Aug 28: Sanya Malhotra’s ability to pick up characters that help her explore unknown territories is something that she has done time and again, from being a wrestler who questioned norms to being a young widow trying to deal with life post her loss. It has never been just about the girl-next-door tag, as Malhotra has been versatile in both comedy and drama.
With Bandar, Sanya once again enters a darker and more intense space, adding another intriguing character to her growing repertoire. Here are five roles that showcase the actor's ability to surprise audiences.
1. Bandar
In Anurag Kashyap's Bandar, Sanya Malhotra steps into a gritty world of crime, relationships and difficult choices. Playing a character at the centre of the film's complex emotional landscape, she takes on a more intense and layered space, marking another interesting turn in her career.
2. Mrs
In Mrs., Sanya plays Richa, a woman navigating the expectations placed on her after marriage while trying to hold on to her own identity. The role allowed her to explore the everyday pressures of marriage, domestic responsibilities, and self-discovery through a nuanced and relatable performance.
3. Dangal
Making her acting debut as Babita Kumari, Sanya stepped into the shoes of a real-life wrestler and trained extensively for the role. The performance announced her arrival with a character that demanded physical transformation, discipline, and a strong sporting spirit.
4. Pataakha
In Pataakha, Sanya left behind the polished image of a conventional leading lady to play Chhutki, a fiery and fiercely competitive village girl. Her earthy dialect, physicality and explosive chemistry with Fatima Sana Shaikh made the role a memorable departure from her debut.
5. Kathal: A Jackfruit Mystery
Sanya switched gears once again in Kathal, playing Mahima Basor, a small-town police inspector investigating the mysterious disappearance of two jackfruits. Combining deadpan humour with an earnest investigative streak, the role allowed her to explore comedy and mystery while keeping her character grounded.
From a wrestler and a fiery village girl to a young widow, a small-town cop and now a character in Anurag Kashyap's darker cinematic world, Sanya Malhotra has built a career around refusing to be boxed into one kind of role. With Bandar, she adds yet another unexpected shade to an already versatile filmography.
Watch Bandar exclusively on Hindi Zee 5 from 28th August
