Sanya Malhotra on ‘Jawan,’ SRK, and Remake
Sanya Malhotra, known for her roles in blockbuster films like Dangal and Badhaai Ho, adds another feather to her cap with the success of ‘Jawan.’ In a recent interview, she expressed her excitement about the film’s reception and her joy in working with her lifelong idol, Shah Rukh Khan.
Having been a devoted fan of Shah Rukh Khan for years and sharing a Delhi University connection, Sanya Malhotra was in awe when she first acted alongside him in ‘Jawan.’ She was particularly impressed by Khan’s professionalism and charisma, whether he had hair or was in a bald cap for the role.
During the shoot, Khan offered some valuable acting advice to Malhotra, encouraging her to trust her instincts during scenes. Grateful for the guidance, she shared that she tends to overthink and appreciated his insight.
‘Jawan’ has garnered attention not only for its commercial success but also for its unexpected political undertones, addressing issues like farmer suicides, crony capitalism, and medical corruption. Sanya’s character, Eeram, mirrors real-life incidents, such as the case of Dr. Kafeel Khan in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Although she didn’t confirm the direct inspiration, she acknowledged that such events made her role more impactful and emotionally challenging.
Sanya hopes that ‘Jawan’ will inspire other mainstream actors to use their art as a platform for social and political issues. She believes that films have the power to inspire and reflect real-world concerns, making them an essential medium for change.
One of the film’s charming aspects is its feminism, portraying women as strong and equal to their male counterparts. Sanya praised Shah Rukh Khan for his real-life advocacy for feminism and his respectful behavior towards women on set.
Apart from ‘Jawan,’ Sanya has completed filming for ‘Sam Bahadur,’ a war biopic directed by Meghna Gulzar, and ‘Mrs.,’ a Hindi remake of the acclaimed Malayalam film ‘The Great Indian Kitchen.’ She assured that the remake would maintain the original’s powerful message, shedding light on the struggles faced by Indian women in patriarchal households.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindu
