There is no competition with Fatima: Sanya Malhotra

I am very happy that we [Fatima and I] started out together and our equation is very transparent and healthy. SANYA MALHOTRA, ACTOR

After an impactful performance in her debut film Dangal (2016), Sanya Malhotra who reprised Babita Phogat’s role in the film is still reeling from the movie’s success. Though it’s been two years and she also has as many as three films in her kitty, the actor says she’d be happy to be known as the Dangal girl.

“That film changed my life. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting this kind of support from the industry because immediately after it, I started getting offers and people kept telling me that they’ve liked my work. I am working with wonderful directors and actors and I am extremely grateful and blessed. I am very happy to be known as the Dangal girl. How can I not be? I don’t mind being called the Dangal girl for the rest of my life,” she says.

While talking about the film, Fatima Sana Shaikh’s name who played Geeta Phogat in the film is bound to crop up. Sanya and Fatima are still very close and there is no insecurity between the two, Sanya says.

“Fatima is my bro. There is no competing with her. We are constantly in touch though we are both very busy with work. We went through this journey together and that made our bond stronger. I am very happy with the kind of work she is doing. I still can’t believe that I am an actor so I can’t really afford to think about competition and comparison at this point. It will not allow me to focus on my work. I am happy that we started out together and our equation is very transparent and healthy.”

Sanya’s future projects include Photograph with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Badhaai Ho with Ayushmann Khurrana. She is also working in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Churiyan. “Nawaz is my favourite actor and I did a lot of research before going on set to shoot with him. I saw a lot of his interviews and how he prepares for his roles before he comes on set. I did my homework so I don’t panic and freeze in front of him (laughs). Just looking at him act, I have learnt a lot of things. On set, he is so hands on. It was a wonderful learning experience for me.”