Bollywood is an ever-evolving industry that continues to welcome fresh talent, and in the past few years, very few actresses have created the kind of impact that Sanya Malhotra has. With her natural acting, expressive eyes, relatable charm, and the ability to mold herself into diverse roles, Sanya has proved that she is not just another newcomer but a force to be reckoned with.
From her debut in Dangal alongside Aamir Khan to her recent critically acclaimed performances in movies and OTT projects, Sanya Malhotra has shown the versatility and dedication needed to become one of the brightest stars of her generation. But what exactly makes her special? Why is she considered Bollywood’s next big star?
In this blog, we’ll dive deep into her journey, talent, versatility, choice of films, and the qualities that set her apart from her contemporaries.
Early Life and Background
Sanya Malhotra was born on 25th February 1992 in Delhi, India. Coming from a middle-class Punjabi family, she had no film background but grew up with a strong passion for dancing and performance arts. She trained in contemporary and ballet dance, which gave her immense confidence in expression and movement.
Like many aspiring artists, she shifted to Mumbai to pursue her dream. Initially, she faced several rejections but her perseverance and determination soon landed her an audition for Dangal (2016). That became her breakthrough and changed her life forever.
The Big Break – Dangal
Sanya Malhotra’s debut in Dangal was nothing short of extraordinary. Playing the role of Babita Kumari Phogat, one of India’s famous wrestlers, Sanya had to undergo rigorous physical training for over a year.
The film not only became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time, but also showcased Sanya’s ability to transform herself completely for a role. Despite being a newcomer, she held her own against powerhouse actors like Aamir Khan and delivered a memorable performance.
Her authenticity, physical dedication, and subtle emotional expressions won audiences’ hearts and made critics take notice.
Carving a Niche – Roles Beyond Glamour
After Dangal, many expected Sanya to take up glamorous, conventional Bollywood roles. But she surprised everyone by choosing unconventional, performance-driven films like:
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Pataakha (2018) – Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, where she played a rustic Rajasthani village girl in a story of two feuding sisters.
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Badhaai Ho (2018) – A lighthearted comedy-drama, where she played a sweet yet strong character opposite Ayushmann Khurrana. The film was a blockbuster and showed Sanya’s ability to blend into commercial cinema while maintaining depth.
Through these choices, she established that she was here not just for fame but for meaningful cinema.
Mastering the OTT Space
The rise of OTT platforms gave actors like Sanya Malhotra an opportunity to experiment with strong, character-driven stories. She quickly became a favorite among digital audiences with films like:
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Ludo (2020) – An Anurag Basu film on Netflix where her chemistry with Aditya Roy Kapur was widely loved.
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Pagglait (2021) – A moving story about a young widow trying to find her identity. Sanya carried the entire film on her shoulders, earning massive appreciation for her nuanced performance.
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Meenakshi Sundareshwar (2021) – A sweet love story on Netflix where she played a newlywed woman navigating a long-distance marriage.
These performances cemented her as one of the most relatable and dependable actresses of the digital era.
What Sets Sanya Apart from Other Actresses
Sanya Malhotra is not just another face in Bollywood. She stands out because of several key qualities:
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Authenticity – She doesn’t rely on exaggerated acting; her performances feel natural and grounded.
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Versatility – From a wrestler in Dangal to a quirky widow in Pagglait, she proves her adaptability.
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Simplicity & Relatability – Audiences feel connected to her characters because she portrays the everyday Indian woman beautifully.
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Dancing Talent – Being a trained dancer, she brings grace and rhythm to her screen presence.
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Selective Script Choices – Instead of running after big-banner glamorous roles, she prioritizes strong scripts and impactful characters.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
Sanya Malhotra has consistently been praised by critics for her subtle performances. Unlike many newcomers, she doesn’t overshadow her co-actors but still makes her presence felt strongly.
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For Pagglait, critics called her “a rare performer who can carry silence with as much impact as dialogues.”
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For Badhaai Ho, audiences loved her fresh chemistry and natural screen presence.
This balance of critical acclaim and audience love is what makes her a true star in the making.
Rising Brand Value
Sanya’s increasing popularity has made her a favorite for several brands and endorsements. Her image as a natural, grounded, and youthful actress resonates with the younger generation. She represents relatability, making her ideal for lifestyle, fashion, and digital-first brands.
This rise in brand value is another sign that she is on her way to becoming one of Bollywood’s biggest names.
Future Projects to Watch Out For
Sanya has some exciting projects lined up with top directors and banners. Each film is expected to showcase a different side of her acting talent. Her upcoming ventures will likely push her career to even greater heights.
With each role, she proves that she’s not in a hurry but is steadily building a strong, diverse filmography that will stand the test of time.
Comparison with Contemporaries
In today’s Bollywood, many actresses depend heavily on glamorous roles or big-banner support. Sanya Malhotra, however, has created a unique space by focusing on content-driven cinema.
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Unlike others who stick to safe roles, she experiments with bold and challenging characters.
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Her career graph resembles that of actresses like Vidya Balan and Taapsee Pannu, who carved a niche on the basis of strong performances rather than just looks.
This makes her one of the most promising actresses of her generation.
Why She is Bollywood’s Next Big Star
Summing it all up, here’s why Sanya Malhotra is destined to be the next big star:
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She combines critical acclaim and mass appeal.
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She chooses films that push her boundaries as an actress.
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She resonates strongly with today’s generation, especially on OTT platforms.
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She has the grace, charm, and screen presence that Bollywood superstars are made of.
Sanya Malhotra’s journey in Bollywood is a perfect example of how talent, dedication, and smart choices can help someone rise to stardom, even without a film industry background. From a girl in Delhi with dreams to a performer who’s being recognized globally, her story inspires millions.
She is not only a fine actress but also a symbol of how Bollywood is evolving towards meaningful cinema. With her authenticity, charm, and fearless approach towards roles, Sanya Malhotra truly deserves the title of Bollywood’s Next Big Star.
