From ‘Kedarnath’ Struggles to ‘Simmba’ Success: Sara Ali Khan’s Story of Persistence
Sara Ali Khan Opens Up on Nepotism, Trolls, and Her Journey from ‘Kedarnath’ to ‘Simmba’
Mumbai: Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan, daughter of veteran actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, has made her mark in the film industry through talent, dedication, and hard work. Yet, she often finds herself in the spotlight for her personal life more than her films, frequently becoming the target of trolls over issues of religion and nepotism. “I can’t change my parents. I just hope people recognise me for my work,” she once said.
Following her father’s advice, Sara completed her graduation from Columbia University in New York in 2016 before making her Bollywood debut in 2018 with Kedarnath, opposite the late Sushant Singh Rajput. The performance earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.
Early Life and Family Relationships
At the age of nine, Sara witnessed her parents’ divorce. Her mother, Amrita Singh, was granted custody, and initially, her father was not allowed to meet the children. Over the years, Sara and her brother Ibrahim built a close bond with Saif Ali Khan, and she also shares a cordial relationship with her stepmother, Kareena Kapoor Khan, whom she deeply admires for her professionalism.
The ₹5 Crore ‘Kedarnath’ Controversy
According to a Mid-Day report, while shooting for Kedarnath, Sara signed Rohit Shetty’s Simmba, leading to scheduling conflicts. Director Abhishek Kapoor alleged that this disrupted Kedarnath’s production and filed a legal case demanding ₹5 crore in damages for breach of contract. The dispute was eventually settled with the intervention of Saif Ali Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar.
How Sara Landed ‘Simmba’
Sara clarified that her role in Simmba was not handed to her on a platter. She persistently messaged Rohit Shetty requesting work and eventually visited his office alone, dressed simply in a white salwar-kameez, to personally ask for the role. “I folded my hands and said, ‘Sir, please give me work,’” she recalled.
A huge admirer of Rohit Shetty’s films, Sara expressed her wish to explore all genres without being typecast. “I want to take on every kind of role and story, across all platforms. I’m not restricting myself to any format; I choose scripts and characters that truly convince me,” she said.
The Uncertainty Around ‘Kedarnath’
Reflecting on that time, Sara said, “During Kedarnath, I faced many ups and downs. I was new, and the film was going through a rough phase. No one was willing to offer me another film, but Rohit sir believed in me and gave me a chance.”
On Nepotism and Religious Trolls
At the ABP Network Idea Summit 2023, Sara addressed the nepotism debate: “There’s no point overthinking things you can’t control. I’m not running away from my name, but I want to be known for my work.”
She also revealed that she faces trolling for her faith, with some criticising her for visiting Hindu temples despite being Muslim. “It doesn’t affect me anymore. Meditation helps me focus on what’s real and what’s not. My problem was never trolling it was my own mindset of thinking I was the best. I’ve moved past that now,” she said.
