EXCLUSIVE: If you ask me a question Im an open book says Kubbra Sait

I got a call from Danish Aslam (director) and he wanted me to play this character called Shehnaaz. He told me Prateik Babbar is also in the movie. I asked him if Prateik and I get married towards the end. He said no, you walk away because he’s not good in bed. I said, I’ve done this before and I will do it again. I feel like it’s important to tell stories where we can stand up for ourselves.

Was there any scene in the movie that you loved to film?

One interesting part in the movie was when she tells Ruby if she realizes how difficult it is to tell the parents that we don’t want to be in this relationship because the intimate moments are not satisfactory. Nobody talks about intimacy in our country but we have the biggest population in the world. I think it’s important to talk and normalize it. Not just with younger children, but with people of our age who have conflicted on views of intimacy. Shehnaaz had the courage to say no and chase what she deserves.

I am not greedy. But I was a person who would just stick in a relationship under societal pressure because you can’t lose. I had also written in my book that I chased the nice guy for the longest time. I realized much later that I want the good guy, not the nice one. I am a good person, so I deserve a good guy. Nice is so surface. I value myself a lot today. So I’m able to receive value back in return.

In these 15 years in Mumbai, what have you learned about yourself?

I had realized that when I had come to Mumbai, my dreams were as shallow as being famous. There’s nothing wrong in wanting fame, right? When I came here, that was my dream.. When I look back from then to where I am now, I’ve realized that I want to be a better actor than be a star. I don’t think I ever wanted to be a star, but I wanted to be famous. Now, I want to be a better actor. 

Is OTT truly welcoming to all actors?

Before OTT, there were only limited stories that were being told. Limited stories with limited screen time would mean limited characters. But now the story format has become much longer. In the years that have come by, the writing has improved. There are arcs for characters. We’re in a situation where things are really changing. We’re in the middle of that change. We’re a part of something really big. At the Filmfare OTT Awards 2024, Gagan Dev Riar won Best Actor (Male) in a Drama Series for his role in Scam 2003: The Telgi Story. That is pure merit. Thanks to OTT, people are being recognized for their work. It also means people are able to do more of what they love.

Yes. Look at Tilottama Shome. Do you remember when Vidya Balan did something so big? Then we were waiting for another person like that. But today, look at all the characters. Today, Sheeba Chaddha is known. Shefali Shah is known. Rasika Dugal is known. Manvi Gagroo is known. We are all known for different things. Earlier, there was one blueprint. You want to be an actress in Hindi storytelling, in Bollywood and in a Bollywood-like narrative. You needed to be a certain way and look a certain way. You needed to have a certain face. You needed to have certain hair. We are witnessing incredible change now.

Sacred Games was a turning point for you.

It was definitely something that I look back on. Nothing like Sacred Games had happened when it was released. It was the first OTT show that got the recognition that it did. It blew out of the status quo. It was a phenomenon. The character was never written before. They were casting for my character for a year. They didn’t find anyone. Sometimes, opportunities just arrive. You take them and run with it. I was always running. This was just one of the other things that I picked up along the way.

While you were running for opportunities, how did you take care of your mental health?

I had never realized the importance of mental health before. But the realization came through various miracles. In 2014, after four years of living in Mumbai, I took my first ever trip. I went rafting through the River Kali for 12 days. I was without my phone. We were sleeping in tents and on riverbanks.  I have to tell you the peace and clarity nature brought to me helped me set and reset. Over the years, nature is one thing that has kept me grounded. I cannot emphasize enough on how important it is to take care of your mental health. Do whatever it takes for you.  Everyone agrees that Mumbai is a fast city but no one tells you that you really need to take care of your mind when you’re in this city. I have also learned how to listen to my inner voice. That, for me, happened when I started going for trips. Earlier this year, I climbed Kilimanjaro. I was climbing a mountain this time after seven years.

I was at the 38-year mark when I wrote the book. I really didn’t have any role models. I didn’t have people around me who would tell me that it was okay to fail. Someone who would assure me that I could still grow despite things going wrong. When wrong things are happening to you, you feel you’re the only one who’s going through it. But when you’ve gone past it, and you have the courage to assimilate what has happened to you. You never learn at that moment. You always learn after the moment. My bag was getting heavier. My back was getting weaker. I wanted to unstrap the bag and put it down. I felt that it should be me telling my story. It doesn’t matter whether it is in the form of a book or a movie. I wanted to answer the real questions through my book.

During COVID, I had the time and didn’t need anyone else to ask me these questions. I always said, if you ask me a question, I’m an open book, I will answer it.

Out of all the characters that you’ve played till date, which is the closest to your heart?

I love Rhea in Jawaani Jaaneman and Meher Salam in Illegal. I’m very excited about Deva that’s coming up. I play a pretty silent-strength role. I love my role in Shehar Lakhot. There’s also Kukoo in Sacred Games. My role in Son of Sardaar 2 is great too.