Sanya Malhotra began her career with supporting roles in the biographical sports film Dangal (2016) and the comedy Badhaai Ho (2018).

Malhotra was born and raised in Delhi, India. She is a trained dancer in contemporary and ballet.

After graduating from Gargi College, Malhotra participated in the dance reality show Dance India Dance and made it to the top 100.

Sanya Malhotra moved to Mumbai, where she began appearing in auditions and began assisting camerapersons for television commercials.

Malhotra was later contacted by the film casting director Mukesh Chhabra.

Malhotra received nominations for the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for her roles in the drama Photograph and the black comedy Ludo.

Malhotra received praise for starring in the streaming films Shakuntala Devi, Pagglait and Love Hostel.

Malhotra will next star in the Netflix satirical film Kathal, about a small-town cop in pursuit of a missing jackfruit.

Malhotra will also feature in the action film Jawan, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara.