It's good to be open to constructive criticism and yet be self-convinced: Soha

Time of India

3 days ago

Soha Ali Khan, who was recently seen in Chhorii 2, speaks about how her choices have evolved, the constant negotiation between motherhood and ambition, and why fitness today is an investment in her future self. (Image: @sakpataudi)
Whether it's through films, her book or social media,
Soha Ali Khan
has steadily crafted a path of her own. In the city for a panel discussion by
California Almonds
, Soha, who was recently seen in Chhorii 2, speaks about how her choices have evolved, the constant negotiation between motherhood and ambition, and why fitness today is an investment in her future self.
Excerpts:
'Earlier, I went with my instinct. Now I think things through'
When Soha started acting, her choices were driven by gut feeling. 'I was very instinctive back then, and I still am to an extent,' she says, adding, 'But now, beyond liking the script or the role, I also think about whether the director is someone I want to work with, whether the producer can get the film made, whether it has a good chance of finding the right platform.
All those things matter now.' Soha also says that she has learned that a good performance isn't always enough.
'You could love your part and do it well. But if the film isn't backed properly or doesn't reach its intended audience, it won't make an impact. So, I've become more mindful about these things now.'
'Work has always been just one part of my life, not the whole of it'
Soha says she was clear early on that she didn't want to live by anyone else's checklist.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting
Luxeartisanship
Buy Now
Undo
'I've always known that you can't please everyone. So, I've never tried to. For me, it's more about - Am I enjoying this? Do I feel proud of my work? Am I in the right place?' But that doesn't mean she blocks out feedback. She is open to constructive criticism. 'It's good to be open to constructive criticism and yet be self-convinced by what you're doing.
I don't need validation from everyone. There are a few people I trust, and if they say something's good, that's enough,' says Soha, adding, 'Work has always been just one part of my life, not the whole of it.
And looking at my day now, with family, work, travel, I feel content.'
For me, it's not about doing more. It's about doing what feels right, for my family, for myself, for where I am right now
Soha Ali Khan
'In the beginning of motherhood, I wanted to do it all'
Becoming a mother made Soha reevaluate balance. 'The bond with your child is the most intense love affair of your life,' she says. Agreeing that it is also tough, Soha adds, 'Even when my daughter is at school, I want to be home in time to spend the evening with her. You just want to be there for everything.'
Like many new mothers, Soha struggled with letting go of control. She says, 'In the beginning, I wanted to do it all - feed her, put her to sleep, be there for every nap, every bath.
But I realised that it wasn't sustainable. And it wasn't fair to me or her.' Now, she is open to learning and leaning on others for help. 'Letting go of control isn't easy,' she says, adding, 'But I've learned that you don't have to do everything yourself. Leaning on others doesn't make you weaker. Sometimes, it's what gives you the strength to do the things that matter.'
Somewhere along the way, it's okay to lose grip on your work-life balance and then to find it again. It will constantly be a power struggle between work and life
Soha Ali Khan
Check out our list of the
latest Hindi
,
English
,
Tamil
,
Telugu
,
Malayalam
, and
Kannada movies
. Don't miss our picks for the
best Hindi movies
,
best Tamil movies,
and
best Telugu films
.