Digital News Guru Entertainment Desk:
A Night to Remember
Mumbai’s star-studded celebration – the Bollywood Hungama Style Icons 2025 Summit & Awards – witnessed a defining moment on June 5, when Sanya Malhotra was crowned People’s Choice Star of the Year – Female for her portrayal in the much-acclaimed film Mrs.. This award, driven entirely by audience votes, is a testament to her resonant and heartfelt connection with viewers.
On the red carpet at JW Marriott, Sanya shone with understated elegance, her ensemble radiating both grace and ease. Fans and fashion critics lauded her minimalistic yet impactful style, underlining the authenticity she brings to her public appearances .
Sanya Malhotra Clinches People’s Choice Star of the Year
Taking to Instagram, Sanya shared:
“…Thank you @realbollywoodhungama for honoring me with the People’s Choice Star of the Year award for Mrs. I’m extremely grateful for the love, inspiration and constant support from my team and all the amazing people who connected with Mrs so deeply… Kaafi khushi ”
Her emotional post highlighted the deep bond forged between her performance and audience response.
Why Mrs. Struck a Chord
At its core, Mrs. is a Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam film The Great Indian Kitchen. Directed by Arati Kadav and starring Sanya as Richa, the narrative delves into entrenched patriarchal norms of an Indian household and a woman’s struggle to reclaim her identity.
Critics and audiences have praised the film’s emotional depth and realism. On streaming platform ZEE5, it recorded a staggering 150 million streaming minutes in its opening weekend—becoming the platform’s biggest launch to date. According to Reddit users, it “has shattered records… emerging as the most searched film on Google,” reflecting widespread audience traction
Sanya’s performance, portraying quiet defiance and deep emotional resonance, has drawn widespread acclaim. In an exclusive MoneyControl interview, she revealed her mother “resonated with her character,” noting Mrs. had become the “No. 1 searched film on Google,” and that audiences from diverse cultures related to Richa’s journey about identity, sacrifice, and resilience.
Moreover, Sanya’s earlier accolades — including Best Actress at the New York Indian Film Festival 2024 — validate her strength in bringing this tale to life.
What This Award Means
- Audience Validation
Winning a People’s Choice title means the audience isn’t merely recognizing her craft—they are championing her as a voice that represents their lived experiences.
2. Representation of Subtle Power
Sanya has long leaned toward nuanced roles: from Pagglait to Kathal and Photograph—each demonstrating inner strength rather than grand heroism. Such roles are often overlooked, but this award underscores their relevance and resonance.
3. Industry Respect & Momentum
Her consistent trajectory—from supporting roles like Dangal and Badhaai Ho to leading powerful narratives—establishes her as one of Bollywood’s most reliable storytellers and empathetic leaders.
A Career Defined by Range
Sanya’s portfolio reflects a blend of mass appeal and artistic finesse:
- Dangal (2016) – Debut role as wrestler Babita Phogat grabbed attention for authenticity.
- Pataakha (2018) – A raw and intense sibling drama showcasing her versatility.
- Photograph (2019) – A quiet, soul-stirring piece that highlighted her emotional depth.
- Pagglait (2021) – Earned praise for delivering nuanced social commentary .
- Kathal (2023) – Earned her a Filmfare OTT Award for compelling performance.
In television and music too, she’s made her mark—most recently featuring in the popular track Jinguchaa by Thug Life, which garnered positive attention.
What’s Next on the Horizon
Post-Mrs., Sanya has a robust slate:
- Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari – An upcoming feature showcasing her continued penchant for offbeat projects.
- Anurag Kashyap–Bobby Deol collaboration – A promising venture with industry heavyweights, cementing her status in content-driven cinema.
Bollywood Hungama also listed her among other winners like Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Shahid Kapoor, and Huma Qureshi—showing the depth and diversity at the event.
Cultural and Social Impact
What Mrs. (and Sanya) represent goes beyond cinema—they align with ongoing societal conversations: patriarchy, identity, and women’s resilience. Sanya’s portrayal has sparked emotional engagement across demographics, as many found the narrative relatable and empowering.
Through roles that challenge stereotypes and spark discussion, she symbolizes a new wave of storytelling: rooted in grassroots emotion and authenticity.
Closing Thoughts
Sanya Malhotra’s win feels like a milestone for contemporary Indian cinema—a recognition not only of her extraordinary talent but of the powerful stories she chooses to tell. This People’s Choice award affirms her voice as one propelled by sincerity, depth, and audience faith.
As she continues her ascent—with more nuanced roles and creative collaborations on the horizon—it’s clear that Sanya is not just a winning actress, but a cultural force pushing boundaries and shaping modern Bollywood narratives.
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