Sara Ali Khan weighs in on nepotism, says father Saif Ali Khan didn't approach offices

Sara Ali Khan and Saif Ali Khan pic via Instagram

Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan comes from an influential film family. Her grandmother, Sharmila Tagore, and both her parents, Amrita Singh and Saif Ali Khan, are well-established names in the industry. In a conversation with Filmfare, Sara acknowledged that coming from a film family gave her an advantage in Bollywood but said the constant debate on nepotism often takes away from the effort she puts into her career.

Sara Ali Khan talks about nepotism

When asked the Udta Teer actress whether her family legacy has given her support or weighed her down, she said it's a mix of both. "I'm not naive or delusional enough to not accept and be grateful for the fact that it has opened doors. It has given me access; it has given me recognition and fame, maybe even before I became an actor. But having said that, sometimes I do feel that the bar is too high. Nepotism has just become a bad word for people. And what I don't appreciate is that it takes away from the effort that one has made. I've said this before, and I'll say it again. Whether it's Janhvi, Ananya or me, we haven't chosen who we were born to."

'I've not had a godfather in the industry'

She further added, "We were just fortunate enough. I don't think it's fair to be hung for what's not our fault. Do I feel we have an edge? Yes, for sure. We were given a debut that people crave. But eight years into my career, having to still explain that to people… I don't think that onus should lie on me. I live with a single mother. I've not had a father going to offices, negotiating my contracts and begging people to take me in their films. When I had a problem with Kedarnath, I was sorting it out myself. There was no one with me. It's a double-edged sword. Because I've not had a godfather in the industry at all."

Sara Ali Khan films

Sara made her Bollywood debut opposite Sushant Singh Rajput in Kedarnath (2018) and went on to star in films such as Simmba, Atrangi Re, Zara Hatke Zara Bachke and Ae Watan Mere Watan. Sara recently headlined Udta Teer, opposite Ayushmann Khurrana, with Rahul Bose, Ram Kapoor, Gulshan Grover, Mukul Dev, Suhail Nayyar, Supriya Pilgaonkar, Brijendra Kala and Sandeep Anand starring in supporting roles. The film garnered a mixed response from audiences and critics.

Helmed by Aakash Kaushik, the spy comedy is backed by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Guneet Monga, Apoorva Mehta and Achin Jain under the banners of Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment.