At just 11, Banita Sandhu knew she wanted to be an actor. Years later, that instinct has carried her from the quiet heartbreak of October (2018) to the haunting world of Sardar Udham (2021) and the sci-fi drama Pandora (2019). She even stepped into the opulent world of Bridgerton (2020), playing the charming Miss Malhotra in season three, and into pop culture with a memorable appearance in “With You” by AP Dhillon. Moving between London and Mumbai, Sandhu represents a new generation of actors — global, curious and quietly bridging worlds. Her style follows a similar philosophy: timeless and rooted. It’s why natural diamonds, like those from Forevermark, feel like a natural extension of her wardrobe — embodying a sense of timelessness, enduring value, and the kind of uniqueness and rarity that set them apart.
Edited excerpts from the conversation.
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER INDIA: Three words that describe your personal style?
BANITA SANDHU: Tailored, comfortable, chic.
THR INDIA: What’s one fashion trend you love right now, and one that you’re ready to retire?
SANDHU: The return of archival couture! I retired logos a long time ago. I’m not ready to retire anything [right now].
THR INDIA: Of all the characters that you’ve played on screen, whose wardrobe did you enjoy the most?
SANDHU: I haven’t played the most fashionable characters, but I think definitely Miss Malhotra in Bridgerton (season 3). I thoroughly enjoyed working with costume [department] on that.
THR INDIA: Statement pieces or minimal classics?
SANDHU: I prefer statement pieces. You live once, why not?
THR INDIA: How do you usually dress for a big red carpet?
SANDHU: I like to dress given the context of the situation. For example, if I’m on a more international stage, I like to showcase Indian designers and I like to do custom looks.
THR INDIA: Who’s your biggest fashion inspiration?
SANDHU: Rihanna. I don’t think you can get better than that.
THR INDIA: How has your fashion sense evolved over the years?
SANDHU: My style has evolved immensely over the years. When I was younger, without the access we have through social media now, I didn’t get to discover new or up-and-coming designers from different countries or even insane archival pieces. Now, we have so much access that your style is naturally going to evolve for the better.
THR INDIA: What does a perfect day off look like for you?
SANDHU: To sleep in and have a south Indian breakfast. I like going to the gym and to the sauna or taking an ice bath — it makes me feel alive. And then, just hanging out with my friends and family. If there is a beach, then heading there, shopping and watching a movie at night.
THR INDIA: At the moment, are you more drawn towards indie films or big commercial projects?
SANDHU: I still love my indies. I’ve been an indie girl through and through. I have done a few commercial projects recently and that’s been fun to experience because it’s a whole different kind of craft you have to learn.
THR INDIA: What’s next for you?
SANDHU: I am not allowed to talk about it as of now. All I can say is I’m prepping for what I think is going to be my best film yet
DIAMOND DREAMS
THR INDIA: Tell us about the moments on screen or on red carpets that made you fall in love with diamonds.
BANITA SANDHU: I was lucky to be nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award with the Bridgerton S3 cast. I wore an insane, custom Amit Aggarwal gown, and we paired it with these beautiful, 100-year-old natural diamond earrings. It was like carrying a historical artifact and I just loved wearing them.
THR INDIA: What was the first piece of jewellery you bought?
SANDHU: It was with my best friend, Sasha. I had a movie premiere at the Zurich Film Festival, and I felt really proud of myself for being there. Sasha came with me to buy my first piece [of natural diamonds] and I got myself a bracelet.
THR INDIA: Are diamonds a girl’s best friend or her most reliable situationship?
SANDHU: Obviously, best friend and husband and life partner; reincarnated in seven lifetimes. After all, a diamond is forever!