky and unconventional in terms of subjects and storylines?
The strength comes as much from within as the people I work with. With every film I am growing as a person and as an artiste. I feel fortunate to have worked with people, who have pushed me and made me believe in myself It’s important to surround yourself with people who motivate you at the right time and criticise you as well. When deciding on a project, I follow my instinct. Script sunte ya padhte hi there is an instant yes or a no. Of course, other factors such as the director, co-actors, and the production house also come into play.
You talked about being fortunate enough to work with people who have motivated and believed in you as an artiste. On the other hand, there has been a never-ending raging controversy about the ‘outsider’s’ struggle in Bollywood. As an outsider who has carved a space for herself in the industry, what is your take on the subject?
It’s been two years and the debate is never-ending. Personally, I am extremely happy with the way my career is shaping up and consider myself blessed. Honestly, I am living my dream. Irrespective of the insider/outsider debate, I would say that work is in abundance in this industry. That’s the end of the debate and I don’t want to be a part of it anymore.
You are a trained dancer. Given your love for dance, do you wish to be part of a quintessential Bollywood potboiler, which has you dancing around the trees?
Oh yes! I’ve grown up watching these potboilers. But, I think the focus has now shifted towards content-driven films and there’s not much naach-gaana happening these days. Or maybe there is, and I am wrong. I hope I get something like that very soon (smiles!).
Your fine sense of humour is reflected in your posts on Instagram. You seem to be comfortable baring your real self on social media. Do negative comments ever bother you?
(Laughs!) I have set strong social media boundaries for myself. I post what I like to post and look how I want to. I try to be real. There will always be people who criticise you, but then there will also be those who love you, no matter what! Ultimately, you can’t please everyone and that is okay. I do what makes me happy. Negative comments don’t bother me because I choose to ignore them. I look at social media as a great tool, not just to showcase your talent, but also to share a bit of your personal life. Having said that, it’s important to keep in mind that what you see on social media is not always the whole truth. It’s often very well curated. So, it’s futile to compare yourself with somebody else on that platform.
I think I manifested a film with Rajkummar Rao by wanting it for so long-Sanya Malhotra
8:22 AM
Weeks before kicking off Hindi remake of HIT with Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra discusses coming into her own over the past year
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 18, 2021)
The year 2021 may mean different things to different people, but to Sanya Malhotra, it’s the year she came into her own. The actor ably shouldered the charming Pagglait, and has been since flitting from one movie set to another. Having recently wrapped up Love Hostel alongside Vikrant Massey and Bobby Deol, she is set to begin filming HIT, the remake of the 2020 Telugu movie of the same name. “I think I manifested a film with Rajkummar [Rao] by wanting it for so long,” she laughs.
Sailesh Kolanu, who helmed the original, will wield the directorial baton for the Hindi adaptation. “I can’t wait to be in front of the camera with Rajkummar. It’s a dream come true,” she says, currently prepping for the cop thriller.
Director Umesh Bist’s black comedy about a young widow was a game-changer for Malhotra. With film announcements pouring in, she is finally reaping the rewards of her efforts since her 2016 debut in Dangal. But she says the shift in perception is hardly noticeable to her. “Even today, I go by the same factors before saying yes to a film. I should buy into the universe of the story, and the character has to speak to me on every level. It’s essential that we chase diverse roles. As actors, it is easy to get complacent with the ordinary, but I would never want to look at a character and go, ‘Arre, yeh toh ho hi jayega.’”
She utilised better part of last year doing acting masterclasses online. Her quest for diverse parts was achieved when she landed on the set of Meenakshi Sundareshwar, her first film post the pandemic. The Netflix project, set in Madurai, revolves around the trials of a young south Indian couple. “The break was important for me to sit and chart out how to approach my characters. For Meenakshi, I prepped extensively — from the look to the twang and the body language.”
I am hoping to find a substitute for dahi so that I can turn vegan; I love dahi with my dal chawal-Sanya Malhotra
8:07 AM
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 6, 2021)
Actor Sanya Malhotra, who has turned vegetarian recently, admits she is falling in love with all things greens. “I wanted to become a vegetarian for a very long time. This year, it all happened very organically, because of the second lockdown,” Malhotra shares.
Elaborating on how the second lockdown helped her embrace the lifestyle makeover, the 29-year-old explains, “Since I was alone in Mumbai, it gave me a lot of time to experiment in the kitchen and make good vegetarian and vegan stuff. During all this, I found a lot of substitutes for meat and eggs and dairy. In fact, now, I am actually enjoying eating all the substitutes.”
Malhotra, who has been basking in all the appreciation coming her way after her recent releases, including Ludo, Shakuntala Devi (both 2020), and Pagglait (2021), is now determined to turn into a vegan. “I can see a lot of difference (after the switch). I have a lot of energy during the day, and just feel lighter, as opposed to when I used to eat non-vegetarian food. Now, I am hoping to find a substitute for dahi soon so that I can turn vegan too. I love dahi with my dal chawal,” she expresses.
She is glad that her step towards a greener lifestyle is also a step towards the betterment of the planet, irrespective of how small it is. “Being environmentally conscious and aware is a crucial part of our lives, especially right now. To maintain the sustainability of the planet, everyone needs to do their bit. I’m taking my baby steps by being more aware, and I would suggest other people to also start today too,” says the actor, who recently wrapped up Love Hostel.
For her next, she will join actor Rajkummar Rao in the Hindi remake of Telugu film HIT. “I have been his huge fan, and wanted to work with him. I hope the existing fan base will help get the project an initial momentum,” she signs off.
On my birthday, mumma cooks, we do karaoke, dance and eat, that’s it-Sanya Malhotra
8:05 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 25, 2021)
Excitement is evident in actor Sanya Malhotra’s voice as she enquires about the weather in her hometown — Delhi — where she will be for her birthday on February 25. “It is so lovely, I can’t wait to see my parents. I will be celebrating my birthday with them after a couple of years, as I am usually shooting on my birthdays,” she says, beaming with happiness.
Revealing her plans, she adds, “I am just going to show up at home; they know I am coming. It’s been ages, at least seven to eight months. I was in Delhi earlier due to the Coronavirus pandemic, and came to Mumbai because of shoots.”
Birthdays are a simple affair for Malhotra, who celebrates in the same way as she did while growing up. “I have never done anything major or gone out to party with my friends. I am a homebody, and love celebrating with my family. I call my friends home, bachpan se parampara rahi hai. On my birthday, mumma cooks, we do karaoke, dance and eat, that’s it!” says the actor, who has a string of projects lined up, including Meenakshi Sundareshwar and Love Hostel.
Pagglait, meanwhile, will see her shouldering an entire film for the first time. Malhotra, 28, is excited about it as she says, “Guneet Monga (producer) had a lot of confidence in me. If producers are happy and confident, I didn’t have to worry about anything. The script is really nice, the film is looking amazing. I am glad I did it, and my birthday wish is that people watch it. I want it to work well.”
This year marks her fifth year in Bollywood, her career started in 2016 with the blockbuster Dangal. She calls this entire phase “surreal”, and adds, “I can’t believe I’m actually living my dream. The kind of work I am getting, it’s very gratifying. A lot has changed in the industry, it’s a great time to be an actor. People are writing really good stories and content, script is the hero, we are just actors. After Dangal, whatever I got, credit goes to writers for those scripts. I am really lucky to be an actor, now.”
OTT is necessary for right now, but bade parde ka charm khatam nahin hoga-Sanya Malhotra
8:09 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; December 10, 2020)
As theatres took a back seat in the Coronavirus pandemic, it was OTT platforms that came to the forefront to entertain audiences. For Sanya Malhotra, too, the possibility of showcasing her work to her audiences became a reality only because of digital platforms.
The actor, who had two releases this year — Shakuntala Devi and Ludo — says, “As an actor, I am very happy that during the pandemic I got to entertain audiences. I was grateful that people could watch my movies and maybe take their mind off whatever is going on in the world right now. As an artiste it is gratifying to entertain people in such circumstances.”
While she admits that digitally released films are not exactly the usual way to connect with the masses, Malhotra asserts that this is the best option available right now.
“Obviously theatrical releases have their own magic, but I really like OTT, too. I like the idea of sitting in the comfort of my home and watching a film with my family. It has its own charm. I am also hoping that with theatres opening, we can get back to normal soon. But this is something major that we all need to fight before everything opens up,” she points out.
The 28-year-old, who was in Delhi with her family for the first four months of the pandemic, is getting back in work mode. While the fate of many films remains uncertain as to when they end up releasing, Malhotra is sure of one thing: that the big screen will never die out.
“That charm will stay forever, because going to a theatre is also an experience. Planning and getting ready and visiting with friends and family. It is an event. OTT is necessary for right now, but bade parde ka charm khatam nahin hoga,” she concludes.
I can’t believe I’m doing a Shah Rukh Khan film-Sanya Malhotra
8:28 AM
Sanya Malhotra on her next and what made Anurag Basu’s anthology refreshing
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 14, 2020)
It’s a happy Diwali for Sanya Malhotra who will be bringing in the festival with her family in Delhi bonding over board games and Punjabi khana. At the same time, the actress will get into several other homes through Anurag Basu’s crime anthology, Ludo, in which she plays a girl who is days away from a dream wedding in Lake Como with a wealthy NRI when a sex tape from her past crops up to haunt her and put an unsuitable bachelor in her way again. She is paired with Aditya Roy Kapur and she reveals that the two bonded rather unconventionally. “There was no script and Adi and I were clueless about the next day’s shoot,” she laughs, all praise for her brilliant co-actor who was on the same page as her. “We used to feed off each other’s energies.”
Over the years, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, among others, have spoken about how Anurag has his own way of working. Sanya joins the party and says Ludo was a refreshing experience as she could be spontaneous in front of the camera. “The film was in Dada’s mind and I just went along with his vision. He is so good at his craft that one doesn’t have to worry. When I had asked him for a script, he told me not to think too much. It was a shock initially, I’d thought that it would be difficult as I like doing my homework before facing the camera, but to my surprise, it was wonderful to go with the flow,” she avers.
Though the film is titled Ludo, Sanya informs that no one played the board game on the set, but it did keep her busy through the lockdown. “I am obsessed with Ludo. I played it online with friends and the actual board game with family. I am quite good at it,” she says.
Sanya has two more films, the sliceof-life comedy Pagglait and a thriller, Love Hostel. Prod her on jumping genres and she reasons, “It is a conscious effort to sign different films. There are some really good scripts and one can’t say no to memorable characters. I complete four years in the industry this December and looking back, I’m happy to have experimented so much,” says the actress who wrestled into the spotlight as Dangal’s Babita Kumari, impressed in Pataakha, Badhai Ho, and Photograph, and was more recently seen in Shakuntala Devi. Prod her on her next and she says that Pagglait is a special film and is lining up to release soon while Love Hostel, featuring Vikrant Massey and Bobby Deol, rolls early next year. “I’m a huge Shah Rukh (Khan) fan and he is producing it. I still can’t believe I’m in an SRK film! I’m so grateful,” she exults. Has she met SRK? “Not yet, but I hope to meet him soon.”
Sanya was planning to enroll for online dance classes at the beginning of the lockdown, but an unexpected injury put her out of action. “But I dance at home and I want to take a break from acting someday to learn tap dancing. It won’t happen during the Coronavirus pandemic. But, hopefully soon,” she signs off.
I don’t find myself funny, though people like my comic videos on social media-Sanya Malhotra
4:57 PM
Onkar Kulkarni (BOMBAY TIMES; September 19, 2020)
Talking to BT about it, Sanya said, “First of all, I don’t think I am funny, so it’s a compliment when people say that I am.” These videos helped the Badhaai Ho actress to divert her attention from her finger, which got fractured due to an accident at home. She said, “When I came home after the surgery, my ex-roommate Harshita moved in with me, as I was all by myself. Earlier, when we used to stay together in an apartment with a few others, we used to make a lot of such funny videos. I just wanted to get out of the mood I was in. We found this show (Saath Nibhaana Saathiya) online and found a few audio clips and thought, let’s just shoot it for fun. The concepts were very random, we just did mad things on camera and uploaded it.”
With such a positive response to her funny videos, is Sanya hoping to do a comedy film anytime soon? “Of course. I don’t want to restrict myself in a box. I want to do a dance film, a comedy film, I want to do work that will require me to prepare a lot for a particular role. I want to do films that will put me in an uncomfortable zone, and push me to work hard for it,” she replied.
Image: Sanya Malhotra resumes work, shoots for an ad film in Delhi
7:27 PM
Riya Sharma (BOMBAY TIMES; August 10, 2020)
Sanya Malhotra, who went to Delhi to be with her family when flight operations resumed amid the Coronavirus pandemic, shot for an ad film there recently. Talking about the experience, Sanya shares, “I shot for two days for a chocolate brand. Before the shoot, I was nervous about how things might pan out. But the moment I reached the set, my worries faded as I saw that everyone (in the crew) was using PPE. I was the only one not in PPE because I had to act, but at the same time, I wasn’t worried after I saw how well everything was organised by the production house and the brand. Earlier, it felt impossible to shoot amid the pandemic, but after shooting for this ad, I’m more relaxed now and I think if we take all precautions, things can work out.”While the production house took all possible safety measures, Sanya ensured she took her own precautions, too. She shares, “We had time in hand, so we weren’t rushing through the shoot. During my breaks, I would go inside my vanity, wash my hands, and wear my mask whenever I wasn’t shooting. We followed social distancing, and there were few people on the set. I’m quarantining at home right now because I’m with my family, and am ensuring I don’t spend much time with them.”
And how did her family react when she told them she had to step out to shoot? She says, “They were cooperative. My father had been stepping out even in the lockdown because he works for the government. In fact, I was worried, but they calmed me down, saying we have to get back to work and get used to this new normal.”
With many film shoots lined up in the coming months, Sanya feels shooting for films can work out if precautions are taken. “I haven’t thought about shooting for a film right now, but if we take precautions, I think things are manageable. For this ad, time wasn’t a constraint, but for films, we will need a different sort of planning. We’ll have to adopt new rules and regulations as when you shoot for a film, you’re rushing and there’s a lot going on, but I think we will be able to do it. TV shoots have resumed, so I think that’ll set a great example,” says Sanya.
Having her family around has made Sanya happy. “I’m relaxed because I am with my family. I was glad I could come back and be with them amid the pandemic. I was alone in Mumbai for two months, which was tough, mentally. Now, I’m more relaxed and not getting anxious about the situation,” she explains.
My hands look like prunes from washing all the dishes-Sanya Malhotra
8:39 AM
With back, neck injuries putting flips and turns on hold, actress has enrolled in filmmaking masterclass even as she struggles with chores
Akash Bhatnagar (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 31, 2020)
Recently, Sanya Malhotra posted a video of herself dancing. When asked if she is utilising the lockdown to polish up her dance moves, she says, “I wish, but I have a back and neck injury so, I can’t dance or work out for at least a month,” she sighs, informing that she suffers from a condition called ‘flat neck syndrome’, which flares up due to stress and exertion. “I have a habit of not going to the doctor till the last minute,” she admits.
Sanya is living alone in Mumbai. While her family had wanted her to spend the Coronavirus lockdown with them, she decided not to risk it. “You might be a carrier even if you are not infected,” she reasons, acknowledging that doing chores around the house has made her appreciate her help more. “Cleaning, sweeping and cooking takes up 60 per cent of my day, especially laundry. My hands look like prunes from washing all the dishes,” she laughs.
The actress is also taking a masterclass in filmmaking as she was always curious about the camera and what happened behind the scenes. “Now, since I am home, I’ve enrolled for an online course,” she shares, adding that she is also re-reading (Paulo Coelho’s) The Alchemist and Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (by Yuval Noah Harari).
Have any of her films suffered a setback? Sanya informs that all her films—Ludo, Shakuntala Devi and Pagglait—are ready. But another project she was working on has been pushed. “Right now, people need to take all precautions and I’m focusing on that. I’m worried about those who survive on daily wages; they are really suffering. It’s time to sit back and see what we have been ignoring because we were so busy working,” she philosophises.
Meanwhile, she recently watched a film on ballet online and got nostalgic. “I used to dance professionally in Delhi. I did a few steps in front of the mirror, including the relevé and the ballet hands, taking care not to strain my neck and back. I would love to do a dance film someday,” she says wistfully. “Even when I meditate, I imagine myself in a dance movie, doing these turns and flips. I am planning to watch more such movies during this period to prepare myself to be in one.”
Sanya also wants to explore music videos and is surprised she hasn’t been approached for one yet despite putting up so many dance videos online. “So, I have decided not to post anything anymore because nobody is watching it,” she signs off with a laugh.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)