Sanya Malhotra is dancing to her own rhythm

The set is a fantastical cottage in the forest sans the woodland creatures, but with a touch of whimsy all around. Our cover star is in her element, grooving to tracks from Coke Studio, surrounded by vines trickling down around her — much like the now iconic curls that frame her face. Her warmth and easygoing nature permeate the air and the aura around her — such is the charm of Sanya Malhotra.

There’s no one word to describe her rise in the ranks of Bollywood. Meteoric? Perhaps. Unconventional? Certainly. A simple girl-next- door from Delhi, she first drew audience attention on the popular show Dance India Dance before landing her breakthrough role in Dangal alongside Aamir Khan. The rest, of course, is history — scripted through her commendable performances in Mrs, Pagglait, Kathal and many other releases on both the big screen and small.

Behind the success lies grit, discipline, and an instinct for choosing characters that deeply resonate with the public at large, and are challenging to her. If audiences rooted for her as wrestler Babita Kumari in Dangal, they were equally moved by her nuanced portrayal of Richa Sharma in Mrs, which told the story of women in India navigating deeply patriarchal households.

With every act, Sanya has carved a unique niche for herself — steadily, and on her own terms — without the cushion of industry backing. As she settles into her new sea-facing home in Mumbai, her journey feels less like a sudden leap, and more like a quiet, determined climb. We dig deeper into the thinking that brought her to such heights.

BT: You’re often described as one of the most “unconventional” actors of your generation. From Dangal to Pagglait, Kathal, and Mrs, many of your roles feel refreshingly real and relatable rather than overtly glamorous, which defies the seemingly set norms of Bollywood. Is that a conscious choice, or are they the kind of stories you’re more interested in? Do such labels matter to you?

SM: It’s a mix of instinct and curiosity. I’m always drawn to characters that feel human and layered, the ones that people might identify with in their own lives. I never set out thinking I want to do something unconventional. I just ask myself whether a story excites me, whether the character has something new for me to explore. If that ends up challenging a certain norm, then that’s wonderful. Labels don’t really matter — what matters is whether the story moves you, or whether the character moves me. All my roles are glamorous, beautiful and sexy in their own ways, which I love!

BT: Any one role where you felt you truly surprised yourself as an actor?
SM: Pagglait — or even Pataakha for that matter! In Pataakha, Chutki is not me at all! She’s so loud, boisterous and really spiteful. The emotional journey of my characters in these two was so unusual. Pataakha was quite challenging, so I surprised myself because I didn’t realise such a character was hidden inside of me. With Pagglait, there were moments when I discovered that Sandhya, my character, was not grieving the traditional way. I keep introspecting this way about the many roles I play. I’m a lucky actor, I’d say.

BT: Your debut with Dangal was nothing short of historic. Did you ever worry about living up to those expectations?

SM: When you begin your career with a film that impactful, it gives you a sense of confidence. There was pressure, but I never took it that way. I felt I simply had to be in the moment. In fact, after Dangal’s release, I went on a vacation with my friends to relax. At that point, I was really grateful for the way my life was shaping, and I wanted to enjoy that. I focus on growth instead of pressure. I’m not wired like that.

BT: Aside from Aamir Khan, you have shared the screen with some remarkable performers like Shah Rukh Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Rajkummar Rao, Vidya Balan, and Ayushmann Khurrana. What did you imbibe from them?

SM: From Aamir sir, I learnt discipline, and the importance of being completely immersed in your characters. From Ayushman, his amazing instinct for storytelling and choosing scripts that connect with the audience. We used to call him “script doctor.” From Vidya ma’am, I learnt this fearless authenticity — she completely owns every role she plays. Working with SRK, Vicky, and Rajkumar was so inspiring because they bring so much individuality to their craft. Every actor has their own rhythm. You pick up little lessons from all of them. 

BT: As someone who has worked across theatrical films and OTT hits, what excites you most about storytelling today?
SM: The biggest change is that audiences are more open than ever before. Earlier, there was this idea that stories had to fit a certain formula. Today, people are embracing characters and narratives that are more nuanced and experimental. OTT has created space for these stories and unconventional roles. As an actor, that’s incredibly exciting. I’m thrilled to be a part of this change because it means we get to explore so many different worlds.

BT: We certainly can’t not talk about dancing. It was a huge part of your life even before acting. Do you find it therapeutic?
SM: Dance has always been my anchor. When I feel stressed, overwhelmed or tired, I simply put on some music and move. Sometimes, it’s choreographed, and sometimes, it’s freestyle in my room. It’s incredibly freeing; there’s no judgement. It’s just about feeling the music. I love, love, love dancing!

BT: Your curls have become most iconic. Do you realise you have become something of a poster child for embracing naturally curly hair?
SM: That’s so sweet to hear! Growing up, I didn’t know how to style my curly hair, and I was so insecure about it. I used to get bullied for its texture, so I always tried to tame them in every way possible. But over time, I started embracing them because they’re a part of who I am. If seeing my curls helps even a few people feel confident about their natural hair, hearing that makes me really happy.

BT: When the industry gets overwhelming, what helps you reconnect with yourself?
SM: My family and my close friends are my biggest grounding force. Being around people who knew you before any of this fame came around keeps thing extremely real. I also spend a lot of time doing things that have nothing to do with my work. Dancing, travelling, studying, or just being at home with good food and music. That keeps me sane and grounded.

BT: Has your idea of success changed over the years?
SM: Very much. Earlier, success felt tied to milestones — films, films and nothing else. Today, it’s more internal. I feel I’m learning, growing, and I’m still excited to go to work every day. That feels like success. There’s this peace of mind and creative fulfillment that matters to me more than anything.

BT: What does the next chapter of your career look like?
SM: To be honest, I’ve always portrayed really different characters, but now I’m quite excited to explore roles that really push me emotionally, creatively; ones that help me tap into a different side. Perhaps a character that I, as Sanya, wouldn’t be fond of at all, someone with whom my moral values wouldn’t align. I want to challenge myself and see whether I’d be able to empathise with such a character, maybe in a psychological thriller, or even a full-blown musical. I want to dance on screen! At the end of the day, I just want to keep surprising myself as an actor, and telling stories that stay with people long after the credits roll.

BT: And finally, how was your experience shooting with Brides Today? Did the collection you wore make you think about your own future bridal moment?
SM: No, I didn’t imagine an entire bridal moment because whenever I’m shooting for something specific, be it a photo shoot or a movie, I channel a character I’ve thought up; it’s never me. As for the shoot, the experience was honestly quite magical. Indian wear, be it lehengas or sarees, always carries a certain beautiful energy. The clothes themselves hold a particular aura. And the collection was stunning.

Credits: 

Editor in chief: Ruchika Mehta (@ruchikamehta05)

Interview: Rewati Rau (@rewatinair) and Shraddha Chowdhury (@shraddha.skc)

Photographer: Sasha Jairam (@sashajairam)

Creative Director: Avantika Kilachand (@avantikkak)

Stylist: Anushree Sardesai (@anushree_sardesai)

Cover Design: Mandeep Singh Khokhar (@mandy_khokhar19)

Make-up and Hair Artist: Natasha Mathias (@natasha_mathias_)

Editorial Coordinator: Shalini Kanojia (@shalinikanojia)

Set Design: Nikita Rao (@nikita_315)

Style Assistant: Michele Bolo (@michellemlobo__)

Artist Reputation Management: Raindrop Media (@media.raindrop)

Also read: Scents of the season: Bright, sunlit perfumes for summer brides   

Also read: Body scrubs for soft, smooth, and radiant skin that every bride will love