Who is Banita Sandhu, AP Dhillon’s alleged girlfriend, who made her debut alongside Varun Dhawan in October?

If you found yourself curious about the identity of the mysterious girl starring in Canadian singer-rapper AP Dhillon’s recent music video “With You,” you’re certainly not alone. The video’s portrayal of affectionate and charming moments between Banita Sandhu and AP Dhillon has led to speculations about their relationship. These visuals of them enjoying a vacation together have ignited the intrigue surrounding their bond.

The October girl

Upon closer inspection, you might recall her as the girl from Shoojit Sircar’s film “October.” Interestingly, Shoojit discovered Banita through a Vodafone advertisement. He then cast her in a four-minute commercial for Wrigley’s, which garnered an astounding 40 million views. This marked the initial step in her journey, eventually leading her to land the leading role opposite Varun Dhawan.

Shoojit Sircar, known for directing movies like “Vicky Donor” and “Piku,” admitted in an interview with Filmfare that after directing the gum commercial, Banita’s presence left a lasting impression. During the shoot of the ad, he snapped a photo of her and shared it with Juhi Chaturvedi, the writer. He expressed that she had the potential to embody the character they were developing. When the offer for “October” came her way, she was still pursuing her studies at King’s College London.

On Bollywood

When asked about her thoughts on Bollywood, Banita shared how her perspective of the industry evolved. She revealed that her earliest connection to Bollywood was through her mother, who is a dedicated fan of the older generation of actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Her understanding of Bollywood didn’t extend to the newer generation, such as Alia Bhatt.

Interestingly, when she learned that Varun Dhawan was part of the film, she admitted that she didn’t recognize him. Surprisingly, this lack of familiarity with his star status actually worked to her advantage, as she wasn’t influenced by his celebrity persona. This unique perspective allowed her to approach her role in a more genuine and unaffected manner, unburdened by preconceived notions.

On connecting to India

During the filming of “October,” Banita faced the challenge of learning Hindi. Recollecting her experience of coming to Delhi for the shoot, Banita, who grew up in Caerleon, Wales in a first-generation British-Indian family, expressed how the process allowed her to reconnect with her roots. The shoot extended over 37 days in Delhi, providing her with an invaluable opportunity to not only refine her acting skills but also deepen her understanding of her heritage.

Banita shared, “We filmed for 37 days in Delhi and I learnt so much – not just about acting, but also my heritage. My grandparents came to Britain from the Punjab, northern India, shortly after World War Two. Both my parents were born here and my sister and I were raised in a middle-class existence in Caerleon.” Through the experience of filming in India, she was able to bridge the gap between her British upbringing and her Indian roots, fostering a richer connection to her cultural heritage.

On Sardar Udham

After her role in “October,” Shoojit Sircar cast Banita once again, this time opposite Vicky Kaushal in the 2021 film “Sardar Udham.” However, this role presented a completely different challenge. In the film, her character Reshma is deaf and mute, requiring Banita to convey emotions and expressions solely through sign language without the use of any dialogue.

To prepare for this unique role, Banita worked diligently to learn sign language. She had the guidance of Neelam, a teacher at a special school for the deaf and mute in Pingalwara, Punjab. Banita immersed herself in the environment, visiting the school daily, observing the students in class, and engaging in conversations with them. Some of the students even had the opportunity to visit the film set, meet Vicky Kaushal, and experience the workings of a movie shoot firsthand.

Following “Sardar Udham,” Banita took on another significant project by starring in “Mother Teresa & Me,” a film inspired by the life of Mother Teresa. With her dedication to diverse and challenging roles, Banita continued to showcase her versatility as an actor, taking on roles that required both emotional depth and a commitment to authentic representation.

Banita Sandhu’s journey in the world of acting has been marked by dedication, versatility, and a willingness to take on diverse challenges. From her debut in “October” to her portrayal of a deaf and mute character in “Sardar Udham,” she has proven her ability to immerse herself in complex roles. Like this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Quick Read section