ELLE Digital Cover Star: Sara Ali Khan On Crafting Characters

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cinema, few names shine as brightly as Sara Ali Khan. From her captivating debut in Kedarnath to her nuanced performance in Atrangi Re and, most recently, her stellar performance in Murder Mubarak, Khan remains a beacon of authenticity. Beyond the glitz and glamour of stardom, her journey is marked by her innate off-screen charm and a profound love for acting. As she continues to soar to new heights, she speaks to ELLE about her journey and her quest to remain original and organic while continuing to hone her craft. 

ELLE: With two big releases and three films under production, 2024 seems like the year of Sara Ali Khan. What are some of the things you are genuinely excited about?

Sara Ali Khan (SAK): Chasing versatility excites me a lot, for example, in films like Murder Mubarak, where I’m playing an urban glamorous character like Bambi, to an Indian-rooted real-life character like Usha from 1942. But what I’m most excited about is being able to grow, learn, unlearn, and work with good filmmakers. 

ELLE: What inspired you to pursue acting, and how do you feel your background and upbringing have shaped your approach to your craft?

SAK: My desire to pursue acting predates my understanding of the job. It was a thing I wanted to do without knowing exactly why I wanted to do it. I’m privileged to have fallen in love with my job at the job. During the shoot of Kedarnath, I finally understood what being an actor entails. It’s not just about what inspired me but what continues to inspire me. Being an actor makes me more real, more empathetic and more objective. And I’m so lucky to be able to do this.

ELLE: You’ve showcased remarkable versatility in your film roles, from romantic comedies to intense dramas. What type of character or genre do you hope to explore next in your career?

SAK: It’s not about which genre I want to do next. There are so many things I want to do. I want to be able to make a period film or a sound, intense drama film, maybe like A Marriage Story in the Indian context. I love the comedy space that I did in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke. I was also pleasantly surprised to play a character like Bambi. So, I look at it as something other than a genre or character I want to do next, just as long as I get to hone my craft. 

ELLE: Being from a family with a rich legacy in the film industry, what valuable lessons or advice have you received from your parents and grandparents about navigating fame and success?

SAK: The main lesson I’ve learned is not to take fame or success too seriously. Instead, celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and maintain a sense of balance.

ELLE: Your Instagram feed often features candid moments and glimpses into your personal life. How do you balance sharing with your fans and maintaining privacy?

SAK: My Instagram is my unfiltered way to communicate with my well-wishers. Now, when I say Namaste Darshako, I feel like something funny has happened, and I want to be able to share it. I don’t take it very seriously. For me, Instagram is an avenue to have fun. But when it comes to maintaining privacy, that’s usually not in our hands. The goal is to be who you are because there’s no way around the scrutiny. 

ELLE: Do you have a favourite film character whose style you resonate with the most, and why?

SAK: Bambi Todi’s style is aspirational for me. She’s always so put together, but I wonder if I can do it daily. Rinku from Atrangi Re’s style quotient is a lot more like mine. There’s an effortlessness, and it’s different, so I resonate most with her. 

ELLE: Your recent film projects have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. How do you approach selecting scripts and characters that resonate with you?

SAK: You do different films for different reasons. I always wanted to work with Homi Adajania. I loved the idea of doing this kind of ensemble murder mystery. I loved how Bambi Todi was presented, and if you watch the film, you’ll know what I mean. I mean, I’m not killing anybody. Spoiler alert (laughs). But that aside, it’s almost a duty to be able to tell a story. For me, there has to be a connection with the character. The script has to strike a chord. It’s not just about playing characters like me but more about doing things I’ve never done. 

ELLE: What are the three things you’re looking forward to in 2024 – personally or professionally?

SAK: Being more present and grateful and celebrating the little joys of life. 

ELLE: What does a typical day in your life look like?

SAK: One of the things I love most about my job is that there’s no one way I can answer this question. There are days when I’m on a rigorous diet or shooting around the clock. Then there are days when there’s no work, so I’m either travelling, doing an acting workshop, or spending time with my mom. There’s nothing I do for sure every single day except caffeinate and meditate, unfortunately, in that order. 

ELLE: Finally, looking back at your journey so far, what are some of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned, both professionally and personally?

SAK: I’ve learnt that when you’re original, organic and honest to yourself, both on and off the camera, you’re most relatable. I’d rather be loved or hated for who I am than pretend to be somebody else because then I won’t like myself. How I see myself matters to me, and being original, organic, and honest is the only way I want to be. 

ELLE India Editor: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Photographer: Sushant Chhabria, Stylist: Edward Lalrempuia, Asst. Art Director: Sanjana Suvarna ,Words: Mokshaa Shivlani, Hair: Sourav Roy, Makeup: Tanvi Chemburkar, Bookings Editor: Aliza Fatma, Assisted by: Asu Lkr; Yuthika; Saumya Narang; Siddhi Shinde (styling); Girish (hair); Swapnil Kakade (makeup); Mitali Lakhotia (bookings); Radhika Chemburkar (production), Production: Imran Khatri Productions, Artist’s Reputation Management: Spice ,Videographer: Kris Blackk, Video Editor: Kevin Karl Pinto