Sanya Malhotra Inspires Students with Rejection Lessons at Under25 Mumbai Summit

Mumbai: Under25 hosted its Summit At Campus (SAC) in Mumbai, bringing together students for a cultural and edutainment experience. Actor and entrepreneur Sanya Malhotra headlined the event,

engaging attendees through candid conversations and an interactive matcha-making activity aimed at inspiring young leaders and innovators.

The session stood out for its informal tone, with Malhotra stepping away from the couch to sit at the edge of the stage. In a rapid-fire round, she spoke about taking risks with unconventional roles and reflected on her journey from first-day nerves on the sets of Dangal to the success of her National Award-winning film, Kathal.

The conversation also turned personal as Malhotra discussed being bullied for her curly hair and learning to embrace it with confidence. Reflecting on her early struggles, she said, “I moved to Mumbai right after college for a dance reality show which didn’t work out. Despite that setback, I maintained a relentless belief that my first break would be massive and then came Dangal. So never fear rejection; it is your best teacher. Exams only test you for a moment, but learning is lifelong. Enjoy the process and don’t stress.”

Speaking about the broader vision of the initiative, Jeel Gandhi, CEO of Under25, said, "This generation doesn't want to be boxed in or be defined by narrow options. They are students, leaders, creators, entrepreneurs, and future-focused all at once. Having Sanya Malhotra, someone who is balancing her craft along with building a business, perfectly captures that energy. Our goal is to create a space where students find the confidence to start their own ventures and walk away with real-world experience while still on campus. We want them to realise that their potential is only limited by how soon they decide to start.”

Unlike traditional college festivals, the SAC format blended conversations, performances and student-led segments reflecting youth culture. The Mumbai edition marked another milestone in Under25’s goal of reaching 200 colleges across 30 cities by March 2026, further strengthening its platform connecting industry voices with student aspirations.