Almost overnight, Sara Ali Khan found herself being promoted. Putting an end to months of comparisons with debutante Janhvi Kapoor, Khan found herself being pitted against the inarguably talented Alia Bhatt, even though she had weeks to go before her acting prowess could be put up for scrutiny. It may be worthy to point out that following her debut in Student Of The Year, Bhatt had to put in a hint of toil to establish her credibility with acts in Highway and Udta Punjab. Yet, for Khan, an hour-long chat show — in the company of father Saif Ali Khan — did the trick, making her instantly affable for both, cinephiles and media professionals. Evidently a chip of the old block, Khan, in many ways, is a reflection of her father, who has long established his place in the industry as among the most well-read; one who can pick up a conversation on any subject. And while her intelligence shown through in the Karan Johar-hosted show, it is the unmistakable earnesty with which she tackles questions that makes her worthy of attention.

As we meet her for the first time during a round of promotions for the Friday release Kedarnath, Khan's wit isn't lost on us. Neither is her vulnerability, as she juggles questions with emotions, instead of the stoicism that industry veterans familiarise themselves with. She tells us she was 20 years old when she arrived at the decision to make a career in Bollywood. "I was studying in Columbia [University, New York] and realised that that was not what [I wanted]. In my university, I also did theatre, and knew that this was exactly what I wanted to do. I love history, and can continue to do so. I was in a history museum last week, and was reading a history book 25 minutes ago. So, that is something I can continue to pursue. But, acting is age-sensitive. It was now or never for me, and it can never be never. Even though I had a blast in Columbia, I finished a four-year-degree in three years, because I didn't want to waste a year [as an actor]," she says.