What do you do when your glad world all of the sudden shatters? Sanjeeda Sheikh didn’t let the collapse of her marriage with Aamir Ali deter her. She calmly picked up the items, went via the divorce, received over the custody of her daughter Ayra, and continued her development. She’s not a bitter lady raging about her ex. She doesn’t reside up to now, acknowledging that every part she went via was a lesson and she or he trusts the turns of time. Future smiled on her within the type of Fighter, the place she performed a job significant to the narrative and Heeramandi, the place her position as Waheeda, Manisha Koirala’s emotionally scarred youthful sister was a lot admired. The position took a lot from her however she’s glad of the expertise. Excerpts from an interesting interview with the actress who understands that tomorrow is one other day…
You talked about being an instinctive actor. How did this strategy form your efficiency in Heeramandi?
For me, appearing is all about residing within the second and creating magic spontaneously. The method of bringing Waheeda to life was a dynamic and evolving expertise, largely formed by Sanjay Sir’s meticulous steerage. His consideration to element was extraordinary; each facet of Waheeda, from her actions to her speech, was rigorously crafted to make sure she felt genuine. On the units, Sanjay Sir and I labored intently to refine Waheeda’s character. His exact course allowed us to discover and improve each nuance of her persona. To totally embody Waheeda, I approached her as if she had been my closest confidante. I immersed myself in her world, understanding her ideas, feelings and motivations deeply. This intimate connection helped me painting her with sincerity and depth, making her character resonate strongly with the viewers.
Waheeda has been perceived as a posh character with shades of gray. How did you navigate portraying a unfavourable character, who elicits assorted reactions from the viewers?
I consider all people are a mixture of good and dangerous, and it’s this mix that makes us really human. Waheeda’s complexity resonates deeply with me as a result of she displays real-life feelings and struggles. Her character is just not undimensional; she experiences a spread of feelings, from pleasure, love, sorrow to anger. This multi-faceted nature makes her relatable and real looking. Individuals’s response to Waheeda has been fascinating as a result of they see completely different aspects of themselves mirrored in her journey. Some could empathise together with her moments of vulnerability, whereas others may recognise their very own strengths and weaknesses in her actions. Her story encourages viewers to replicate on their very own lives, relationships, and decisions. It’s this capability to evoke introspection and connection that makes her character so compelling and impactful.
You’ve got admired Manisha Koirala’s work, how was your expertise working alongside her?
As an actor, I’ve all the time admired Manisha’s work. I’ve all the time thought she is of course lovely, with a face untouched by synthetic enhancements. I’ve seen all her movies. Dil Se and Bombay are my all-time favourites. She is skilled and hard-working. We frequently see her taking part in mushy, bubbly characters—the lady subsequent door. For her to tackle difficult roles, particularly at this stage in her profession, is spectacular. Watching her carry out teaches you a large number. Her success is a testomony to her dedication and humility. The important thing to success is, in fact, to maintain working laborious whereas staying humble.
Transferring on to Fighter, the place you labored with superstars like Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. What has that have been like for you?
Whereas I used to be capturing for Heeramandi, I used to be known as for a gathering about Fighter. I discovered the character performance-oriented. Although the position wasn’t lengthy, it was sturdy and impactful. It’s thrilling to work with actors like Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, who’re among the many largest superstars within the nation. They’ve a ravishing, humble high quality about them. When Deepika comes on set, she brings constructive vitality together with her smile and presence, making you overlook she’s a famous person. Their strategy creates an environment that enhances everybody’s efficiency. For example, there was a scene with Hrithik Roshan at a cremation floor. The scene was well-received and felt very natural and pure. We hadn’t rehearsed it as a result of Siddharth Anand, our director, suggested in opposition to it, given its emotional depth. He informed us to easily go along with our emotions when he known as for motion. And that’s precisely what we did. The scene turned out fantastically. In appearing, it’s essential to be within the second and never overthink your efficiency. You need to reside the scene moderately than simply act it.
You’ve talked about going via difficult phases in life. How have these experiences formed your perspective on success and resilience?
My household has been my pillar of power throughout powerful instances. Their unwavering assist has taught me resilience and the significance of staying grounded. I’ve learnt that challenges are alternatives for growt. And I’ve emerged stronger from every expertise.
You’ve got emphasised the significance of economic independence for ladies.
Monetary independence empowers ladies to make their very own decisions and pursue their goals. It’s not nearly cash; it’s about psychological empowerment and self-reliance. This perception has been essential in shaping my profession and private journey. Ladies ought to know they’re sturdy sufficient to handle themselves and others round them. Many ladies face strain to marry once they need to give attention to their careers, unable to make their very own decisions about marriage. In case you discover a good accomplice, get married. In a relationship, be understanding, supportive and appreciative however by no means tolerate dishonesty. Honesty is a ravishing facet of any relationship, whereas dishonesty is totally unacceptable.
Reflecting on motherhood, how has it impacted your life and profession?
Motherhood has been a transformative expertise for me. It’s taught me endurance, power and the flexibility to stability work and my private life. My daughter, Ayra, is my largest motivation and inspiration. Individuals say it have to be powerful being a single mother. It’s not powerful. As a mom, your duties are your duties, proper? No matter you are able to do on your little one, no one else can. I typically inform individuals, “Why are you making a giant deal about being a single mom?” So long as you might be unbiased nothing else issues. The largest secret to my success is my daughter. She desires me to do good work and it’s such a ravishing feeling. When she sees the poster for Heeramandi, or Fighter, she proudly tells her associates, “That’s my mother.” That delight she has in me is a big achievement. Once I obtain an award and are available dwelling, the smile she offers me is valuable. It provides immense worth to the award. She additionally has my household round her, which is a good assist system.
Are you a strict or lenient mom? Do you pamper your little one?
We come from a middle-class household. My mother and father labored laborious for us and that’s what I emphasise to Ayra. I’ve raised her usually. I don’t purchase her every part she desires; I train her that cash is hard-earned and we should plan and work for what we wish. It’s essential for kids to grasp the worth of cash. I play video games with Ayra to assist her discover ways to handle and spend cash properly. Moreover, I stress the significance of emotional bonding and expressing emotions.
Lastly, what recommendation would you give to aspiring actors or anybody navigating challenges in life?
Belief your instincts, keep true to your self, and embrace each part of life as a studying alternative. There are not any errors, solely studying experiences in life. As people, we do what feels proper on the time. In case your mindset adjustments over time, it doesn’t make your previous actions errors; they had been best for you then. At 20, I made selections that suited me then. Now, at 40 I’m extra mature and self-aware. What issues most is how properly you understand your self. Over time, I’ve come to grasp myself higher. After enduring many challenges, I’ve found my very own power. Success comes from perseverance and staying humble. Deal with steady enchancment and benefit from the journey.
