I NEVER GAVE UP: SANYA MALHOTRA

The actor says that it’s sheer perseverance that helped her succeed

Sanya Malhotra’s life turned around after the massive success of her debut film, Dangal (2016). The audience took notice of her talent, and film offers began pouring in. The 26-year-old actor took some time off to soak up the success. “I wanted to enjoy my time. I thought ek film karne se kuch nahi badlega. People used to put pressure on me, saying that Fatima (Sana Shaikh) has signed a film, and you haven’t. I am blessed to be an actor. I should be happy rather than cribbing and worrying about the future. Before Dangal, I used to set yearly goals, I believed in the law of attractions, basically all the shebang that we read all the time. But I decided that I won’t put pressure on myself. Why should I feel that I am in a competition with someone else? I enjoyed my time off and travelled,” says Sanya.

The actor now has two films due for release – Badhaai Ho and Photograph. The former is a comedy drama, which revolves around a mother and son. Sanya says that it’s always the script that matters more in the larger scheme of things. “As an actor, my job is to ensure that my character enhances the brilliant script. In Hollywood, actors see the script, and what they can add through their performance. This is what even (director) Nitesh Tiwari told me. It’s a well casted film with Ayushmann Khurrana, Surekha Sikri and Neena Gupta, who are all great actors. I am 100 per cent sure people will like the film,” says the Dangal actor.

Sanya is happy that the trend of making realistic films has made it easier for newcomers. “People don’t want to see stars or heroes, they want to see actors. People want to see more real stuff. I am glad that a lot of actors are getting opportunities. Filmmakers now want to work with newcomers,” says Sanya.

Recently, Sanya bought her own property in Mumbai. During her struggling phase, the actor shared a rented apartment with aspiring actors. “I used to live in a 1BHK flat. Whenever my family would come, there was barely any space. I changed four houses in five years. I am glad my family can now visit me,” says Sanya, who would run back home to Delhi whenever she had no work. “I was an introvert. I met only three casting directors. I used to get anxious while going for auditions. I would wait for months for work. I used to get frustrated and go back to Delhi. But I never gave up. Whenever I’d call my dad crying, he would tell me, ‘Rome was not built in a day and to have that patience’,” says the actor, who is glad she followed her dad’s advice.