Banita Sandhu was born in 1998 in Newport, Wales, UK to second generation Indian parents. She was also probably born for stardom, despite the lack of connections in Bollywood…
In a past interview with the BBC, Banita shared that she had grown up watching the best of British television, and it inspired her to take up acting. “I used to watch soaps as a child, with the goal of landing a part in Coronation Street. At the age of 10, I sat my mum down and told her my plans.” Yes she was just 10 at the time! “Luckily, she took me seriously and found me an agent, but education still came first,” revealed Banita.
After a few minor TV roles during childhood, she concentrated on landing bigger roles after turning 18. It happened just as expected. The commercials she landed in India saw her face go viral. Banita became an internet sensation with her Vodafone U TB commercial and the Doublemint ‘Ek ajnabee haseena se…’ song. In fact, her kissing scenes in this song had made quite a splash, leading to interest in the young actress soaring… A star was, in a manner of speaking, already born.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRDojLoCDpQ
Recommended Read: October Film Review: Sunny Varun excels in chilly October
Banita was pursuing her graduation in English Literature from Kings College, London, when the call came from Shoojit Sircar, who had directed her in the Doublemint song. He was casting for October and thought she might fit the role…
It didn’t take Ms Sandhu long to plunge into prep to ensure she maxed her chances of bagging this dream role. Back in 2016, her Punjabi was rudimentary, while her Hindi was near pathetic! Not to be disheartened, she promptly enrolled for Hindi coaching classes for more than six months, to nail the diction and accent. She also trained under director Shoojit Sircar, via video calls. Talk about drive!
Playing Shiuli, interestingly, was a calming experience for young Banita. “Shiuli is so grounded and stable… There were times when Shoojit sir asked me to calm down… She was everything good that I wasn’t. Playing her, I became a better person. There are so many layers to her and she’s a pure soul,” said Sandhu. She adds, “I was trying hard to understand her world. I was at a point in my life where I was 19 and grappling with some teenage angst. I was ridden with anxiety to be honest with you, but Shoojit sir made me calm.”
Her journey has been like something out of a modern fairy-tail. “It was absolutely bewildering. I am not just an outsider to the industry, but also an outsider to the country” she points out. “Shoojit sir and I always joke on how a girl from a small town in Wales ended up in one of the biggest productions. It wasn’t just that but it was fate too.”
Fate and a good bit of hard work too. Take a bow, Banita!
