National Award Win for ‘Badhaai Ho’ is Gratifying: Sanya Malhotra

Badhaai Ho won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.

Ayushmann Khurrana and Sanya Malhotra in Badhaai Ho.

(Photo courtesy: Pinterest)

Whether it is her Bollywood debut, the Aamir Khan-starrer Dangal, or last year’s hit Badhaai Ho, Sanya Malhotra's choice of films reflects her attraction to good scripts. While Dangal went on to become Bollywood's biggest blockbuster ever, Badhaai Ho has recently won the National Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Speaking to IANS, Sanya says such appreciation for films with good stories is truly gratifying.

“When I heard the story of ‘Badhai Ho’, I knew it would be a very special film because the subject was different. This was one of those films where I took no time to say ‘yes’. The amount of appreciation we have got from the audience and critics is unimaginable. That is why the National Award win is gratifying,”

Sanya Malhotra

"In fact, we had the same feeling when we were making Dangal. When finally the film came out and people started showered love, the fact was satisfying for all of us that the story had inspired many girls," added Sanya. Sanya's Dangal co-star Zaira Wasim won the National Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2017.

Since Sanya played a vital role in Dangal as well as Badhaai Ho, does she consider herself a lucky mascot for filmmakers who want their films to win National Awards?

"I think I am lucky to be part of these films rather than my being the lucky factor," Sanya responded. "Everyone in Badhaai Ho was a celebrated actor -- be it Neena (Gupta) ji, Gajraj (Rao) ji, or Surekha (Sikri) ji," she added

Sikri also won a National Award as Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.

"When good talent collaborates with the right story and director, a good film happens," Sanya summed up. She is currently shooting fot Anurag Basu's next film.