PremiumFatima Sana Shaikh on post-Dangal pressure: 'Approached my work with fear'
Fatima Sana Shaikh reflects on self-doubt post-Dangal, fear of solo films, and gaining confidence with Ludo as she embraces life’s ups and downs.
Last Updated: 12.56 PM, Mar 05, 2025
Fatima Sana Shaikh has been a leading lady in Bollywood for over eight years. Although she is content with her current rate of success and position in the industry, the actor acknowledges that it was more challenging to launch her leading career with a hit like Dangal (2016).
Fatima Sana Shaikh on dealing with expectations and self-doubt
In a recent interview with HT City, Fatima said that she did feel the pressure of not living up to the image and benchmark she had created. She has films like Metro In Dino and Aap Jaisa Koi coming out this year. It made her question her abilities as an actor; she meant, sure, other people might think she is good, but does she really? The actor steered clear of solo films because she didn't want to shoulder the blame and be stuck with the consequences if no one liked them. Fear kept her from diving headfirst into her job, and it took some time for her to realise that it's normal to make mistakes and fail.
ALSO READ: Metro In Dino: Fatima Sana Shaikh on working with Anurag Basu - 'As a director, he is...'
Fatima shot for Ludo (2020) after Thugs of Hindostan (2018) and she was very underconfident at that time. The 33-year-old describes Ludo (2020) as the film that changed her perspective. The actor came to realise that in the end, it's not important. All she has to do is show up for herself and do her job.
Embracing the ephemerality of life
Right now, Fatima is happy with her life and the things she is doing. Also, she has learnt that people and success are transitory; life is full of ups and downs. The ephemerality of life suits her just fine.
Meanwhile, Sam Bahadur (2023), directed by Meghna Gulzar and based on the life of Sam Manekshaw, featured Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, and Fatima as Indira Gandhi. Applause Entertainment, the makers of the Tamil film Aruvi, have cast her in the lead role of the Hindi version of the film.