The reaction to the teaser for Fatima Sana Shaikh’s upcoming movie, Sam Bahadur, has been positive. She credited filmmaker Meghna Gulzar for helping her portray former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in an interview with Hindustan Times. Vicky Kaushal and Sanya Malhotra are also featured in Sam Bahadur.
Vicky Kaushal’s portrayal of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw caused ripples after the teaser’s release. Fatima disagrees with those who claim Vicky’s change overshadowed her and thinks it was absolutely appropriate. “Yes, and usme galat nahi hai (it’s not wrong). It’s Sam Bahadur’s film, not Indira Gandhi. Talking about the film, we are celebrating what he has done for the country. Basically, he crossed paths with so many people and everybody added something to his life. You will see more intricacies and layers in his character. In fact, every other character, even if it’s small, there’s an arch. Of, course, it will never be as layered as the protagonist,” she said.
On comparisons with Kangana Ranaut, who plays Indira Gandhi in her film Emergency, Fatima said, “How can I compare our performance? She is performing differently and I’m doing mine. Probably, I would have done things differently if I had been doing her role, I don’t know.” Fatima said that she understands that people compare her with Kangana, especially when they play the same character. She believes both approaches can be right and it’s about capturing the character’s spirit. “If two actors are playing the same character then people are bound to compare and there’s nothing wrong in it. Both approaches can be right. It’s all about the spirit of the character.”
The actor also reacted to Kangana’s look from the Emergency teaser. She said, “I have seen it, bohot mast laga (it was really good). I think everybody liked it. I don’t remember a single person not liking it. With the hair and makeup, it was too good, visually she looked like her.”
