logo
Would love to do more antagonist roles: Actor Soha Ali Khan

Would love to do more antagonist roles: Actor Soha Ali Khan

Hindustan Times01-05-2025

New Delhi, Fresh off her role as a villain in the horror movie "Chhorii 2", actor Soha Ali Khan says she's eager to take on more antagonist characters and delve into the complex shades of grey.
Talking to PTI on the sidelines of a panel discussion organised by the Almond Board of California in Pune, Khan admitted that she was being experimental by playing such roles and receiving positive feedback for her performance in "Chhorii 2" has been "very reassuring".
"I have always felt that when it comes to cinema the antagonist has so many wonderful layers whereas the hero or heroine are often trapped by the unvirtuous. Now we are exploring characters and getting into grey and we are getting into reality.
"So I think it is definitely very interesting to play an antagonist and I would love to do more such roles," said the actor, who plays the character of 'Daasi Maa', an eerie and sinister antagonist.
The actor, known for films such as 'Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster', 'Tum Mile', and 'Ahista Ahista', is making her come back to acting after a seven-year hiatus. She was last seen in "Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster 3" in 2018.
Khan, acknowledging that she got little distracted with motherhood, shared that she is motivated to do more work. She recently wrapped up shooting for the thriller "Bridge", in which she stars alongside her "Rang De Basanti" co-actor R Madhavan. The film is set to release later this year.
Besides her own comeback, the 46-year-old actor is happy to see her mother, veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, returning to Bengali cinema with "Puratwan", which she starred alongside Rituparna Sengupta.
"I was very excited. I guess after 12-14 years she has gone back to Bengali cinema. It is her mother tongue, it is her real passion. She was very excited to work in Bangla again. I think cinema really immortalises you, so as a daughter to watch your mother being immortalised on screen. I think it is something really precious," she added.
As a mother herself, when asked which of her own films she'd like her daughter to watch first, she laughed and said, 'Definitely not 'Chhorii 2',' before choosing the 2007 romantic drama film "Khoya Khoya Chand".
"It's a biopic, it's about being an actor. I think she would enjoy the different looks, the glamour, the sarees, and the costumes. But more than mine, I would want her to watch 'Hum Hain Raahi Pyaar Ke' by Kunal . That's the movie she would actually really enjoy," she explained.
Kemmu was only seven when he played the role of a naughty kid, Sunny, in the 1993 film "Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke". The romantic-comedy drama, which stars Aamir Khan and Juhi Chawla in the lead roles, is based on the 1958 Hollywood movie "Houseboat".
With a family full of A-list stars, including Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, one wonders if there's ever been a temptation for them to collaborate on a project.
Khan responded in negative, saying there hasn't been such a plan and that it sounds more like the premise for a reality show, 'that too not a good one".
"Our audience is quite savvy. They don't want to see something gimmicky. And now, with social media and everything, you see the family enough on Diwali, on Eid, in reels, and in photographs. I think in films, we need to have some kind of script; we need an original authenticity to justify why all of us have been cast in it," she concluded.
The discussion, which also saw fitness expert Yasmin Karachiwala and dietitian Ritika Samaddar as panelists, focused on the importance of protein in addressing India's nutritional gap.
It highlighted the role of small dietary changes, like a handful of almonds, in improving protein intake for people across all age groups.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Shefali Jariwala's father consoles wife, fights back tears as he becomes pallbearer with Parag Tyagi for final rites
Shefali Jariwala's father consoles wife, fights back tears as he becomes pallbearer with Parag Tyagi for final rites

Hindustan Times

time7 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Shefali Jariwala's father consoles wife, fights back tears as he becomes pallbearer with Parag Tyagi for final rites

Actor Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with her performance in the remix of the song Kaanta Laga, died at the age of 42 after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest on Friday night. Her friends and family gathered for her final rites, which took place at a crematorium in Oshiwara. Videos from the funeral surfaced online, showing her parents struggling to hold back their tears. Shefali Jariwala with her father Satish Jariwala and sister Shivani. A video shared by a paparazzo shows Shefali's father, Satish Jariwala, along with the actor's husband, Parag Tyagi, and friends like Hindustani Bhau, carrying her body for the final rites. The video also captured her father fighting back tears as he consoled his wife during the funeral. The emotional moment left fans grieving as well. After Parag brought his wife's mortal remains back home from Cooper Hospital, Shefali's industry friends like Arti Singh, Mahira Sharma, and Surbhi Chandna, among others, were seen visiting their residence in Mumbai to offer their condolences to the family and pay their last respects to Shefali. About Shefali Jariwala's Death Shefali was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital by her husband, Parag Tyagi, on Friday night. However, according to PTI, she was declared dead on arrival. While initial reports suggest she died of cardiac arrest, an official statement from the family is still awaited. Mumbai Police had sent the actor's body for a post-mortem to ascertain the exact cause of death. Friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry, including Mika Singh, Aly Goni, Rashami Desai and Paras Chhabra, expressed deep sorrow and disbelief at her sudden demise. Shefali had risen to fame with her appearance in Kaanta Laga and went on to feature in Salman Khan's film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. The actor later participated in Salman's reality show, Bigg Boss 13, which remains one of the most memorable seasons in the show's history. While she didn't win the trophy, she won hearts with her strong personality on the show.

FWICE Calls Diljit Dosanjh Security Threat to India Over Border 2 Shoot
FWICE Calls Diljit Dosanjh Security Threat to India Over Border 2 Shoot

Time of India

time9 minutes ago

  • Time of India

FWICE Calls Diljit Dosanjh Security Threat to India Over Border 2 Shoot

RAJKUMMAR RAO TO PLAY SOURAV GANGULY IN BIOPIC | 'NOW THAT DADA SAID IT…' It's finally official, Rajkummar Rao will step into the shoes of cricket legend Sourav Ganguly for his highly awaited biopic! The National Award-winning actor confirmed the news after Ganguly hinted at it earlier. Rajkummar called it a 'huge responsibility' and admitted he's nervous but excited. With the film set to capture Ganguly's iconic journey and the transformation of Indian cricket, fans are in for something unforgettable. From learning Bengali from wife Patralekhaa to prepping for the pitch, Rajkummar is all in 399 views | 2 days ago

Kolhapuris get Prada makeover at Rs 1.2 lakh: Where's the credit, fume activists as label acknowledges ‘inspiration'
Kolhapuris get Prada makeover at Rs 1.2 lakh: Where's the credit, fume activists as label acknowledges ‘inspiration'

The Print

time15 minutes ago

  • The Print

Kolhapuris get Prada makeover at Rs 1.2 lakh: Where's the credit, fume activists as label acknowledges ‘inspiration'

'I am deeply annoyed and disgusted by the way Prada has appropriated something deeply Indian and traditional — without giving any recognition to the craftspeople or the culture it comes from. This is a metaphor for how we in India often undervalue our own heritage, dismissing it as primitive or merely 'handicraft,' while the world repackages it as luxury,' designer and activist Laila Tyabji, who has worked with craftspersons for decades, told PTI. That the GI-tagged footwear, a symbol of Indian craft that goes back centuries was appropriated by the Italian luxury label which featured it in Spring/Summer 2026 show, led to a massive debate on cultural theft and giving artisans their rightful due. New Delhi, Jun 28 (PTI) The humble kolhapuri, style statement for affordable ethnic elegance and simply staple wear for many, catapulted to the rarefied runways of Milan with Prada rebranding the handcrafted chappal 'leather flat sandals' at Rs 1.2 lakh. The outrage was instant and intense. 'It's time we acknowledged that India holds extraordinary skills and knowledge systems. We must recognise, protect, and proudly present them to the world—before others steal and sell our identity back to us,' the Dastkar chairperson added. Several days later, as the debate escalated in India, Prada acknowledged the connection and said the design is 'inspired' by the Indian handcrafted footwear. It said the sandal featured in the men's 2026 fashion show is still at the design stage and none of the pieces worn by models on the ramp are confirmed to be commercialised. 'We are committed to responsible design practices, fostering cultural engagement, and opening a dialogue for a meaningful exchange with local Indian artisan communities as we have done in the past in other collections to ensure the rightful recognition of their craft,' Prada's group head for corporate social responsibility, Lorenzo Bertelli, said in reply to a letter by the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (MACCIA). The industry lobby had sought exploration collaborations and fair compensation to the artisans and also adherence to ethical fashion practices that respect traditional knowledge and cultural rights. For many though, the initial absence of credit for Kolhapuris, paraded as cutting-edge high fashion for clients who are the polar opposite of the regular Kolhapuri wearer, was the most important takeaway from the glam Milan moment. Kolhapuri chappals are typically handcrafted and manufactured in the Maharashtra town of Kolhapur, from where they take their name, and the surrounding districts of Sangli, Satara and Solapur. The craft has a legacy dating back to the 12th or 13th century. Originally patronised by the royals of the region, Kolhapuri sandals were crafted by the local cobbler community using vegetable-tanned leather and were entirely handmade — using no nails or synthetic components. They're also known for their signature T-strap shape, detailed braiding, and open-toe design — a perfect blend of practicality and fashion. In 2019, Kolhapuri chappals were granted GI tag status by the government of India, recognising them as a unique product tied to eight districts across Maharashtra and Karnataka. This legal status protects the craftsmanship and origin from imitation, and helps promote economic security for rural artisans. A PIL against Prada could well be in the works. GI expert and heritage rights advocate Ganesh Hingare is already collating documents to sue the luxury fashion brand for what he describes as 'intellectual property infringement under Section 22 of the GI Act'. 'This isn't the first time India has faced such appropriation. We've fought and won similar battles before — like in the turmeric patent case and the basmati rice case in the US. 'This is not just about a pair of chappals. This is about cultural theft, disrespect to artisans, and violation of India's GI laws. An apology is not just due to Kolhapur, but India,' Hingare, who has worked on over 100 GI-tagged products, including 59 from Maharashtra alone, told PTI. In Maharashtra, BJP Rajya Sabha MP Dhananjay Mahadik, who belongs to Kolhapur, led a delegation of traditional Kolhapuri chappal artisans to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Social media is also abuzz with accusations of cultural appropriation. Global footwear brand Bata called out Prada for rebranding what 'India has cherished for centuries'. 'It's a reminder that heritage always leads, and trends follow,' said Deepika Deepti, head of marketing at Bata India. 'The Kolhapuri chappal is not a 'design discovery' — it's a living tradition. At Bata India, we've proudly brought this craftsmanship to millions, long before it appeared on international runways. Real originality doesn't come with a luxury tag — it comes with legacy,' she said. The Prada projection has had an unexpected fallout. In Delhi's popular Janpath market, Ashok Grover has been selling a wide range of Kolhapuri chappals since the 1970s. Demand has been dwindling but suddenly there is a flood of inquiries. 'These luxury companies first invest, then go all out on marketing, create hype around products — which aren't even theirs — and finally slap an extravagant price on them. I saw the picture of that chappal — at best, it wouldn't cost more than Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000. And here, I can't even sell the same article for Rs 1,000,' said the owner of Maujri Collections, one of the oldest shops in Janpath. When he started his business, the slippers were being sold for just Rs 10. So when and how did Kolhapuris really become a rage, part of the quintessential kurta, pyjama and ethnic jhola look loved by college students, aspiring politicians, and so many more. Some cite the 1979 Hindi blockbuster 'Suhaag' in which Amitabh Bachchan — who plays a cop — has a memorable exchange with a corrupt seth (businessman) : 'Yeh kya hai?' 'Chappal' 'Kaunsa?' 'Kolhapuri', as he takes off his slipper and slaps him hard with it. It's not just Kolhapuri chappals that have fallen prey to cultural appropriation. Experts also cite the humble Indian jhola, typically priced between Rs 200–300 in local markets, now being sold as a Rs 4,000 'India souvenir tote' on luxury American retail site Nordstrom. Traditional dupattas have been rebranded as 'Scandinavian scarves', while intricately embroidered lehengas are being passed off as trendy 'Y2K maxi skirts'. On the flip side, some fashion experts believe the sudden global attention on Kolhapur chappals can help fuel the revival of this traditional unisex footwear. Celebrity fashion designer Bhawna Rao believes the moment will 'spark curiosity, draw investment, and invite younger generations to engage with heritage crafts in new ways'. Shirin Mann, founder of footwear label NEEDLEDUST — known for reinventing the traditional Indian 'jutti' — said Prada has brought 'massive recall value' to the Kolhapuri chappal. 'Until now, it hadn't been considered part of the 'cool' or aspirational footwear space in India's luxury market… I truly believe in the ripple effect of what Prada has done. 'While it may not be a direct collaboration, the global visibility can be powerful, boosting awareness, reviving demand, creating jobs, and most importantly, sparking a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship of the artisans,' said Mann, adding that global reinterpretations are inevitable, but they 'should come with context, credit, and ideally, collaboration'. PTI MG AA MIN MIN MIN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store