Page 62 - October 2018 converted

dreamt that I asked him if I’m doing
fine and he screamed at me that
I shouldn’t be asking such stupid
pataaKha questions. I got very scared. Next

day, I had thought about speaking
acTor but I was scared so I didn’t make

that move. A week went by. Finally,
Sanya malhoTra: I told him the dream and told him

that I am scared of him. From then
filmS are coming on, whenever I would ask him

suggestions or give him an idea,

To me organically he would tease me saying, ‘don’t
ask me silly questions, Sanya.’

He is a lovely person to work with.
fter Dangal, Sanya Malhotra is all set to impress the I’m so glad that being an actor, it’s
audience with her act as Chutki in Vishal Bhardwaj my fourth film, though technically second, I have learned a lot from him about
Adirectorial Pataakha. This is her second Bollywood acting. I’m glad to have worked with him.
outing. In this exclusive conversation the actor speaks about Q. Your next is a comedy. Is it intentional to experiment with different scripts?
her journey, Pataakha and more. I think post Dangal, I wanted to take my own time. Since I am new to acting, I

Here are the excerpts: wanted to go slow in whatever I choose. I’m not in a rush to be somebody or
Q. Your last film Dangal was physically taxing. With Pataakha, be somewhere. The characters and films coming to me are coming to me very
what was the level of difficulty? naturally. I haven’t made extra efforts for it. I am really glad this happened. I didn’t
I would say Pataakha was both physically and mentally ever think that I will be doing three films in a year. So, everything is taking shape
challenging for me. I could relate to Babita on an emotional naturally. Everything that came my way, it’s with good directors. I wanted to work
level or Miloni in Photograph or Renne in Badhai Ho. But this with Ritesh Batra and I got to work with him in Photograph starring Nawazuddin
one was something I could not emotionally connect to. I could Siddiqui and then I wished to work with Ayushmann Khurrana which is happening

eventually do that. When I heard the narration of my character, with Badhaai Ho. When Vishal Bharadwaj came with Pataakha, I couldn’t say no.
I was so excited but I had a doubt if I could pull it off or not I was shooting for Photograph when Amit’s phone came for Badhaai Ho. It is an
because internally I could relate to her but externally I am not amazing script. So, it was an instant yes. The script is so well written. I was so
at all like her. excited and I would keep asking when this film will start.
I have an elder sister and I do fight with her a lot. While growing Q. What are your expectations from Badhaai Ho?
up I had a similar relationship with my sister where I used to I am one hundred percent confident that this film will work and the audience will
hate her. But when I grew up, obviously things changed. Now, love it.
I am very close to her. Now, I am a different person. I am very Q. How was it working with such a talented ensemble cast in the film?
introvert and shy but Chutki, my Patakha character, is very I feel Bollywood is changing. Our films are changing. Earlier, we used to have

aggressive and out there. So, I think it was challenging more films where there was a hero and heroine with supporting characters who were
emotionally than physically. forgotten. Now, supporting characters have become very important for a film’s
Q. Vishal Bharadwaj is a director known to test his actors story. Their performances are actually supporting the main lead, which is beautiful.
through the characters. When you first heard the script, were I really enjoy working in films where characters and performances stand out despite
you ready to take on the challenge? lead or not. I also enjoy watching such films as an audience.
I think he is really nice and sweet to work with. It wasn’t a test but Q. How excited are you for Fatima Sana Shaikh and Aamir Khan’s Thugs of
he gave us a lot of freedom as actors. We were free to question Hindostan?

the script and offer suggestions. We did a lot of workshops and Obviously, I am excited. I have seen the first look. She’s a friend, I saw it long before.
readings before going on the sets. I was very nervous because I am really happy and excited. We started our journey together. So, whenever I see
I am a huge Vishal Bharadwaj fan. I remember when we her doing something, it feels amazing. I feel proud.
started working, I was really confused about my character. So, I
decided on the third day I would speak to sir about it. So, I slept
with the thought that I have to talk to him. So, I dreamt about it. I

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