‘I don’t want to restrict myself in my work,’ says the actor
Sanya Malhotra is fanning the flames of success with her latest film, Mrs. A remake of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, the Arati Kadav directorial has struck a chord with its poignant narrative, and become a conversation starter.
Sanya plays the ebullient bride, Richa, who marries into a regressively patriarchal family and realises her life has become a monotonous stretch of domestic drudgery. Her dreams — in this case, of dancing — have been relegated to the back-burner.
“Mrs. empowered me. These are the values that I try to reflect through my work and character. I feel these stories need to be told, and for young women to get motivated to choose themselves and their passion over anything else. We need to redefine gender roles,” says the actor.
Nine years old in the industry, Sanya made her debut in Aamir Khan’s Dangal in 2016. Her filmography includes critically acclaimed works such as Pathakha, and Pagglait as well as hits like Badhai Ho and the mega blockbuster Jawan. But she remains one of the most underrated talents.
The actor says she chooses to take risks with her work. “The industry knows well that I can be entrusted with any role or character. Since Dangal, I have been very conscious about the fact that I don’t want to get boxed in. I am open and want to do everything. I want to go all out,” she says.
Sanya is candid about the fact that the competitive ecosystem of the film industry does overwhelm her at times. “I often wonder if I am doing enough, especially on social media. It is very tough, and there are days when I feel I’m losing myself; but my team and family keep me grounded.”
She gives priority to work-life balance. “Fame is not constant, neither is being a part of movies. I would like to do something else in a couple of years, go somewhere, learn something else. I don’t want to restrict myself in my work or in my personal life. I feel happy in my job, but someday I may just decide to do something else.”
Sanya will be next seen in Toaster opposite Rajkummar Rao as well as in Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari with Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor.
The industry knows well that I can be entrusted with any role or character. Since Dangal, I have been very conscious about the fact that I don’t want to get boxed in.”
— Sanya Malhotra
