Sanjana Tiwari opens up about choosing relatable, honest roles with ‘Hotspot 2 Much’

Her inability to stay quiet when something doesn’t sit right with her. She’s expressive, a little impulsive and questions things instinctively — sometimes without thinking of the consequences. I think many young women will relate to that urge to speak up, even when it gets you into trouble at home or disrupts the peace around you.

I was fully aware of the franchise’s boldness and the kind of conversations it usually sparks. However, the way this particular story was written felt playful rather than provocative. It uses humour to address generational differences and that lightness made me comfortable taking it on without feeling like it was trying to shock for the sake of it.

The tone immediately stood out for me. It was fun, sharp and deeply rooted in situations we’ve all either seen or lived through in some way. I also liked that the character wasn’t written to make a loud statement, but to simply react honestly to her circumstances, which made her feel very real.

Yes, it was, because you don’t really get the luxury of easing into the character or building layers over time. Everything has to register quickly. Thankfully, the writing did a lot of the work, allowing the emotions to surface organically without the need for heavy exposition or explanations.

The shoot itself helped me understand the character better. It showed me how far to push certain moments and where to hold back. Finding that balance between restraint and expression was crucial and once that clicked, the character started to make much more sense to me.

Yes, definitely. Even before the film was released, just thinking about some of the lines you hear in the trailer and then imagining my parents watching it was uncomfortable for me. At the same time, I’m fortunate to have very supportive and understanding parents. Once audiences watch the film in its full context, they’ll understand where it’s coming from. Saying things that are usually considered uncomfortable or inappropriate to say out loud was what really pushed me out of my comfort zone.

I’m drawn to stories where women are allowed to be opinionated, flawed and imperfect — without being boxed into neat labels. I enjoy playing characters who feel familiar and lived-in, rather than idealised or designed to send out a message.

Cinema has taught me patience and the importance of trusting the process. It’s also taught me to have faith in timing, in uncertainty and in my own journey as an actor, even when things don’t move as quickly as you expect.

I’m currently exploring scripts across formats and taking my time with my choices. I’m waiting for roles that genuinely excite me, both emotionally and creatively and that I can fully resonate with before committing.