Actress Sara Ali Khan has opened up about the moment she rediscovered her childhood dream of becoming an actor, revealing that she weighed nearly 100 kg at the time while studying history at Columbia University.
During a conversation with veteran actor Anil Kapoor on his show India Ke Top 1%, Sara said she had initially planned to pursue a law degree after completing her studies. However, a theatre course at the university reignited her passion for acting and encouraged her to explore a career in the film industry.
When Anil asked her when she decided to become an actor, Sara explained that acting had always been a childhood aspiration, although she was equally passionate about academics.
“I always wanted to become an actor since my childhood. But then I used to enjoy academics a lot. I used to enjoy studying. Like you said, I went to Columbia. I was studying history there. I thought I will do my law degree there,” she said.
Recalling how her university experience changed her plans, Sara said performing on stage brought back a desire she had pushed aside.
“And when I went on stage and performed, the desire of my childhood which I had kept out of my mind started arising again. So I thought I have to do this. I have to try. That’s how it happened. And I was almost 100 kg at that time,” she added.
The episode also featured actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who was promoting his upcoming film Udta Teer. Asked when he decided to pursue acting, Ayushmann credited Anil Kapoor as an inspiration, saying, “I fell in love with acting when I saw you.”
Ayushmann also spoke about the encouragement he received from his father, particularly at a time when pursuing a career in the entertainment industry was not a common choice for young people from traditional families in smaller cities.
He said his father consistently supported his interest in the performing arts, while his grandmother’s singing at a Gurudwara and talent for mimicry also influenced his artistic inclinations.
