Feeling the burn

SARA ALI KHAN TALKS ABOUT CARRYING FORWARD HER LEGACY AND STRADDLING MULTISTARRERS IN A CHAT WITH TANISHA BHATTACHARYA

- TANISHA BHATTACHARYA

Sara Ali Khan is in a lot of pain during our interview as she had inadvertently spilled some hot coffee on herself and has to get ice pack treatment at regular intervals. She's wearing a saree, and gamely shows you the burn mark, while laughing at her clumsiness. You marvel at her tenacity, at her ability to make light of her situation. Mention it to her and she blushes and says she's been brought up to face life with fortitude. With a lineage steeped in Bollywood royalty, Sara brings a refreshing blend of tradition and modernity to the silver screen. From seeking wisdom from her iconic grandmother, Sharmila Tagore, to navigating the complexities of diverse film genres, Sara's journey is as dynamic as it is captivating.

In a conversation with your grandmother, Sharmila Tagore, she spoke about how you go to her for advice. Tell us about your bond.

My grandmother is my only living grandparent. She is the voice of reason for all of us. And I think that when things get hard, which they did in my life in 2020, a period of time that was not very good for me, my daddy was there for me, all guns blazing. And she's there for my mom and brother. Of course, she's there for my father as well. She connects me to my traditional roots. She is also the voice of modernity.

You come from a family of powerful actors. What is the conversation like about cinema when you all get together?

The most intriguing aspect is that we all come from different periods of time. As a result, each of our approaches differs. But, most importantly, we all take the time to express our gratitude to the universe and to one another for the opportunity to work in a profession we enjoy. This is not some 9-5 job. It helps you stay fit, active, expressive, creative, and alive.