Workaholic Soha

doweshowbellyad=0; COMING OF AGE: Soha Ali Khan. (TOI Photo)More picsTill recently, she was known as the daughter of Sharmila Tagore and Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. Or rather as the sister of Saif Ali Khan.
Not anymore. Soha Ali Khan has evolved into an actress in her own right. Considering her illustrious lineage, it’s not surprising that Soha Ali Khan has imbibed the best of both mum and dad.After her stint at public service and banking, the lure of Bollywood beckoned this lissome lass. She has tread the same path as her mother and brother Saif Ali khan for four years now. In town recently, Soha Ali Khan talked about her role in the recently released Khoya Khoya Chand (KKC) and her ambition to produce movies.
She has a Masters’ degree in international studies from the London School of Economics and is very proud of her curriculum vitae. Says she, “I have a very well rounded CV and was associated with the UN, the UNICEF, history, politics and financial services among others. I studied for the sole purpose of enjoying college life and attending classes. But, I strongly believe that good GPAs don’t make a good person.”
Discussing her role in KKC, Soha says, “It was my first author-backed and meaty role. I learned horse riding, sword fighting as well as Kathak. When the film finally got over, I was feeling empty. But, I guess that’s a good thing for an actor as I had given my 100 per cent to the movie, I was living that character for so long,” she asserts. Apart from acting she likes to indulge in reading and travelling. “My clubbing and dancing days are over now. I prefer working as much as possible and when free, I enjoy playing sports, anything that has to do with racquet sports and also cricket. I’m a good leg spinner. I love solving crosswords with my mother,” she explains.
Amongst the recent films, she liked Jab We Met the most. “Right from the script to the performances, everything about the movie was very good. The movie has portrayed women very well,” she says. Soha agrees that films are tough, and it’s not easy to survive in this industry. Says she, “Everyone in my gym wants to be an actor. But, to survive in Bollywood, one has to be strong unlike the South where you can be 90 and still be a lead actor and do all kinds of stunts.”
Her father has not watched any of her films or any other Hindi film for that matter and when she is with him, they do not even discuss films. “My father is not interested in films and prefers to read. He wanted me to do something conventional like banking or be associated with the UN which is why I joined the banking sector to make him happy. It is my mom who helps me in taking any career-related decisions.”
According to her, if she would not have been an actor then probably she would have been working for the UN or some other organisation, addressing public causes. But, life had chalked out different plans for her. A few years down the line, Soha wants to produce movies she believes in. “I want to produce meaningful cinema that is engaging and presentable. I want to be remembered for my work and leave an everlasting impact on everyone’s mind,” says she. One of her most appreciated films till date, Rang De Basanti (RDB), evoked everyone to do some thing for the society. Has she thought of helping the society after doing the movie? “Human rights and primary education are two subjects that are very close to my heart.
I’ll always try to do my bit for the society. Moreover, I’m still actively involved with CRY, UNICEF and UN,” she adds.
RDB also has many other memories attached to it. The most memorable and the scariest thing she has ever done is jump from a height of 140 feet into dirty water. “That stunt in RDB was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. We were unaware of the stunt till the last minute,” she recalls. But, when you talk to her about her co-star in RDB, she tells you about Aamir rather fondly and how he helped her. “He is very approachable and will never make you feel like a newcomer. The way he improvises instantly is amazing. You can learn a lot from him by just watching him perform.”
For all the eligible bachelors, here’s news. Soha is single and wants her prince charming to have three definite qualities — a great sense of humour, loads of passion and should pay the bill. Anyone listening?