Interview With Sana Saeed (Student of The Year)

- Supriya Davda           Let us know what you think about this article

Sana Saeed who played the role of Anjali in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai [1998] was in fact chosen among two-hundred other children to play Shahrukh Khan and Rani Mukherjee's daughter. She won several awards as the Best Child Artist.

Sana now will be making her debut in Karan Johar’s forthcoming film "Student of the Year" as Tanya.

Planet Bollywood Reporter, Supriya Davda speaks to Sana Saeed about her journey as the daughter of Shah Rukh Khan to the college Hottie in Karan Johar’s Student of the Year.

1) After all theses years how does it feel being back into the movies?

It was very different then, I was so little to understand too much about acting and filming it was more fun and less work as a kid. Off course it’s totally different now. I understand way better and in depth of the different departments of a film. I love acting now even more. After all these years, I am now finally certain of my professional and career choice because this is what I really am passionate doing.

2) After the super success of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai what happened? Describe your journey? Peoples reactions?

Well my childhood was as ordinary as being any other kid my age. My parents and family are very rooted; therefore even after KKHH became a blockbuster I was still treated like their 8-year-old baby and not a celebrity child artist. I remember never missing days at school for work because my mom made sure I’d always understand my priorities. I also did ad films ever since I was three so my friends took to me being a part of KKHH casually then usual and off course we were all still too young to know how big the film’s Hype actually was. So at home, school and with friends I had the most common fun filled childhood that wasn’t really compromised because of work. Though outside my circle it was different people did recognize me and I was definitely Bombarded with lots of Anjali questions. It was a tiny thrill back then but I remember attending to most of it shyly but my mom was always there to answer most of it, which I am glad for. I still do get a lot of recognition for being Anjali and my friends till date tease me but now the thrill is much more because only now I do realize how big an opportunity it really was, and how thankful I am for it have come my way.

3) You’re working with Karan Johar after all these years, what was it like being on set on the first day?

Working with Karan again was just fabulous. I was so scared of him as a child because I was always nervous about not messing my lines and giving my best. So when I met him for the first time on the sets of SOTY my heart was pounding in my mouth. But to that day till present I’ve had nothing but fun times with him. He is a great director - easy, fun and comfortable to work with and literally not “just to say” but one of the most amazing people I know today. I loved working with him in KKHH and SOTY and I would do it again blindly. Well my first day on set by far would be my most memorable. Standing among big names like Karan Johar, Farah Khan, Manish Malhotra, Mickey Contractor and so many others all who I had worked with in KKHH and being so warmly welcomed by everyone was one great feeling and off course being so warmly greeted by SRK after all those years.

4) Would you say your journey has now begun as a star?

Well the plan is to wait for something really worthwhile to come my way. I am in no hurry of anything, I want to take all my time and look into something interesting and fun to perform. Also I am really anxious to see how I am accepted back in the industry after all these years so for now I am patiently waiting for 19th of October 2012. But yes, may be the journey has begun and hopefully a beautiful one J

5) Is any work coming your way?

Well I am reading a few scripts and have been auditioning but nothing I want to go ahead with as of now.

6) What kind of films are you looking to do?

Well I think over the last 5 years Indian Cinema has drastically evolved. Today I see an audience that appreciates different types of genre, which would have been looked down upon a few years back. There is an audience that welcomes and accepts new talent too. So I would be open to working on with anyone or on any subject that is guided by a strong script and a good team.

7) You did TV soap for a while, how different is it from working on TV to film?

The TV soap came my way while I was doing my last year at Degree College. I worked on a daily soap but yet I was given offs during exams, I was allowed to leave set by 9pm latest and given a day or two off in a week. Such leverage is very difficult to have when one is working on a daily soap. As a result because of their modest co-operation I gave TV a shot. Clearly, I was even older so it was easier to multi-task work with studies and I think I managed a fair deal. In films, work is done with ease and over time. I believe for a performer the best is extracted out of you when you do cinema. You get to play diverse roles in due course of time and you get to explore more of yourself as an actor. Plus I would fancy going and watching myself in the big cinemas with my bucket of popcorn rather than at home. On the other hand TV soaps have deadlines to get on air and work is rushed due to lack of time. It leaves you with very little opportunity to extract your best. A TV serial could go on for a year and more which leaves you with very little opportunity to discover roles and if your interested in playing the lead then you’ll always be playing the nice girl with very little to explore of what your capable of portraying as an actor.

8) Your future aspirations in the film industry?

I love Rani Mukerji and Priyanka Chopra; I think they’ve made a mark in the industry with their brilliant performance and diverse roles. I want to have career like them.

9) Which actor are you looking forward to sharing screen space?

If I had to mention actors I would love to work with Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan again and hands down with Aamir Khan as well. They being my favourites. And well among the current it would definitely be Ranbir Kapoor.

10) Has Shah Rukh and Kajol seen the film? What have their reactions?

I have no clue. I am sure they have but I haven’t heard of any reviews personally from them. But the feedback from an entire lot has been fabulous; everyone I know has loved it.

11) Tell us a little about your character in the film?

I am playing a high school “hottie” Tanya. She is glamorous and full of life.

12) What was it like working with Varun, Siddharth and Aliaa?

It was a really good experience all three of them are very talented actors, dancers and most importantly confident performers. Personally I had more screen space with Varun; he was a lot of fun to work with. Aliaa is a stunner and Siddharth takes your breathe away in some beautiful moments in the film, he is a super performer.

13) Have you seen the final product? What are your thoughts?

Yes, I have. I genuinely loved the film. I think it’s a complete Karan Johar movie and one who has loved his blockbusters would really enjoy this one as it is fresh, vibrant and full of life.

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