Hey, folks! Welcome back to another exciting episode of Blab with Sandy! Today, we’ve got someone truly multi-talented on the couch, an actor who spans languages, an author who writes from the heart, and a youth icon doing big things on global stages! Please welcome the incredible Samaira Sandhu!
From commanding the silver screen across four languages to championing social change on global and national stages, Samaira Sandhu is a force of nature redefining what it means to be a modern-day artist. Let’s wait no further and dive into the blab:
Sandy: Could you share a bit about your journey, from your roots to stepping into the world of entertainment and international platforms?
Samaira: My ancestral roots are in Ferozepur, Punjab, where my grandmother lived, but I spent a significant amount of time growing up in Chandigarh. Before moving to Mumbai, I was actually an engineer!
However, arts, culture, and theatre have always been my true forte. I actively participated in theatre during my early years, which eventually led me into modeling and landed me big projects all over the world.
Since then, I’ve done five films and am constantly looking forward to what’s next. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in a major event in New York celebrating American and Indian culture for the 250th Anniversary of the USA, where I delivered the opening speech as a celebrity guest alongside Chef Vikas Khanna. I was also honored to be the showstopper for designer Rohit Verma. It’s been an incredible journey working with productions, including down South, and expanding my horizons globally.
Sandy: How and when did the acting bug hit you?
Samaira: I used to participate in theatre all through school and college, though back then, I never really thought of it as a full-time profession.
The turning point came when I performed in a famous play during college and won a State-Level Gold Medal for my performance. That recognition gave me immense confidence and made me realize just how much I truly loved acting.
Sandy: Your acting journey spans Tamil (Dhayam), Telugu (Damayanthi), Punjabi (Umran Ch Ki Rakheya), and Hindi (Bharateeyans, Inspector Avinash). As a truly pan-Indian actress, how do you adapt your performance when working in regional languages you aren’t natively fluent in?
Samaira: My real schooling in acting happened right on set! My very first opportunity was in Tamil, and that’s where I truly learned what a film set is like and understood the subtle nuances behind the scenes.
That experience formed the base of my journey. Working across different regions and languages is like constantly adding new words to my dictionary, it broadens my horizon and teaches me entirely new dimensions of the art form.
Sandy: You’ve also written a novel, Heaven in Hell, which tackles youth struggles and drug addiction. What inspired you to tell this story, and how did writing a book influence your storytelling mindset as an actor?
Samaira: Back when I was a student, I used to write blogs, and they became quite popular. My readers and mentors encouraged me to write a book while I was still studying. Seeing the issues around me inspired me to address something meaningful through my writing, which naturally deepened my understanding of narrative and emotion as an actor.
Sandy: You are a State Icon for the Election Commission and a Brand Ambassador for the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in Chandigarh. How do you leverage your public platform to drive real awareness among youth?
Samaira: Somewhere along the line, my purpose grew bigger than just my career. Being appointed by the Government of India means carrying a huge responsibility to spread the word.
Through my book, visits to schools, and work at de-addiction centers, much of which isn’t done on camera, if we can save even a few lives, it makes everything worth it. We are fortunate, and it’s important to stay aware of our surroundings and help where we can.
Sandy: What kind of roles are you most eager to explore right now?
Samaira: Once the public appreciates you on a certain pedestal or in a new look, you naturally become greedy as an actor! I don’t want to restrict myself to just one genre. Samaira needs to be diverse and push boundaries further, I’m looking for roles that are both challenging and fun.
Sandy: What is currently in the pipeline for you?
Samaira: I’ve recently signed and been roped in for two new projects, one for OTT and another feature film!
Sandy: What advice would you give to newcomers entering the film industry?
Samaira: I don’t think I’m that senior yet to be giving grand advice! But from my initial years in the industry, I’d say, just be yourself.
Don’t let trolls bother you. An artist is ultimately defined by their art, not by noise. Everyone is unique, so never let comparisons get to you.
Quick-Shot Round
- Your biggest fear: I’ve never given much importance to fear. It’s something to be overcome as life is meant to be lived to the fullest!
- A film or role you watched recently and wished you had done? I totally fantasized about Barbie!
- What is your most used app?Hmm… definitely ChatGPT.
- Which directors are on your wishlist to work with? Oh, the list is really long! But at the top would definitely be Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Sriram Raghavan.
- Imagine you’re stuck in a lift—who would you want to be stuck with, and why? My mother! She is extremely calm in general. If something bothers me, she’s my absolute go-to person. Honestly, I don’t need anyone else.
- If a film were to be made on your life, what would it be titled? You tell me…you guys tell me… Queen Samaria! Haha!
- If you weren’t an actress or author, what career would you be pursuing right now? A fashion icon, an inspirational fashion icon who motivates people through fashion.
- A habit of yours that you dislike? I don’t really like change; I’m fine just as I am! Whatever shifts happen naturally through constant evolution, that’s more than sufficient.
- Describe Samaira in three words: Unique, full of life, and passionately kind.
Editor’s note: Samaira Sandhu continues to prove that being an artist is about far more than just roles on screen, it’s about impact, evolution, and remaining unapologetically yourself. Whether she’s taking on her next big OTT project or championing social change, one thing is certain: Samaira is just getting started.
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