Kubbra Sait, recently seen in Khwaabon Ka Jhamela, continues to captivate audiences with her layered performances. In this fun romantic comedy exploring finance and romance, her character brings depth and excitement to the storytelling. Known for her versatility, Kubbra shares her experiences with evolving roles, adventurous pursuits like climbing Kilimanjaro, and representing Indian talent on global platforms. From her impactful work in Shehar Lakhot and The Trial to her international debut in Foundation, Kubbra’s journey reflects her passion for the craft and personal growth. Excerpts:
Q. Can you share what drew you to Khwaabon Ka Jhamela and any takeaways for you personally from it?
A. You know, the beauty is that this story is about just a few characters, and it’s about coming of age. Every character in this film evolves. Whether it’s people finding themselves or realising their own value, the journey is immense. Personally, playing Shehnaz taught me the power of saying no. That resonated with me deeply. If something—be it a relationship or opportunity—doesn’t align with you, it may not be right. Shehnaz embodies that, and I love her for it.
Q. Can you share how your journey into acting began and what inspired you to take this path?
A. When I came to Bombay, I simply wanted to be famous. I had no knowledge of the craft or business. But I’ve been fortunate. I moved to Mumbai in 2010, and by 2011, my first film, Ready, was released. It was an unexpected launchpad. What started as a shallow desire has grown into deep respect and love for acting. I’m thrilled to be doing what I never thought I would and to witness doors opening for new stories and opportunities.
Q. In Shehar Lakhot, you portrayed SI Pallavi Raj with silent strength. How did you prepare for this role?
A. I talk a lot, so embodying Pallavi’s quiet intensity required me to internalise everything. It was incredible to feel emotions so deeply and express them subtly. Working on Shehar Lakhot with Navdeep Singh was brilliant, and the role brought me my first award, which feels great.
Q. How was your experience working on The Trial and portraying Sana Shaikh, a character with such depth?
A. Sana is a layered, brave, and a strong character, quite unlike me. While I’m bubbly, she’s composed and unreadable. This made playing her both challenging and enjoyable. Across the two seasons, working with consistent acting teams and different technical crews has been an incredible journey.
Q. Your international debut as a villain on Apple TV is a milestone. How does it feel to represent Indian talent on a global platform?
A. It feels amazing to be part of such an ambitious project. Foundation is one of the biggest sci-fi shows ever made, and being cast globally, not just as an Indian actor, was special. It’s a proud moment to represent my country and show that our talent transcends accents and skin colour. The experience taught me so much, and I felt I got paid to learn on that set!
Q. Beyond acting, you’re adventurous and even climbed Kilimanjaro. How do such experiences influence your approach to life and art?
A. Living in Bombay’s fast-paced environment, stepping into nature is essential for me. Challenges like climbing mountains push you physically, mentally, and emotionally. They teach resilience and help you embrace failure and success. For me, adventure fuels my growth as an actor by enriching my understanding of life and perspectives.
Q. Can you tell us more about your upcoming projects like Farzi 2, Son of Sardaar 2, and David Dhawan’s comedy entertainer?
A. The Trial 2 is complete, while Farzi 2 hasn’t started yet. Son of Sardaar 2 is done, and we’re all awaiting its release—likely in 2025. I also have a special appearance in a David Dhawan comedy, which feels like a legacy project for me. With hard work and patience, great things are happening, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.