Sanya Malhotra, who first garnered attention for her role as Babita Kumari in the blockbuster film Dangal, is reflecting on the unexpected twists her career has taken since her debut. Despite being part of one of the highest-grossing Hindi films, earning around 1968 crores worldwide, Sanya openly shared the burdensome side effects of her iconic role during her promotion of upcoming projects.
During Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Sanya discussed the negative impact her part as the wrestler Babita had on her personal life, particularly her hair growth. This candid moment took listeners by surprise as she humorously recounted, "The only negative impact was my hair not growing. I had done everything. I lay down upside down, I did Champi." Sanya's commitment to realism forced her to cut her hair short, significantly affecting her self-image and personal grooming routine.
Not only did she maintain her cropped hair for the film, but Sanya experimented with various methods to encourage regrowth. She would perform headstands, consume biotin supplements, and diligently apply oils to her scalp, all to no avail. Despite her efforts, she expressed her frustration noting the slow pace of her hair returning to its natural length. It wasn't until she landed the role for the film Photograph opposite Nawazuddin Siddiqui, where she was encouraged to grow her hair out, emphasizing how long the process actually took.
Having navigated the challenges of post-Dangal fame, Sanya has continued to strengthen her foothold within the film industry. Following her memorable debut, she starred in several noteworthy projects, such as Badhaai Ho, Shakuntala Devi, Ludo, and more recently, the upcoming release Mrs., directed by Arati Kadav.
Not only does Sanya's range showcase her adaptability as she shifts from serious roles to lighthearted characters, but it also signifies her growing stature as one of Bollywood's promising actresses. The film Mrs. is particularly anticipated, having had its premiere at the prestigious 55th IFFI and the 14th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne. The movie, based on the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen, is set to be released on February 7.
Sanya’s enthusiasm for her upcoming projects continues to shine. With many films lined up, including Tulsi Kumari and an untitled project by Anurag Kashyap, it's clear the actress is not resting on her laurels. While she highlights the unforeseen obstacles of her debut, they have been outweighed by her career achievements and continuing success.
Sanya Malhotra may have faced unexpected challenges stemming from her debut, yet her resilience and talent are evident. She remains optimistic about her career path and is eager to embrace future roles, illustrating the dynamic nature of the film industry and her place within it.