Fatima Sana Shaikh on her 'Thugs Of Hindostan' co-stars: Amitabh Bachchan is a sweetheart and so is Katrina Kaif
Fatima Sana Shaikh opens up about life post Dangal, her experience of working with Katrina Kaif, Amitabh Bachchan and her future projects
Fatima Sana Shaikh started her career in showbiz at a very young age. But, she gained recognition as an actor only after 'Dangal'. She is currently shooting for her next Bollywood film 'Thugs of Hindostan' with her 'Dangal' co-star Aamir Khan, Katrina Kaif and Amitabh Bachchan.
The actress also recently bagged her first endorsement deal with 'Fossil' alongside Varun Dhawan. Earlier when she had appeared on 'Koffee With Karan', she had lamented about advertising producers steering clear of her, apparently because she didn't fit their beauty standards. But, things have cleary changed for the starlet.
“My life has changed after ‘Dangal’. When I had started I didn’t expect anything to happen to me – neither a film, nor brand endorsements. I’m so glad that ‘Dangal’ happened and that I’m now getting a chance to work with great brands that I relate myself with,” Fatima told DNA.
There is a lot of curiosity around her second film for more reasons than one. First, Yash Raj Films’ magnus opus is going to be the first Bollywood movie on seafaring. Second, it has been shot extensively in Malta, the same location where the cult HBO TV series Game of Thrones was shot. Third, this is the first time when Aamir Khan will be seen sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan.
Ask her about her experience of working on the film and she says, “It was really an amazing experience. Because one, it’s a very different kind of a film from ‘Dangal’. ‘Dangal’ was a very realistic film. While, this (Thugs of Hindostan) is a period drama. Everything is over the top. Sets are huge, people are also dressed up. So, it’s very interesting and completely different from what I have done before. We have been shooting since a long time and I’m learning a lot. I’m learning new things. For me, it has been a great learning experience."
Certain news reports had earlier suggested that Katrina is upset because of an one-film-old actress like Fatima getting more screen-time than her in Thugs. Katrina, however, had later clarified that she is more than happy to be a part of such a prestigious project and that the media should refrain from finding drama in places where there's none.
When asked how was it like working with Big B and Katrina, Fatima said, "(It's a privilege) to be working with Amitabh Bachchan Sir, who’s a legend. I have scenes with him and I am really in awe of him. You know when you have grown up watching these people and they are your idols. He’s a sweetheart! He is so lovely to work. He’s really warm. So, I’m very happy. And Katrina (Kaif) aswell. She is extremely sweet and loving. So, I had only positive experience working on this project.”
Fatima will be seen performing some high-octane action scenes in the film. When asked to divulge details about the same, Fatima said, “It’s a completely different kind of action. It’s not like ‘Dangal’. That was a proper sport. This, however, is completely different. There’s sword-fighting, archery. It’s very interesting that everytime I do a film, it demands a certain thing from me. So, that way I am getting to learn new things."
"For this film, I learnt archery and sword-fighting.There’s a lot of jumping. It’s basically a very different kind of action. It challenges me and I feel I’m getting older. But, it’s a process. A very interesting learning process! So, I am enjoying every moment."
Apart from 'Thugs', her fans are also eager to witness Fatima's reunion with her 'Dangal' sister Sanya Malhotra.The girls are really fond of each other and their jodi is quite a hit on social media. So, can we expect another film anytime in near future?
“I hope, yaar. I would love to work with her. I love her and she is one of my best friends. If you ever see us together, you would be able to see that chemistry between us. She is my soul-sister. I really love her. So, I would be really excited to work with her and I just hope something comes up soon.”
Rumours were rife that she was earlier going to be a part of Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Pataakha'. When asked to comment on the same, a hesitant Fatima said, “Aahh! I can’t say anything about it. I am really excited for Sanya because I really liked the posters and I can’t wait for the film to release. Really happy for her and am excited to watch the film.”
Surprisingly, Fatima hasn't been offered anyting after 'Thugs'. “As of now, there’s nothing. But, I really am looking for work. You should write it down that I’m looking for projects. So that people approach me (laughs). I am waiting for something to come up.”
She wants to do a love-story, next. “I would love to do a romantic film or a Sanjay Leela Bhansali film or Rajkumar Hirani film. These are the films that I love watching. I’m a great fan of them. I love them and I hope that I get a chance to work with them.”