I am a romantic at heart: Sara
You share the Love Aaj Kal connect with your father, actor Saif Ali Khan. What was his reaction like?
See, our film is not a sequel; it’s a different film. It’s our take on love of today, which is not exactly what it was 11 years ago. Dad has seen the songs and the trailer, and is very excited as well as hopeful [about it doing well]. Especially, when he saw the song, Twist, he was like, ‘I love the energy. And Kartik and you are looking good together with a young and happy vibe’. I love my parents but they’ll say only nice things as I am their child. But since they’re actors, they recognise the importance of the audience and the media. So, they’ve the same aim and desire that people as well as media should like me. That’s something I’ve grown to understand and believe to be very true.
How did you go about the character? Did you identify a lot with your part, Zoe?
Actually, I don’t think so because as a person I am a lot like the girl from the ’90s. I am a romantic at heart but Zoe is not like me as a person, be it in terms of her personality or even the way she dresses up. Also, I don’t think I talk the way she does — the tu tadak Dilli lingo. As a person, your different aspects influence you. So, Zoe has been influenced by her memory, her past, present, her dreams and aspirations. And that’s what I think Imtiaz sir has tried to showcase. Also, I feel, most of Imtiaz Ali’s heroines are not black-and-white; they are quite grey, and understanding that greyness lies in understanding the inner conflicts.
Imtiaz Ali’s take on love is usually very deep and unique. At such a young age, did you find it challenging to understand that?
It was definitely challenging, but I didn’t have to understand, instead I had to ‘feel’ because that’s the kind of person Imtiaz sir is. It’s his film, writing and execution. I was just trying to bring it to life. So, I didn’t take much pressure. I am playing a very relatable character as she has been depicted like things are today. It was challenging but at the same time, also very exciting to be able to do something like that. Also, the story is relevant as it showcases what love is in today’s times. And he was absolutely clear in his vision. He knows exactly what he wants. In that case, there is not much left for us to figure out other than just being honest [to the character].
You have been working with top filmmakers since the start of your career. Is it a great learning experience?
Absolutely! I am not trained in acting and that’s why I aspire even more, to always work with good filmmakers who can bring about good performances from me. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to do the same in Love Aaj Kal because working with Imtiaz sir has been like going to an acting institution. Now, I am going to do a film with Aanandji [L Rai; filmmaker]. And I am expecting the same from him. I am so thankful for such opportunities as these roles are meaty, hardhitting, and even grey-ish female parts that I am sinking my teeth into. I must say that whether it’s Imtiaz sir or Aanandji, for me, the most special thing about them is the way they depict women. Also, I am not very skilled when it comes to acting, and I didn’t even study the art form. So, the only thing I can rely on is my director’s vision and my own honesty. Therefore, I always listen to what they are telling me. That way, it’s much simpler than you would expect it to be.