Konkona Sen Sharma reflects back on playing Indu in 'Omkara': 'I feared it might swallow the performance'

In a candid conversation with critic Mayank Shekhar, actor and filmmaker Konkona Sen Sharma looked back on her two-decade journey, describing it as one that was never designed for stardom. “I don’t really see myself as a mainstream star,” she said, reflecting on a career that has seen her balance commercial projects with deeply personal, character-driven work.

Raised in a family steeped in world and regional cinema, Sen Sharma admits to being a “snob” only in the sense of having high standards. During her years at St. Stephen’s College, she began in backstage work before theatre pulled her into acting. Even today, she values simplicity and distance from industry glamour, preferring grounded roles and non-filmy friendships.

Omkara and the making of an icon

Among her most memorable experiences was Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara, the 2006 adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello. The film starred Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Bipasha Basu, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Naseeruddin Shah, set against the raw landscape of Uttar Pradesh. Sen Sharma recalled struggling with the region’s heavy dialect, explaining, “I focused so hard on getting the accent right that I feared it might swallow the performance.” Bhardwaj’s calm advice to “concentrate on the acting” helped her find balance and confidence.

A Pinkvilla report revealed that nearly twenty years later, producers Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak are developing a spin-off centered on Saif Ali Khan’s Langda Tyagi. “The character of Langda Tyagi by Saif Ali Khan has stood the test of time, as it continues to find a mention in pop culture every few months,” the report said. The project is now in the scripting stage, with filming expected to begin in 2026.

The uncertain return of Saif Ali Khan

While the spin-off has been confirmed, it remains unclear if Saif Ali Khan will reprise his role. “That’s a secret, which will unravel once the script is locked,” the Pinkvilla report added. “Saif Ali Khan might just make a return to the world of Omkara, or the makers could rope in a young actor to play the part, making it a reboot in true sense.”

Khan’s portrayal of Langda Tyagi remains one of his most acclaimed performances, earning him lasting recognition for bringing intensity, manipulation, and complexity to the screen.

As for Sen Sharma, she continues to pursue projects that challenge her craft. Her approach to fame remains clear: it is something she accepts without chasing. “Money is a convenience,” she said, “but it cannot solve the big internal questions.”