A decade into her Hindi film career, Sanya Malhotra is taking a moment to reflect—not with nostalgia, but with quiet gratitude and a renewed appetite for stories that resonate. From her breakout in Dangal to carving a space with unconventional roles, the actor describes her journey as “surreal,” shaped by opportunities that have allowed her to evolve with each project.
Now, Malhotra steps into the world of comedy with Toaster, a quirky Netflix release that sees her paired opposite Rajkummar Rao. The film, which marks the production debut of Rao and his wife Patralekhaa under their banner Kampa Film, revolves around an eccentric premise—a miser determined to retrieve a toaster he gifted at a wedding that never quite happens. Malhotra essays the role of his wife, adding her own comic flair to the narrative.
Speaking about completing ten years in the industry, Malhotra shared that the journey has been deeply fulfilling. She expressed gratitude for the kind of roles that have come her way, acknowledging how each project has contributed to her growth as a performer.
While she has previously collaborated with Rao in HIT: The First Case and Ludo, Toaster marks the first time the two actors have had the opportunity to extensively share screen space. Malhotra recalled immediately saying yes to the film when Rao approached her, trusting his instinct for compelling stories. She also noted how eager she had been to truly collaborate with him, having missed that chance in their earlier projects.
Rao, in turn, was full of praise for his co-star, calling her performance in Toaster one of her finest in the comedy genre. He highlighted her natural flair for humor, noting how her on-screen energy contrasts with her otherwise calm and focused demeanor off-camera. According to him, Malhotra brings a delightful unpredictability to her role, making her performance particularly memorable.
Echoing similar sentiments, Patralekhaa described Malhotra as an absolute “riot” on set, underscoring the actor’s ability to infuse energy and spontaneity into the filming process.
Malhotra has also been riding high on appreciation for her recent film Mrs, which drew praise for its sensitive storytelling. However, she remains grounded about the recognition, stating that she does not view it as pressure but rather as encouragement. Her focus, she said, is to continue working on projects that earn similar love and respect from audiences.
Ruchikaa Kapoor Sheikh, Director of Original Films at Netflix India, described Toaster as a reflection of Rao and Patralekhaa’s distinctive creative vision. She emphasized the platform’s inclination towards stories rooted in relatable Indian contexts, adding that the film’s imperfect yet endearing characters and light-hearted tone make it an engaging family entertainer.
With Toaster now streaming, Malhotra’s journey comes full circle in many ways—balancing critical acclaim with mainstream appeal, and continuing to explore new facets of her craft with the same enthusiasm that marked her debut.