Sanya Malhotra, born on February 25, 1992, in Delhi, grew up in a Punjabi Hindu family. Trained in contemporary and ballet dance, Sanya initially pursued her passion for dancing. However, she later transitioned into acting, which marked the beginning of her successful career path. Her breakthrough came when she secured a spot among the top 100 contestants on the dance reality show Dance India Dance, which further boosted her confidence and visibility in the industry.
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After completing her graduation from Gargi College, Sanya moved to Mumbai to chase her dreams in the film industry. There, she not only auditioned for acting roles but also worked on television commercial sets. Eventually, casting director Mukesh Chhabra recognized her potential and introduced her to Bollywood, setting her career on an exciting trajectory.
Acting Breakthrough: Dangal
Sanya made her acting debut in Nitesh Tiwari’s biographical sports drama Dangal (2016), where she portrayed Babita Phogat. Certainly, while starring alongside Aamir Khan and Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya underwent rigorous wrestling training under Kripa Shankar Patel Bishnoi. As a result, Dangal not only garnered critical acclaim but also became the highest-grossing Indian film, earning ₹2,000 crore globally and cementing Sanya’s place in the industry.
Versatility in Bollywood
Commercial Success
Following Dangal, Sanya Malhotra earned further acclaim with a string of commercially successful films, including Badhaai Ho, Sam Bahadur, and Jawan. Besides, these projects not only solidified her standing in the industry but also showcased her versatility. Through these roles, she demonstrated her ability to seamlessly transition between genres, further proving her adaptability and range as an actress.
Critical Acclaim
She received nominations for the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for her roles in:
- Photograph (2019): A touching drama about unconventional relationships.
- Ludo (2020): A dark comedy with an ensemble cast.
Streaming Success and Diverse Roles
Sanya’s performances in streaming films have expanded her audience base:
- Shakuntala Devi (2020): Portraying Anupama Banerji, the daughter of the titular mathematician.
- Pagglait (2021): A widow’s journey of self-discovery.
- Love Hostel (2022): A gritty thriller exploring honor killings.
- Kathal (2023): A satire that earned her the Filmfare OTT Award.
Dedication to Craft
Sanya’s commitment to authenticity in her roles is evident in her preparations:
- For Pataakha (2018), she lived in a Rajasthani village, learning dialects and adapting to rural lifestyles.
- Her ability to balance serious roles and light-hearted performances highlights her versatility as an actress.
Achievements and Endorsements
- Ranked 3rd in Rediff.com’s 10 Best Actresses of 2021.
- Endorsed major brands, including Fastrack and Shoppers Stop.
- Praised by critics like Tanisha Bhattacharya for her naturalistic performances and content-driven choices.
Upcoming Projects
Sanya continues to explore diverse genres with her upcoming films:
- Baby John.
- An untitled collaboration with Anurag Kashyap.
- Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari.
- Thug Life, co-starring Kamal Haasan, Simbu, and Trisha Krishnan.