In an exclusive interview, actress Sara Ali Khan opens up about the box office success of her film ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ and the distinction she draws between it and her blockbuster hit ‘Simmba’. Sitting comfortably in her Mumbai apartment, Sara exudes a sense of satisfaction as she discusses the unexpected triumph of her latest venture.
The Unconventional Journey of ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’
With a serene expression on her face, Sara enthusiastically explains, “The title perfectly encapsulates what happened with my film. While everyone was being cautious, we decided to take the unconventional path.” ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ has been captivating audiences for nearly a month now, surprising industry insiders with its enduring run.
Sara, known for her candidness, shares her perspective on the film’s success, saying, “One indicator of success is when your film passes the Monday test… My mom, who is obsessed with Twitter, keeps sending me articles about how the fourth weekend performed better than the third. Personally, I don’t pay much attention to numbers. The only currency that matters to me is the love I receive from the audience.” Her genuine smile radiates her contentment with the reception of the film.
Beyond her personal joy, Sara is thrilled to witness the debunking of the notion that people no longer frequent cinemas. She remarks, “I’m happy to see that we are back. Many people used to say that only big action films would attract audiences to the big screen. But that’s not necessarily true. I always believed, even if I didn’t entirely convince myself, that telling honest stories would touch people’s hearts. I’m glad we stuck to our vision. Vicky and I did our best to promote this film.” It is worth noting that the duo had a mere two weeks to promote the film, and the song ‘Tere Vaaste’ was hastily shot in just six hours.
While Sara claims not to be overly concerned with box office numbers, she acknowledges their significance in the industry. She candidly admits, “I would be lying if I said it doesn’t matter. ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke‘ is my highest-grossing film thus far. In ‘Simmba’ (technically her highest-grossing film), I can’t claim as much credit as Ranveer Singh and Rohit Shetty. While I put in my best efforts and matched Ranveer’s energy in every song, I can’t claim it as my own. Yes, it was my film too, but ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ feels more personal. Laxman Utekar, Vicky, and I worked on it together. I don’t want to diminish the importance of commercial cinema, but this film is a family film that I can claim as much credit for as Vicky can.”
Small Town Characters and Embracing Indian-ness
Despite her cosmopolitan upbringing and education abroad, Sara’s most acclaimed performances, including those in ‘Atrangi Re’, ‘Kedarnath’, and now ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’, feature characters from small towns. When asked about her ability to portray these roles convincingly, Sara explains, “While I haven’t lived in rural India, I am deeply proud of my Indian-ness and connected to it. When I travel, people think I’m on vacation, but that’s not the case. My holidays are different, which is probably why people don’t enjoy vacationing with me. It’s not lavish or luxurious.
If I spend five days in Himachal, I make sure to have at least six meals with the local people. I genuinely enjoy it. In ‘Kedarnath’, for example, there is a rajma chawal stall, and spending time there was essential to understanding the character.”
Read More: Extreme Temperatures Claim Over 100 Lives in Mexico as Global Warming Intensifies
Sara concludes by expressing her familiarity with the rural heartland, stating, “I am aware of how rural India functions. Indianness is an emotion, and at my core, I am a desi girl. If these roles resonate with audiences, it’s because they come from an honest place.”
Sara Ali Khan’s versatility and her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level continue to solidify her position as one of Bollywood’s most promising talents. As she cherishes the success of ‘Zara Hatke Zara Bachke’ and reflects on her journey, Sara’s dedication to storytelling and her genuine approach shines through.
