India, Oct. 26 -- As she completes a decade in Bollywood since her debut with Dangal (2016), actor Sanya Malhotra looks back at her journey with gratitude. "It is a surreal feeling...I've been through so many phases as an actor... They've all been good, challenging and a mix of emotions. I feel grateful and ecstatic to have this wonderful journey in the industry. I deserve this life," the 34-year-old tells us. Recalling her early days in Mumbai, away from her family, she says, "I was 24 years old, freshly out of college. I was navigating a new city, living without my parents and my comfort. I was quite reticent when I was that young." But she wouldn't change a thing. "I'm glad that I was oblivious to so many things." Despite entering the industry without film connections, Sanya says she has "never felt like an outsider". She explains, "I have made my own space... I had made up my mind that I would become an actor. So, how could I make myself feel like an outsider? Luckily, I'm quite blessed that I've met people who have made me feel welcome." Known for portraying women who are often overlooked or silenced, the Pagglait (2021) actor says her choice of roles is deliberate. "Sadly, it's not that, as a woman I have not faced that or not seen women around me go through something similar...I have grown up being around such women. I get naturally drawn to such characters." Up next is Sundar Poonam, which she says is "releasing very soon next year", though an official release date is yet to be announced....