Making her debut in the biographical blockbuster film Dangal (2016), with the role of Babita Kumari, Sanya Malhotra’s acting and perseverance has gone from strength to strength. This year’s biopic release, Shakuntala Devi, which is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, has brought its own challenges in terms of character development and portrayal of the writer and mathematician. The talented, rising star chats to Khush about landing the role of Shakuntala Devi’s daughter, why life on set with Vidya Balan is all fun and games, and the importance of portraying inspiring women in history.
How did you feel when you landed the role?
Everyone knows about Shakuntala Devi and her achievements but they don’t know about her relationship with her daughter, which is so unique and dynamic. With just this aspect in mind, I thought- I have to do this!
How would you describe the character of Anupama in three words?
Calm, confident and very much like her mother!
How would you describe the mother/daughter relationship?
It’s a unique one - you have to watch the film to find out why!
In terms of acting, is it difficult to relate to a real life character rather than a fictional one?
I think, with a fictional character you can develop your own body language. With a real character, you really have to match up everything. To give you a small example, looks wise - I had to straighten my hair to match Anupama’s style.
How did you prepare for the role?
I obviously read about all the backstory of the character. I also came to London a week before the shoot. Because Anupama spent a lot of time in London growing up, I wanted to be by myself in London for a while, and have that time before the shoot to prepare for the character.
What was it like working with Vidya Balan?
It was amazing! I am a huge Vidya Balan fan and I had met her a couple of times before this. But I behaved in a fan girl manner - so I might have scared her! Being on set with Vidya, she has a positive energy. She makes you feel comfortable and she even plays pranks on you. We’ve had a lot of fun on set. She is an inspiring actor to be around, and overall a great learning experience to be with her.
How important is it to portray such important women in history?
I’m glad things are changing in Bollywood for the better. People are writing about characters they can relate to. This was an important story, which, if I was in the audience, I would love to see. In an era where people might not have been ready to talk about certain topics, Shakuntala Devi did, and she also wrote books on the topics.
Let’s talk about your career so far!
I love being in front of the audience, and performing for the camera, it gives me confidence. In general I am an introvert - but acting gives me a platform to express. I am grateful for the opportunities I got so far and working with brilliant directors. I want to try all genres so I can learn and decide what I like best! I want to experiment - and do horrors, thrillers, romance. My background though, is in professional dancing.
Do you have any advice for aspiring actors?
When I make a mistake, I’m a bit too harsh on myself. So my tip would be to love yourself and not be too critical. Have confidence, believe in your craft, and keep learning - the learning never stops!
Shakuntala Devi – Human Computer is currently streamimg on Amazon Prime Video