Actor Sanya Malhotra recently took centre stage at the Women’s Premier League 2026 with a mid-innings performance that struck a chord beyond entertainment. The appearance also became a moment of reflection for the actor, who spoke candidly about her admiration for women athletes and the discipline that defines their lives.
Sanya’s connection with sports dates back to the beginning of her acting career. She made her debut as wrestler Babita Phogat in Dangal (2016), a film that not only became one of Hindi cinema’s biggest successes but also reshaped her outlook on fitness and routine. Looking back, the actor said the intense training required for the role gave her a deeper understanding of what it truly means to live like a sportsperson.
She shared that training for nearly a year instilled a sense of discipline that continues to influence her lifestyle even today. According to Sanya, the commitment and structure followed by women athletes are extraordinary, adding that they deserve to be seen as real-life superheroes for the consistency and strength they display every day.
Watching women perform in positions of power, whether on the sports field or within the film industry, has also shaped Sanya’s own aspirations. She said such moments motivate her to leave behind work that can empower future generations. For the actor, representation goes beyond roles, as she aims to reflect authenticity and strength simply by being herself.Sanya’s words resonated strongly in the backdrop of the WPL, a platform that continues to highlight the growing influence of women in sport.
