‘Being before the camera makes me the happiest’

People still know me as Sanya Malhotra, the Dangal (2016) girl. And I’m proud to be known like that,” says Sanya Malhotra. As she wrapped up the shoot of her seventh film recently, she says being before the camera still feels surreal. And Sanya believes being uninhibited as an actor, fuels her choices of films. Excerpts from an interview:

What is the definition of credibility and success for you?

I define success as having a job that you enjoy doing. I still can’t believe I’m an actor. Being on sets in front of the camera makes me the happiest and that’s what success is for me. I’m happy that from the time I started out, till now, I’ve been pretty balanced in all important areas of my life.

How do you think the industry’s perception of you has changed? I don’t know whether this is important, but I’ve really not thought about what people think of me in the industry. I hope whatever they think of me is good.

Your next release is Ludo, an ensemble film. Did thoughts like being overshadowed by the other cast members cross your mind? Never! Right from Dangal, I haven’t thought about or put my energy into factors like screen time and being overshadowed by co-actors. My job, as an actor, is to focus on what I can provide to the script through my character. The only thought that crosses my mind is to be able to deliver the best in line with what my audience expects me to.

Tell us a bit about your journey from being known as the Dangal girl to Sanya Malhotra.

It’s been more than three years for me in the industry and for Dangal... I recently finished shooting for my seventh film called Pagglait and it’s been an amazing journey so far. They [the audience] still associate me with my look in Dangal and it’s a very special feeling.

You share a great bond with Fatima Sana Shaikh and Radhika Madan. Do you think catfights and female actors not getting along are mere clichés?

I share an amazing bond with two of my favourite on-screen sisters, Fatima and Radhika, who’re also my off-screen sisters. They are close to my heart and I love them. Clichés like catfights don’t apply.

Is there something that scares the actor in you?

There’s nothing that scares me as an actor yet. I’m open to doing whatever is required for my character and the script.