Welsh star Banita Sandhu makes Bollywood debut

A 20-year-old actor from Cardiff is to make her Bollywood debut after starring in a leading film.

Banita Sandhu landing the starring role in 'October' - described as a unique story about love.

Directed by Shoojit Sircar, the trailer has already amassed more than 21 million views on YouTube.

Banita stars alongside popular Indian actor Varun Dhawan Credit: October/Rising Sun Films

Banita Sandhu, was born and brought up in South Wales to second generation Indian parents.

After showing a passion for drama and the arts, Banita started acting from the age of 11 and dreamed of starring in her favourite soap - ITV's Coronation Street.

Bania moved to London to study English Literature and was invited to audition for TV advert for Vodafone in India which kick-started her career in the acting world.

Banita moved to London to study for a degree in English Literature

An advert for Wrigley’s followed and with over 40 million views, Banita became quickly known in India. During filming, the director, Shoojit Sircar decided that she would be 'the one' to play the lead in his forthcoming film.

Despite finding rapid success, she made a commitment to completing her education in the UK and juggled her degree whilst filming in India.

Banita said her parents have always supported her in her desire to become an actor

"My parents have supported me all the way. They wanted me to have a Plan B, but gave me their full backing. The least I could do was keep my end of the bargain. It's been tough, but I've had amazing support from the teams in India and my tutors in the UK.

Banita said it was "a lot of pressure" starring in the film against co-star Varun Dhawan, who is thought to be one of India's highest-paid celebrities.

"Varun is one of the new young breed of actors that is already so popular – he has a huge fan base and is so far up the Bollywood ladder, that hec ould have demanded an established actress to be his leading lady. But he was lovely. It was a real pleasure to work alongside two people that I admire so much. I hope audiences enjoy watching October as much as I enjoyed making it. I’m very proud of my debut film.”

October is released in cinemas worldwide on 13 April.

Watch Banita's interview on Wales at Six: