Sanya Malhotra: I found a random guy on Google, saw him as Astik

Sanya Malhotra in Pagglait

Given the kind of love Pagglait received on its release, we wonder whether the producers have considered making a sequel. Leading lady Sanya Malhotra is rooting for the idea. "We haven't [thought of it] yet, but I hope we have a sequel some day. I'd love to be Sandhya again," says Malhotra, whose performance has earned her a nomination in the Best Actor (Female): Film category at the mid-day and Radio City Hitlist OTT Awards. The charming Netflix film sees protagonist Sandhya on a journey of self-discovery after the untimely demise of her husband Astik.

Since the movie shows us next to nothing about the husband, Malhotra constructed a back-story of the man, believing it would enhance her act. "I Googled random men, and found a random guy who I thought Astik would look like. I kept the picture with me, and imagined him in the back-story. Astik wasn't unkind; he was indifferent. When you don't communicate at all, it is harsh. Sandhya is curious and talkative, and Astik must have been a non-listener. They were two unhappy people in a marriage."

Umesh Bist's directorial venture is filled with moments of honesty and clarity. For a story that centred on Malhotra, which was her most challenging scene? "The one where she wears Astik's shirt and looks in the mirror. In that moment, she knows he never liked her. For the first time, Sandhya tells herself that she was not happy in the marriage," she says, adding that the movie helped her grow as an artiste. "I never thought I could shoulder a film. I am glad Umesh sir and Guneet [Monga] pushed me."

Did you know?
Pagglait marks the debut of Arijit Singh as a music composer. It is also television actor Shruti Sharma's first Bollywood venture

Cast your vote for the Hitlist OTT Awards

Sanya Malhotra has been nominated in the Best Actor (Female): Film category for Pagglait. The other nominees are:
>> Kiara Advani (Shershaah)
>> Konkona Sensharma (Geeli Pucchi, Ajeeb Daastaans)
>> Mrunal Thakur (Toofaan)
>> Taapsee Pannu (Rashmi Rocket)
>> Vidya Balan (Sherni)

Log on to www.radiocity.in/hitlistawards to cast your vote.
You can also vote via SMS. Send HITLIST <space> category name <space> your choice (a/b/c as on the website) to 57575.
Voting lines close on March 18.