In the annals of contemporary cinema, few artists can boast a trajectory as diverse and captivating as that of Banita Sandhu. Having made her Bollywood debut in 2018 with the poignant film October under Shoojit Sircar’s direction, she swiftly traversed the landscape of Tamil cinema with Adithya Varma (2019) and has now garnered global acclaim with her portrayal of Sita Malhotra in season 3 of Netflix’s historical romance series Bridgerton.
Recently nominated for a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award, her journey exemplifies the confluence of artistry, cultural representation, and international resonance. In an exclusive interview with The Movie Mail, Sandhu delves into her illustrious journey, the profundity of her roles, her aspirations as an actor and producer, and more.
Edited excerpts below:
How does it feel to be recognised on such a prestigious global platform for your work in Bridgerton season 3, and what does this nomination mean to you personally and professionally?
A. It’s truly an extraordinary feeling to be nominated alongside the rest of the Bridgerton cast for such a distinguished honour, especially when it’s for something as esteemed as the SAG Awards. Filmmaking is a team effort and this nomination for Best Ensemble is truly a testament to that. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such an incredible cast.
You’ve made significant strides across diverse industries, from Bollywood with your debut in October to Tamil cinema and now global recognition in Hollywood. How has navigating these different landscapes shaped you as an artist?
A. Acting is my true passion, no matter where the film is being made. I seek roles that challenge me and allow me to explore new depths as an artist through different experiences. My journey through various film industries has been incredibly enriching. What makes it so exciting is the opportunity to work with a diverse pool of talent, each offering a fresh perspective.
Your performance in Sardar Udham left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike. What was the most challenging or rewarding part of working on a National Award-winning film, and how did it prepare you for international projects like Bridgerton season 3?
A. Thank you for the kind words! It was challenging because I felt very spiritually connected to that story and the filming process deeply affected me—especially the Jallianwala Bagh scene. I remember going back to my hotel room after we shot it, calling my Mum and bursting into tears. That said, it was the most rewarding experience of my career because of what it represents culturally. As a Sikh Punjabi, to be a part of representing an integral and profound part of colonial history, which has largely gone undocumented, means the world to me.
The same goes for Bridgerton—a lot of people assume the casting is colour blind when in reality Punjabi royal families existed in Victorian England but there’s such a lack of information or education regarding this. That’s why it is so important to me to work in projects that help combat this because not only does doing so create a sense of belonging for our community, across borders, through highlighting our historical existence, but it also helps to combat racist and misinformed narratives regarding immigration in the Western world. I’m currently working as a producer for the first time in my career for another story which I believe is paramount to our understanding of colonial history. I can’t wait to speak more about it soon.
As one of the youngest Indian actors making a mark internationally, what do you think about the evolving representation of Indian artists in global entertainment, and what role do you see yourself playing in this shift?
A. The evolving representation of Indian artists in global entertainment is an incredibly exciting development, and it’s a shift I’m proud to be a part of. The global stage is now more inclusive, largely thanks to streaming platforms, offering Indian actors and filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work to a wider audience.
As one of the younger Indian actors navigating this landscape, I see my role as part of a broader movement to build bridges between cultures. I hope to contribute to this shift by playing characters that are authentic and complex, who not only represent the Indian identity but also resonate with global audiences.
The SAG Awards are just around the corner in February 2025. What are you most looking forward to about the ceremony, and are there any special plans or projects you’d like to share with us as you continue your journey?
A. I’m truly thrilled about the upcoming SAG Awards in February 2025! It’s an incredible honour to be part of such a prestigious celebration of talent, and I’m especially excited to connect with fellow artists.
There are a few exciting ventures on the horizon—including a Hindi release this year. While I can’t share too much just yet, I’m looking forward to unveiling them in due time.
