Gimme some love

Fatima Sana Shaikh

Fatima Sana Shaikh's latest release, Dhak Dhak, and upcoming romantic drama Metro In Dino have two things in common - a strong ensemble cast, and profound interpersonal dynamics. The latter is an incentive for the actor. "I enjoy stories that have layered interpersonal relationships, whether they are romantic in nature or friendships," says Shaikh, looking forward to resuming the shoot of the film that also stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sensharma and Ali Fazal, among others.

Fatima Sana Shaikh and Anurag Basu

Another perk that Metro In Dino offers is the opportunity to reunite with Anurag Basu. Shaikh had collaborated with the director on the 2020 drama, Ludo. "In Dada's films, each relationship has layers and nuances. In Metro, we will explore the dynamics between my partner [essayed by Fazal] and me. Dada is my person. I keep telling him, ‘Give me whatever role you want to. I just want to work with you all my life.'"

Up next, she has a promising project in Meghna Gulzar's Sam Bahadur, which sees her play former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. At this stage in her career, Shaikh is happy that she is able to choose films that speak to her. In fact, she knows what she wants to manifest next. "I am a sucker for romances. I'd love to do a romantic film that pierces through [the audience's] heart," she smiles.