INDIA:
Sara Arfeen Khan never really set out to be an actor. Armed with a master’s degree in psychology from London, the young lass returned to India to pursue her interest in social work. She was actively involved in training young people and working on projects related to women empowerment when she was offered a role in the television show, ‘Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein’. She accepted it and has come a long way since. But Sara is selective about the kind of projects she wants to work on. The actor is clear when she says she wouldn’t work on just any project because her focus remains on working with young people. She wants to make a substantial contribution in making the young in the country a more secure force. In a chat with Nina C George, Sara talks about returning to the small screen and her journey so far.
How did you get into acting?
Before I started acting, I was actively involved in training youngsters in stress management and was also attached to projects related to the WHO. I was in a meeting with a few people in a cafe in Mumbai when I got a call asking if I was interested in working on the television serial ‘Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein’. It was after several rounds of discussions that I agreed to work on it.
Your Bollywood debut ‘Total Siyappa’ changed a lot of things for you…
Yes. It made me realise that acting in films is not as tough as working for the small screen. You are on your toes when you are working in television but it’s not so in films. At least, you get a chance to go a bit slow.
How is it to return to the small screen with ‘Jamai Raja’?
I play the central character called Mahi. In ‘Jamai Raja’, Mahi meets with an accident and after a plastic surgery, I will be a new Mahi. It’s a very positive role because I play the character who brings two warring groups together. But looks like the plot will change in the second half, and I may end up portraying a negative shade. So far, the project has been moving at a brisk pace.
What keeps you grounded?
Most people tend to put their eggs in one basket. This is precisely why some actors get into depression. If they don’t get as many lead roles as they used to, they get depressed and fall prey to drugs and alcohol. I make sure that I not only act but also work on a couple of things unrelated to the film industry. This, I think, keeps me grounded.
Why do you think you are different from the other actors?
Acting is not the only thing I do. I also work on projects related to women empowerment and with youngsters who need help dealing with stress-related issues. As actors, we make a name and have a huge fan following but I always wonder whether we do enough to give back to society. Working with youngsters means a lot to me.
What keeps you going?
I keep in touch with reality and in tune with my surroundings.
What next?
I’ve signed two projects because I found them very different but I am not allowed to talk about them just yet.
At close quarters Actor Sara Arfeen Khan made her debut on the small screen with ‘Dhoondh Legi Manzil Humein’. She soon made her mark in Bollywood with ‘Total Siyappa’ which marked her debut in Bollywood. She was also part of television series such as ‘Dilli Wali Thakur Gurls’ and ‘Zindagi Wins’. In between, she took a short break and has now returned to the small screen to essay the role of Mahi in ‘Jamai Raja.’
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Metrolife / by Nina C George, DHNS / November 14th, 2016