Meghna Gulzar’s much-anticipated film, Sam Bahadur, featuring Vicky Kaushal as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, has not only withstood a box office clash with Animal but has also garnered widespread acclaim. Interestingly, the film almost missed out on Fatima Sana Shaikh’s remarkable portrayal of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, as she initially turned down the role.

Meghna Gulzar convinced Fatima Sana Shaikh to take on the role of Indira Gandhi

In a recent revelation, Fatima shared that she initially refused the role, believing she wasn’t the right fit. It was the persuasive prowess of director Meghna Gulzar that eventually convinced her to take on the iconic character of Indira Gandhi in the film. Meghna’s assurance that Fatima was indeed the right choice played a pivotal role in the actress’s decision.

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Fatima, expressing her desire to work with Meghna, highlighted the director’s significant role in guiding her preparation for the role. Although the actress did watch old videos of the former Prime Minister, Meghna’s meticulous guidance and specific instructions shaped the portrayal. Fatima Sana Seikh delved into Gandhi’s life, childhood, and contributions, crediting Meghna for curating specific elements for the character.

The actress also praised Meghna’s extensive knowledge about the era, wars, uniforms, and textiles, describing her as an encyclopedia on the subject. She commended Meghna’s intelligence, decisiveness, and self-assurance, emphasizing the value of having a director who knows precisely what she wants.

Despite the meticulous preparations, achieving the look of Indira Gandhi was a significant challenge, requiring three hours of makeup. Fatima acknowledged the tedious and boring process and highlighted the importance of remaining calm and still during the makeup sessions.

Sam Bahadur features confrontational scenes between Fatima and Vicky Kaushal. Reflecting on her experience with the actor, she praised him as a brilliant and cooperative co-actor. The film’s release alongside Animal on December 1 sparked discussions about its box office performance. Fatima expressed uncertainty about whether the film would have fared better if released independently but acknowledged that it found its audience.

Beyond Sam Bahadur, Fatima’s notable performance in Dhak Dhak garnered appreciation last year. Her upcoming project, Anurag Basu’s Metro… In Dino, boasts an ensemble cast including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, and Konkona Sen Sharma.

As audiences continue to applaud Sam Bahadur and Fatima’s portrayal of Indira Gandhi, it remains a testament to the collaborative efforts that go into bringing historical figures to life on the silver screen.

5 must-watch movies featuring Fatima Sana Shaikh

Fatima Sana Shaikh has showcased her versatility and talent in various films. Here are five must-watch movies featuring the talented actress:

1. Dangal (2016):
   • In this critically acclaimed sports drama, Fatima played the role of Geeta Phogat, a wrestler. The film revolves around the inspiring journey of the Phogat sisters and their father’s determination to make them wrestling champions.
2. Sam Bahadur (2023):
   • In Meghna Gulzar’s Sam Bahadur, Fatima takes on the challenging role of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The film, centered around Vicky Kaushal as Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, not only portrays historical events but also highlights Fatima’s ability to transform into iconic characters.
3. Dhak Dhak (2022):
   • This film showcases Fatima’s versatility as an actress. Dhak Dhak, a drama featuring Dia Mirza, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Sanjana Sanghi, explores complex relationships and emotions, with Fatima delivering a noteworthy performance.
4. Chachi 420 (1997):
   • While not a recent film, Chachi 420 is a classic comedy where Fatima, as a child artist, played a significant role. Directed by Kamal Haasan, the film is a hilarious take on a father disguising himself as a woman to be close to his daughter.
5. Ludo (2020):
   • In this Anurag Basu directorial, Fatima portrays the character of Pinky. Ludo is a dark comedy-drama that weaves multiple interconnected stories, and Fatima’s performance adds depth to the ensemble cast.