In a recent heart-to-heart with Outlook India, actress Fatima Sana Shaikh bared her soul regarding her upcoming role as the iconic Indira Gandhi in Meghna Gulzar’s much-anticipated film, Sam Bahadur, with the talented Vicky Kaushal in the lead. Shaikh confessed to initial reservations, admitting, “I was a little apprehensive because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do this or not, but Meghna was very clear that she wanted me as Indira Gandhi and asked me to trust her.”

Expressing the delicate dance between trust and uncertainty in the realm of acting, Shaikh shared her experience of taking the plunge into the character. “I feel when the director is clear and he/she wants to see you in a particular character, then you just have to take the leap, and I did that. I really enjoyed playing the character, and the Indira in Sam Bahadur is a vision that Meghna had. I did as she wanted me to, and all credit goes to her that people liked my performance.”

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The discussion naturally delved into the shadow of previous portrayals of the former Prime Minister, with Shaikh revealing Meghna’s unique vision for the character. “We have seen Indira Gandhi in a certain way and in a certain light. Here, Meghna wanted to show Indira Gandhi’s vulnerable side more than anything else. We see a different side of her with Sam Manekshaw in the film.”

 

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In response to the inevitable query about the fear of comparisons with other actors who have portrayed Indira Gandhi, Shaikh demonstrated a refreshing perspective. “I never think about it. I don’t do things out of fear; I do it out of excitement. There is a nervousness about whether I should do it or not. As an actor, I should also explore. Until and unless I don’t try, fail and achieve, and if I don’t experiment, how would I know if I have it in me or not? For that, I have to be out of my comfort zone.”

Shaikh’s candid revelations provide a glimpse into the artist’s journey, embracing challenges, and finding growth beyond the confines of apprehension and comparison. As she steps into the shoes of Indira Gandhi, audiences can anticipate a portrayal that unveils a hitherto unseen facet of the political titan in the canvas of Sam Bahadur.