Being an actor was perhaps a catalyst for my weight loss, but it had to happen anyway: Sara Ali Khan

In a freewheeling conversation with indianexpress.com before she walked for Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla in New Delhi, the Love Aaj Kal actor talks about her love for white chikankari suits, her physical transformation, sustainable living, and of course, fashion.

Excerpts:

Sara Ali Khan sashayed down the ramp like a true diva. (Source: APH Images)

We have seen you in Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla creations before. But we have also noticed that your personal style is quite basic. How do you strike a balance?

The reason my personal style is basic is that when the occasion demands, high fashion, drama and glamour can be enjoyed. The more understated you are, the easier it is to go into different zones. So personally, I have no problem giving interviews in bathrobes or wearing white chikankari clothes everywhere I go, but when it’s required, glamour is fun and no one does it better than Abu and Sandeep.

The Kedarnath actor knows how to strike a balance between basic and high-drama looks. (Source: APH Images)

You must take credit for bringing casual ethnics back in trend. What makes you inclined towards a simple white salwar kurta?

The fact that it’s honest, original and comfortable; and I feel these qualities speak on their own. Audiences, whether it is through the media or social media, can tell if you are putting up a farce. And I think white chikankari is genuinely the most basic, raw and original and I like that.

Your physical transformation is inspirational. But was it the calling to become a Bollywood actor that drew you to embark on this fitness journey?

I think it would’ve happened irrespective of the profession. Because it was a health concern. I had severe PCOD, and I still do. And the heavier you are the harder it is to deal with things emotionally, mentally, and medically in a lot of ways. So, being an actor was perhaps a catalyst, but it had to happen anyway.

ALSO READ | Love Aaj Kal promotions: Sara Ali Khan is out and about with some fun looks

You are someone who is often spotted on the streets without makeup. What is the secret behind your glowing skin?

One hour on the treadmill and at least 20 glasses of water a day is all that it actually takes. My mom says not to lie, but sometimes I do. As they say, the better your soul the better you look, so that helps too. But I will work on it harder.

Sara Ali Khan is the daughter of actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita SIngh. (Source: APH Images)

There is a lot of conversation happening around sustainable living. Do you also practice this?

I have stopped using plastic, which is a small step but I think it’s a good one. The entire set of Coolie No. 1 has ditched plastic and we are just trying to make a difference with this small step.

Superb gesture by the team of #CoolieNo1! Happy to see the film world contributing towards freeing India from single use plastic. https://t.co/bPXFgHz2I4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 12, 2019

Your witty personality and undeniable confidence have garnered a lot of young fans. But what would you advise your fans about tackling the low moments in life?

One must know that there will be high moments and those moments won’t be fun if there weren’t any low ones. Also, don’t be too hard on yourself and talk about it to the right people. Just know that on a bad day it’s only going to get better.

One must know that there will be high moments and those moments won’t be fun if there weren’t any low moments, says Sara. (Source: APH Images)

We know you love NYC. But if you had to choose one place you like in India, which would it be?

I like a lot of places in India. Kerala is beautiful; it’s the last place I visited.

How do you feel about walking the ramp for Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla at Blenders Pride Fashion Tour?

My association with them goes back to even before I was born. They are family to me. It’s a privilege to walk for them, more than anything else. The theme of this event is the amalgamation of past, present and future and the influences that one carries forward. I think it’s almost ironic that I am doing it with Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, as they have been a huge part of my past, present and I aspire for my future as well.