Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

A new kind of movie star is born

SANYA MALHOTRA ON HER RAPID CINEMATIC RISE AND LATEST RELEASE PHOTOGRAPH

by MOHNISH SINGH


It has been almost two and a half years since Sanya Malhotra made a stunning debut in Hindi film Dangal with Aamir Khan and delivered a knockout performance in the record-breaking wrestling drama based on real events.

Instead of being crushed by the pressure of starring in the highest-grossing Bollywood film of all time, the young talent has been slowly building a strong repertoire of films and playing a diverse range of characters.

Fresh from the blockbuster success of her last film Badhaai Ho (2018), Sanya is now looking forward to the release of her next movie Photograph, wherein she is paired opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a romantic drama about two individuals from different worlds forming an unlikely connection.

The latest movie from award-winning filmmaker Ritesh Batra recently had premieres at the Sundance Film Festival and at the 69th Berlin Film Festival.

Sanya was lucky enough to attend the premieres, where the film was well received. Not surprisingly, she was feeling confident when Eastern Eye caught up with her to talk about Photograph, working with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and her criteria of script selection, among other things.

You are an actress in demand; what drew you to Photograph?

It was a lot of things. First of all, working with Ritesh (Batra) was a big opportunity for me. To be cast opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui was also a great opportunity for me. When I read the script, there was a lot of pressure around me from various people because this was my second film post Dangal. People were telling me, ‘the second film is the most important one in an actor’s career, so you should only sign the best one with the finest director and the best actor.’

Photograph is not what would be considered the traditional film, did you take a risk with it?

Not at all. I would not call this film a risk. It was the best opportunity an actor could get. See, I am very new to acting, but I knew that I would learn a lot from this film. So when I read it, I was very happy. When Ritesh creates a world through his writing, you are sucked into it as an audience. You really want to know more about his characters and the same thing happened with me too. When I read the script, I wanted to know more about Miloni and other characters as well.

In one of your recent interviews, you said that you were quite nervous before going to the Sundance Film Festival where Photograph premiered recently…

I was nervous because I had not watched the film, not even a single scene. While dubbing, I just saw a few glimpses but not the entire movie. This was my first time at Sundance, so I was very nervous. I did not know how it was going to be, but when I saw the film there, I was very happy with it and with my performance. I am usually very critical about my work. Maybe if I see the film again, I will find something (flaws) in my performance, you never know. I am pretty chilled-out now because those who were watching the film at Sundance and in Berlin, were not a Hindi-speaking audience, so I was worried if they would connect with the dialogues and emotions and the whole movie scenario. I am glad that they did.

Your selection of scripts seems terrific. After Dangal, you did Pataakha (2018), followed by Badhaai Ho. Is it a conscious decision to opt for roles which are totally different from one another?

When I read a script, the things that come to mind is my character, whether I can imagine myself in that character, if it excites me as an actor or creatively triggers me? I am really grateful for the kind of films I am getting. Choosing the scripts is not a conscious effort; I am lucky that I get such scripts. I am really fortunate to work with such amazing actors and directors so early in my career. My only conscious effort is to do my job right. If I take up a movie, then I want to perform my best.

How was it working with Nawazuddin Siddiqui in Photograph?

Honestly, I was very scared. I was wondering what would happen on the first day of the shoot with Nawazuddin Siddiqui. Ritesh did not want us to meet before. So I had never interacted with him. But I did a lot of research on him. I wanted to make sure that I did not look stupid in front of him. He is such an amazing co-star. Whenever I interacted with him on the sets, he was Rafi, not Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Your performance in Pataakha was appreciated by everyone, but somehow the film did not fare well commercially…

I am really happy with Pataakha. I learned a lot in the process of playing that character. The character in the film is different from what I am in real life. So to play such characters, you have to come out of your comfort zone. It was directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, so that was a huge deal for me. It did not do well at the box-office; but many people watched it and liked it when it came online. As an actor, I am really satisfied with the film.

Do you feel that people look at you differently after the huge success of Badhaai Ho?

They do. It may be because of my look in the film. Fortunately, I have different looks in all of my films.

Do you relate to any of the characters that you have played so far?

I am not at all like Chhutki in Pataakha. I am more like Miloni from Photograph. But the world where she comes from is completely different from where I come.

Do you feel any pressure after doing four amazing films in four years?

No, I don’t feel any pressure because I don’t think I have become a great actor yet. I have miles to go. I still have to learn a lot of things and do some more characters. But I am satisfied with my work and I am happy.

Tell us something about your next film with Anurag Basu?

Aditya Roy Kapoor is also there with me in the Anurag Basu movie. I am enjoying it a lot. I am very stress-free also.

Tell us, if you have any plans to dive into the world of web series?

If the content, script and the director are good, then why not? I would love to do a web series if I get one.

Do you think that the growing popularity of web may overpower cinema in future?

The web is a great medium and people are loving it. It is definitely going to bring a lot of changes in Bollywood. We have to come up with great content and good acting because now our audiences have seen everything and are well aware of several aspects of movies. So we can’t fool them by making just anything.

Photograph is set for its India release on Friday (15), 2019 and will release in the UK later this year

More For You

RR vs CSK

Both teams coming off contrasting starts to their campaigns

Getty

IPL 2025 - RR vs CSK: Rajasthan takes on Chennai in high-stakes battle


The electrifying action of IPL 2025 continues as Rajasthan Royals (RR) lock horns with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match number 11 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, March 30. With both teams coming off contrasting starts to their campaigns, this clash promises to be a thrilling battle of experience, skill, and determination.

Keep ReadingShow less
Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions

Bring the past into the present for a richer celebration

Reconnecting with lost Eid traditions

EID is a joyous time filled with unity, reflection, and celebration.

While the essence of the celebration has remained unchanged across centuries, the way this special day is celebrated has evolved, with many older traditions being replaced by modern practices and technological advancements.

Keep ReadingShow less
Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Soumik Datta (R) and Gurdain Singh Rayatt

Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Mahesh Liloriya

The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.

Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Indian and American investors delay Hundred deals: report

FILE PHOTO: The Oval Invincibles celebrate after The Hundred Final between Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave at Lord's Cricket Ground on August 18, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Indian and American investors delay Hundred deals: report


THE England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has extended the deadline for finalising the £520 million sale of The Hundred franchises after pushback from several prospective owners, particularly the Indian and American investors behind the two London teams.

The eight-week exclusivity window agreed in February has passed without contracts being signed, with negotiations now expected to continue until at least the end of April. While all parties remain committed to completing the deals, several key issues remain unresolved, the Telegraph reported.

Keep ReadingShow less