Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh recently shared that she initially turned down the role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the movie “Sam Bahadur,” despite later earning widespread praise for her portrayal of the iconic leader.

In a candid conversation, Shaikh confessed that her initial response to the role was a firm refusal. The actress doubted whether she was the right fit for such a significant and challenging character. It was Meghna Gulzar, the director of the film, who played a pivotal role in convincing Shaikh to reconsider, assuring her that she was indeed the perfect choice for the role.

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When it came to preparing for the role, Shaikh shared insights into her approach. While she did watch old videos of Indira Gandhi, the actress heavily relied on Meghna Gulzar’s guidance. The director provided specific instructions on how she envisioned the portrayal of the former Prime Minister, curating essential elements for Shaikh to incorporate into her performance.

Delving into the depths of Gandhi’s life, childhood, and contributions, Shaikh not only studied old videos available at Films Division but also engaged in extensive research. However, she emphasized the crucial role that Meghna played in deciding which aspects to include in the character and how much detail to incorporate.

Also Read: Vicky Kaushal Takes on the Toughest Role as Sam Manekshaw in ‘Sam Bahadur’

One significant challenge that Shaikh faced during the filming process was the intricate makeup to achieve the authentic look of Indira Gandhi. The actress highlighted the time-consuming nature of the process, requiring her to sit for three hours for the transformation. She candidly acknowledged the difficulty actors face in staying calm and still during this tedious and often boring process, underscoring the patience required to bring such a character to life on screen.

Fatima Sana Shaikh’s revelation offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the intricate process of bringing historical figures to life on the silver screen, showcasing the dedication and collaboration between actors and directors in crafting memorable performances.