Alia Bhatt’s upcoming film ‘Kalank’ has been creating a lot of hype with every little teaser and snippet from the film as it is released. The pre-partition saga promises to be full of that Bollywood touch of glamor and glitz. Among all the things getting people excited for the movie, Alia Bhatt’s character, ‘Roop’, is one of them. This is the first time we will be seeing Alia taking on such a character, and acting in a period play.
As the film approaches its release, Alia has been doing the media rounds and her most recent interview is particularly interesting.
According to the actor, the film’s director, Abhishek Varman, had asked Alia to watched some particular films and shows to prepare for her role. Among those was Pakistani drama, ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’. In her interview, the actor said, “Abhishek asked me to watch ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’. The character of the girl (Kashaf played by Sanam Saeed) in the show is very much how Roop will deal with the situation. She has responsibility on her shoulders so she is not always a happy person. She is vulnerable yet strong. It is difficult (to bring so many) layers – unhappy, vulnerable and strong to a character.”
She couldn’t have described Kashaf any better. Kashaf is a young girl who had to grow up and become a pillar of strength for her family. She had to face a lot of struggles but her dreams and her aspirations kept her going. The character of Kashaf was multi-layered and conflicted. She would try to be happy, but her anxieties and fears would get the better of her. Sanam Saeed very beautifully breathed life into this character and carried all her qualms, anxieties and pressures so effortlessly. It is this aspect of Sanam’s acting that Alia Bhatt seems to have drawn inspiration from.
This interview spread fast, and of course, the news reached Sanam Saeed herself.
@aliaa08 if this isn't made up news, I'm tickled pink 😊. Best wishes. Xx
Kalank: Alia Bhatt reveals she drew inspiration from Sanam Saeed's 'Zindagi Gulzar Hai' character to prep for Roop https://t.co/3O1Vl48fCw via @dna
— Sanam Saeed (@sanammodysaeed) April 8, 2019
Fans of Sanam Saeed (and Kashaf) gushed over the news.
Well, it was the character to be. Hats off to Umera Ahmad as well.
— Sid-Says: (@Afqaar) April 8, 2019
Sanam has definitely set the bar for this role really high now.
If Aalia Bhatt becomes half as good as Sanam Saeed, she'll consider herself to be a very lucky girl.
— Asif H William (@AsifHaroonWilli) April 8, 2019
No doubt that character of @sanammodysaeed is master piece
— Awais Sattar (@AwaisSattar_54) April 9, 2019
How cool is that 😻😻 But no one can act like bae @sanammodysaeed ❤️
— SP🇮🇳 (@SP_2706) April 8, 2019
And people couldn’t stop praising and lauding Kashaf, and ‘Zindagi Gulzar Hai’.
Kashaf is most relatable for South Asian girls and one of the greatest written female character . You played it 100/100. Dont think any performance of alia is as natural and efforless as Kashaf
— aleena (@justcuriouslady) April 8, 2019
Your character in ZGH is one of the best feminist characters in modern day south Asian television. You were fabulous in your role. I have made dozens of people watch that show. Also thanks to @Netflix for making it accessible.
— Ni Ka (@initink) April 8, 2019
This just goes to show that art and film have no borders and that we can all learn from each other. Since we cannot officially watch the movie here, in Pakistan, all we can do is wish Alia Bhatt and the entire ‘Kalank’ team, the very best for their upcoming film.
17 Signs You’re Exactly Like Kashaf From Zindagi Gulzar Hai
11 Questions I Have For The WTF Trailer Of Alia Bhatt & Varun Dhawan’s New Movie “Kalank”
Cover Photo Courtesy: Dharma Productions and HUM TV