Sanya Malhotra, born on February 25, 1992, in Delhi, India, has emerged as one of the most talented and versatile actresses in contemporary Hindi cinema. With her natural acting prowess, dedication to content-driven roles, and ability to portray diverse characters, she has carved a niche for herself in the industry. From her breakthrough role in Dangal to her recent critically acclaimed performance in Mrs, Malhotra’s journey is a testament to her commitment to storytelling and her ability to spark meaningful conversations through her work.
This blog delves into Sanya Malhotra’s career, her choice of roles, her impact on Indian cinema, and the recent controversy surrounding her film Mrs. Through this exploration, we aim to understand how she has become a voice for women’s empowerment and a symbol of change in Bollywood.
Early Life and Entry into Bollywood
A Passion for Dance
Sanya Malhotra’s journey into the entertainment industry began with her love for dance. Born into a Punjabi Hindu family in Delhi, she was exposed to the arts from a young age. She trained in contemporary and ballet dance forms, which not only honed her artistic skills but also instilled in her a sense of discipline and perseverance.
After completing her education at Gargi College, Malhotra participated in the popular dance reality show Dance India Dance. Although she only advanced to the top 100, the experience was transformative. It gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams and motivated her to move to Mumbai, the heart of the Indian film industry.
The Breakthrough: Dangal
Malhotra’s acting career took off with her debut in the 2016 sports drama Dangal, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film, based on the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, featured Malhotra as Babita Kumari Phogat. Her portrayal of the determined and resilient wrestler earned her widespread acclaim and established her as a promising newcomer.
Dangal was a commercial and critical success, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time. Malhotra’s performance was particularly praised for its authenticity and emotional depth. The film’s success not only launched her career but also set the tone for her future choices—roles that were meaningful and socially relevant.
Rising Stardom: A String of Successful Films
Exploring Diverse Genres
After Dangal, Sanya Malhotra carefully selected roles that showcased her versatility as an actress. In 2018, she appeared in the comedy Badhaai Ho, which was a box office hit. Her performance as Renna, a supportive and understanding sister-in-law, added a layer of warmth to the film.
In 2019, Malhotra starred in the drama Photograph, directed by Ritesh Batra. Her portrayal of Miloni, a quiet and introspective character, earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress. The film’s subtle storytelling and Malhotra’s nuanced performance were widely appreciated.
Critical Acclaim in Streaming Films
The rise of streaming platforms provided Malhotra with opportunities to explore unconventional roles. In 2020, she starred in the black comedy Ludo, directed by Anurag Basu. Her performance as Shruti, a woman caught in a web of chaos, earned her another Filmfare Critics Award nomination.
Malhotra continued to impress audiences with her roles in streaming films like Shakuntala Devi (2020), Pagglait (2021), Love Hostel (2022), and Kathal (2023). In Pagglait, she played a young widow navigating grief and self-discovery, while in Kathal, she portrayed a determined police officer solving a quirky case. Her performance in Kathal earned her a Filmfare OTT Award, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile actress.
Mrs: A Bold Step and a Controversial Masterpiece
The Plot and Themes
In 2024, Sanya Malhotra starred in Mrs, a Hindi adaptation of the critically acclaimed Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen. The film, directed by Arati Kadav, tells the story of Richa Sharma, a newlywed and aspiring dancer who confronts patriarchal norms within her marital home. Through Richa’s journey, the film explores themes of gender roles, domestic labor, and individual freedom.
Critical Acclaim and Performance
Mrs premiered at the 2024 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and was released on ZEE5 on February 7, 2025. Malhotra’s portrayal of Richa was hailed as one of her best performances. Critics praised her ability to convey the character’s emotional turmoil and resilience with subtlety and depth. Sukanya Verma, in her review, noted that Malhotra matched the intensity of the original portrayal, making the character her own.
The Controversy
Despite its critical acclaim, Mrs sparked controversy following its release. The Save Indian Family Foundation (SIFF), a men’s rights organization, accused the film of promoting “toxic feminism.” In a series of posts on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), SIFF argued that the film presented a biased narrative, focusing solely on women’s issues while ignoring the challenges faced by men, children, and senior citizens.
The organization criticized the depiction of household chores as oppressive, stating that it undermined the stress men endure in demanding jobs. One of their posts read:
“Men work 8-9 hours at construction sites, railway stations, airports, factories, courts, police stations, restaurants, country’s borders and a happy young woman cooking food, doing dishes and pressing cloths of her father-in-law is oppression for her.”
Defending the Film
In response to the backlash, many viewers, particularly women, defended Mrs, emphasizing its realistic portrayal of the societal pressures and domestic challenges women often face. The film’s producer, Harman Baweja, clarified that Mrs aimed to tell a specific story that resonated with many women but did not claim to represent all experiences.
Director Arati Kadav explained that the film was intended to make the story more relatable to North Indian audiences while retaining the core message of the original. She emphasized that Mrs was not about vilifying men but about sparking conversations about societal expectations and individual aspirations.
Sanya Malhotra: A Voice for Women’s Empowerment
Feminist Themes in Her Work
While Sanya Malhotra has not explicitly labeled herself as a feminist, her choice of films and interviews suggest that she supports gender equality and women’s empowerment. Her roles in movies like Dangal, Pagglait, Kathal, and Mrs highlight strong, independent women challenging societal norms.
In interviews, Malhotra has spoken about the importance of equal opportunities for women and the need to break stereotypes in Bollywood. During promotions for Mrs, she acknowledged the film’s feminist themes, stating that it reflects real-life struggles women face in traditional households. However, she emphasized that the film isn’t about “men vs. women” but rather about individual freedom and respect in relationships.
Breaking Stereotypes in Bollywood
Malhotra’s career is a reflection of her commitment to breaking stereotypes and pushing boundaries. By choosing roles that challenge traditional gender roles and highlight women’s experiences, she has become a voice for change in the industry. Her performances have not only entertained audiences but also sparked important conversations about gender equality and societal expectations.
Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Sanya Malhotra’s journey in Bollywood is a testament to her talent, dedication, and commitment to meaningful storytelling. From her debut in Dangal to her recent performance in Mrs, she has consistently chosen roles that challenge societal norms and highlight women’s experiences.
While her work has sparked controversy at times, it has also ignited important conversations about gender roles and equality. As she continues to take on diverse and challenging roles, Sanya Malhotra is poised to leave a lasting legacy in Indian cinema—one that celebrates empowerment, authenticity, and the power of storytelling.
Through her films and her voice, she reminds us that cinema is not just entertainment; it is a mirror to society, reflecting its complexities and inspiring change. Sanya Malhotra is not just an actress; she is a force to be reckoned with, a symbol of hope, and a beacon of empowerment for women everywhere.
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