Born in the Pataudi family with royal lineage, daughter of Amrita Singh and Saif Ali Khan, Sara Ali Khan, likes to keep herself grounded to her values and her upbringing. We speak to the star who has acted in movies like Coolie No. 1, Love AajKal, Simmba, Kedarnath and others and has another movie up for release in August this year, on her growing up days and other inspirations that keep her going.

Growing up, what were the few things that shaped your personality?
Liberal upbringing and parents support.

Have you always been inclined towards acting and movies?
Yes, this is what I wanted to do, and then actually took the challenge head-on. I was a large adult with large dreams (laughs!). My parents didn’t try to dissuade me, but they made sure that I had a balanced perspective on what being an actor entails, so that I was prepared for it. When people ask me if I am ready for this, I say that I don’t think that you can ever be ready to be an actor, and you can’t even not be ready for it. It’s one of those things where you just have to tell yourself, ‘Go for it!’ Every film and every situation is different, so somewhere in the middle of being ready and not being ready to be an actor is where I am going to be for the rest of my life’

Who do you seek inspiration from?
My mom is my biggest inspiration.

What do you do in your leisure time?
Travel. Read and watch new content.

What next? Any big films in the pipeline?
My upcoming movie is Atrangi Re, releasing on 6th August, 2021. It is directed by Aanand L Rai.

What kept you busy during the pandemic and the lockdown?
Working out with my brother to relishing over mangoes and making hilarious funny videos with my brother called ‘knock, knock’. And of course, spending quality time with family, mom and Ibrahim (brother). I also took out time for reading.

What is your favourite space in your home, and why?
My room, I have always had a lot of pink décor in my room and it’s been like that for years. We keep revamping the space with new curtains, pillow covers, wallpapers and more. I love the cushions and other quirky home décor from Chumbak. I love their ethos of gratitude and finding happiness in small things in life from pretty pillow cover to a warm cup of coffee. That’s why I was excited to be their brand ambassador.

Any piece of home decor that is especially close to you — perhaps because it’s a special gift, or a family heirloom?
My Nani’s vases are very special to me, they are special to mom as they remind her of Nani, therefore its special to me as well. They are these Venusian vases, kept in these glass antiques.

When it comes to decor, what kind of spaces do you tend towards — minimalistic or OTT and the vibe do you seek for it to emanate?
I am someone who enjoys colours and finds happiness in small things which matter. Minimalistic décor spaces with colours that are pleasing to the eye are spaces I love spending time in, My vibe echoes with open places, in hues of white and peach with a lot of cushions.

When it comes to fashion, how would you describe your sense of style?
I love couture and affordable fashion at the same time, and also I believe in being yourself when it comes to fashion. I enjoy exploring the experimental territory of new trends like neons, sequins, flared trousers, multi-coloured ensembles, bold jewellery and overall, an unapologetic look.

Do you have any ideals or muses who you look up to for inspiration, in general? And why them?
I look up to my mother, she is my inspiration and has always been, I would love to be like her, if I can have 1/10th of her talent, grace or strength, I will be good to go, so yes I always aspire to be like her and continue to do so.

What is the best advice your mother has ever given you?
Never shy away from being and expressing yourself. So being outspoken runs in the family as we are taught not to mince our words. I suppose that works best in the industry and in life in general.Being honest and upfront gets you a long way and people respect you for that.

And your father?
My father has always told me to focus on acting and not being a star, and always be myself, stand by my views and opinions. He always persuaded me to make decisions about my films, while he shares his views but leaves the decision making to me, which makes me stronger and wiser.

Who are you closest to?
I am who I am cause of my mother, I share everything with her, take advice from her on everything. She’s my anchor, my inspiration, the magician that takes away all tension. She has cures for mood swings, hair-fall, dry skin and water retention. My mother’s versatility, commitment, patience, and selflessness is beyond my comprehension. With her around no sadness lasts, no fear persists there can’t be much apprehension. I love hanging out with her, and I miss her when she’s away even for a few days. There’s nothing I hide from her. But having said that, she’s the only person I fear.

You are just starting out, what are your hopes and dreams for the future?
I have a lot of hopes and dreams for the future, a short version would be able to be able to continue learning, to become a really good actor to be able to do all kind of films and make my mother proud, happy, safe and secure.

— By Namita Gupta.