 "Fatima Sana Shaikh: 'I love Shah Rukh Khan so much, wasn't aware he was married when I worked with him'")
2025 is already seeming to be a promising year for actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, as she prepares to dazzle audiences with a lineup of films that is set to showcase her versatility yet again.
Fans can look forward to seeing her in three feature films, including the much talked about Dharma production with the charming R. Madhavan. The team recently were seen filming in Kolkata for the project.
While talking about wanting to become an actress, Fatima said, “My parents took me for auditions and I became a child actor. I had no idea what I wanted to do. I did a lot of work and then felt this was not my thing. As a child, I was working for too many hours. I was missing school and not happy being on sets.”
She added, “During college, I wanted to go for fine arts but it’s an expensive education. I realized I don’t know anything else. I came back to acting and felt I enjoy this. As far as Chachi 420 is concerned, we used to stay near Kamalistan Studios and my parents used to see the shootings. I have no memory of auditioning for the role, I don’t remember. But I have memories of being on sets. I had a fun experience working with Kamal Haasan. His daughter is of my age and she used to be on sets.”
On One Two Ka Four
I love Shah Rukh Khan so much. I remember being awestruck and I was his favourite. I had a wall with only SRK’s pictures and my brother loved Jackie Shroff so we both used to have a lot of fights. I don’t know if people are still fond of actors or not. I wasn’t even aware he was married. What we saw in films was real for us.
Dangal
Just auditioned, got a call from Mukesh Chhabra. They are wrestlers and strong. I was 49 kilos and it was a story on wrestlers. I gave an audition and that’s how the journey started.
Sam Bahadur
Meghna Gulzar knows what she wants. She’s detailed oriented. She’s very smart. Her attention to detail is incredible. She knows everything about Sam Bahadur. She has a photographic memory.
On her upcoming projects
I have In Dinon coming up with Anurag Basu and this is my second film with him. There are days when we do heavy and intense scenes. He knows exactly what he’s making, and he knows everything. He chooses to give scenes little before because he wants to keep everything fresh.
I’m very excited about Ul Julool with Vijay Varma and Naseeruddin Shah. This is a sweet film being produced by Manish. He’s the kindest man Manish Malhotra. He meets all kinds of people and treats them equally. He’s genuinely curious and pure.