Sanya Malhotra on how her mother reacted to Mrs: 'My mom resonated with my character the most' - Exclusive

Sanya Malhotra stars in Mrs

Bollywood actress Sanya Malhotra has been earning accolades for her performance as Richa from the latest film, Mrs.

The movie, which released online has taken the world by storm, becoming the No. 1 searched film on Google and receiving widespread acclaim on Zee5. Mrs is receiving a lot of attention due to its portrayal of the patriarchal mindset that still exists in the society and how women keep taking it without even realising the wrong being done.

In an exclusive conversation with MoneyControl, Sanya Malhotra talked about her experience working on the film, her character Richa, and the impact of the story on audiences worldwide.

Sanya said she is overwhelmed with the response this movie has got from the audience not only in India but globally as well.

She further added that the way audiences have connected with the story globally has left her speechless.

Sanya also said that her mother watched the movie and in fact she resonated deeply with her character Richa.

Excerpts from the exclusive interview:

Ques: Mrs. is performing exceptionally well on Zee 5, even becoming the No. 1 searched film on Google, how do you feel about its impact and the way audiences have connected with the story globally?

Sanya: I am truly overwhelmed by all the love and appreciation Mrs. is receiving. The film is so close to my heart, and its story means the world to me. Over time, I tend to disconnect and let go once the film is out, but seeing how people are relating to this story has been both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Even though the story is deeply rooted in a household, its themes of sacrifice, identity, and unspoken resilience are universal. The fact that Mrs. has become the No. 1 searched film on Google and is doing so well on Zee5 is a testament to how deeply audiences have connected with Richa’s journey. It’s rewarding to see people from all cultures embracing this narrative and having these much-needed conversations.

Also Read: Review of Sanya Malhotra's Mrs 

Ques: You've often stated in various interviews that cooking is an essential life skill. If you weren't pursuing a career as an actor or dancer, would you have chosen to become a chef instead?

Sanya: Cooking is something I truly enjoy, and I see it as an essential life skill. While acting and dancing have always been my passions, I love experimenting in the kitchen and creating new dishes. It’s something that brings me comfort and joy, and I find the process really therapeutic."

Sanya

Ques: Has your mother or any other female relative watched Mrs.? What was their reaction?

Sanya: Yes, they did watch it and loved it. But I think my mom resonated with my character the most.

Ques: Is portraying a woman whose challenges and difficulties are rooted in reality simpler or more difficult, given that audiences have a basis for comparison and can readily evaluate your performance?

Sanya: Playing a character like Richa, whose struggles mirror real-life experiences, is both challenging and deeply rewarding. On one hand, it’s easier to connect with the role because these emotions are so raw and familiar. But that same familiarity also comes with immense responsibility. Since everyone has a reference point - a mother, a sister, a friend who has faced similar struggles - there’s very little room for error. The smallest expressions, the way Richa reacts in moments of strength or vulnerability, all have to feel honest. If they don’t, people will notice. That’s what makes it difficult.

Sanya, who hails from Delhi, made her big acting debut with a blockbuster film Dangal opposite Aamir Khan on 2016. She was loved for her portrayal of Babita Kumari in the superhit movie.

She went on to act in many hit movies like Badhaai Ho, Shakuntala Devi, Meenakshi Sundareshwar, Pagglait and then Jawan with SRK.

As Mrs continues to win hearts worldwide, Sanya's performance as Richa has solidified her position as one of the most talented young actresses in Bollywood.