Sanya Malhotra: Working with Meghna a dream come true

By - Mohar Basu

JANUARY 04,2022

Close on the heels of wrapping up HIT with Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra took fans by surprise with the announcement of reuniting with her Dangal co-star, Fatima Sana Shaikh. Meghna Gulzar's Sam Bahadur will see the duo join hands with Vicky Kaushal for the film based on Sam Manekshaw, the Chief of Army staff who was applauded for his heroic acts during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Malhotra, who plays the protagonist's wife, Silloo Bode, reveals that she met Gulzar only at the time of the announcement. 'The character of Silloo spoke to me on many levels. The film is special because I am going to be working with Meghana. It's a dream come true,' she says.

As two sisters in the real-life inspired boxing drama Dangal, Malhotra and Shaikh's camaraderie was indeed enjoyable. However, their off-screen bond, made evident during rounds of interviews, also became a talking point. Collaborating with Shaikh again is then another reason for celebration. 'First co-stars are always special. Dangal completed five years recently, and this film is a reminder that life has come a long way. Five years ago, we were kids. I am so proud and happy for us, and so excited to work with her again. It warms my heart.'

Despite a debut alongside Aamir Khan, Malhotra's journey to establishing a noteworthy film career wasn't without obstacles. Carefully curating a resume with unconventional choices, Malhotra always found the approvals of cine buffs and critics alike. However, she says she was 'conditioned to accept that my films will have a certain amount of risk attached with it'. 'Unless you challenge yourself, you'll never grow. I am here to evolve and learn about filmmaking and acting. I am happy with the response to my films this year. I can sense a shift in my career and there's definitely greater responsibility attached to the stories I pick.'

Her career blueprint, she says, is simple mdash live one day at a time. 'I didn't have a plan post my debut, and the last five years panned out better than expected. I am going to stick to being mindful of my work and enjoying my life.'

Who is field marshal Sam Manekshaw?
Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw had played a vital role in India's 1971 victory against Pakistan. He is famously remembered for telling Prime Minister Indira Gandhi that the Indian Army wasn't ready for war in April 1971. After she obliged to give him time to prepare, he delivered one of India's most noteworthy wins in the December war.