Fatima Sana Shaikh, talked with Subhash K Jha about celebrating her birthday and delves into her memories and her life and work in the movies so far!
What do birthdays mean to you and how did celebrate it this year?
I usually don’t like to make a big fuss around my birthday. I keep it simple. The last few years I have either been on a set working or literally doing nothing. However, this year I wanted to do something I really enjoy. I went for a hike with a bunch of my friends , we enjoyed a picnic by a lake and then jumped into the water. It was just so special. Fortunately, I am blessed with really wonderful friends who travelled for hours and then hiked for hours with me to celebrate my birthday.
Best memories of childhood birthdays?
Once I had spent my birthday at an amusement park which was right in our lane. It was called fantasy land, much later it was broken down and now there are buildings there. That was the first time I had ever sat in a roller coaster. That was one of my best birthdays. Good times.
What is this ‘seizure’ that you had while shooting for Gustaakh Ishq?
I have epilepsy, and because we were shooting night shifts, I experienced a seizure during one of the shoots. My team was already aware of my condition, and they handled the situation with care and sensitivity. I’ve always believed in being transparent about my health, so everyone knows how to respond if something like this happen
Gustaakh Ishq felt very old-world and quaint — what was it like for you to enter this world?
It was a completely new experience for me. I’ve done romantic films before, but Gustaakh Ishq took me back to a time when love didn’t come with labels. Love meant patience and waiting …when it was okay to take things slow.Today, we live in an era of instant messaging and instant feelings.
Your memories of shooting with Kamalji and Tabu in Chachi 420?
I didn’t understand cinema then, but I remember observing everything. Kamal sir would transform so effortlessly. He had this incredible energy. Even as a child, I knew I was witnessing something magical. Tabu was so patient and nurturing. Being around her felt safe and comforting. she felt like home. Today, when I look back, I still can’t believe I got to share the screen with such stalwarts… Om Puri, Amrish Puri, Johnny Walker, Paresh Rawal, and of course, Tabu and Kamal sir. What a cast to be a part of!
I agree. Was it difficult for you to understand what was going on?
In many ways, yes. I didn’t understand filmmaking or performance the way I do now, but I understood emotions. I knew when a moment was funny, awkward, or tender and that instinct stayed with me.
Were you pampered on the sets?
Very much so. I was looked after with a lot of care,from food to comfort to emotional safety. Everyone was extremely patient and protective, and that kindness is something I still remember.
Did you enjoy being a child actor?
I truly did. It never felt like work.It felt like play. There was no pressure or ambition, just curiosity and joy. I feel grateful that my first experience of cinema was so warm, respectful, and full of heart.
