What do you do when your happy world suddenly shatters? Sanjeeda Sheikh didn’t let the collapse of her marriage with Aamir Ali deter her. She calmly picked up the pieces, went through the divorce, won over the custody of her daughter Ayra, and continued her growth. She’s not a bitter woman raging about her ex. She doesn’t live in the past, acknowledging that everything she went through was a lesson and she trusts the turns of time. Destiny smiled on her in the form of Fighter, where she played a role meaningful to the narrative and Heeramandi, where her role as Waheeda, Manisha Koirala’s emotionally scarred younger sister was much admired. The role took much from her but she’s glad of the experience. Excerpts from an engaging interview with the actress who understands that tomorrow is another day…
You mentioned being an instinctive actor. How did this approach shape your performance in Heeramandi?
For me, acting is all about living in the moment and creating magic spontaneously. The process of bringing Waheeda to life was a dynamic and evolving experience, largely shaped by Sanjay Sir’s meticulous guidance. His attention to detail was extraordinary; every aspect of Waheeda, from her movements to her speech, was carefully crafted to ensure she felt authentic. On the sets, Sanjay Sir and I worked closely to refine Waheeda’s character. His precise direction allowed us to explore and enhance every nuance of her personality. To fully embody Waheeda, I approached her as if she were my closest confidante. I immersed myself in her world, understanding her thoughts, emotions and motivations deeply. This intimate connection helped me portray her with sincerity and depth, making her character resonate strongly with the audience.
Waheeda has been perceived as a complex character with shades of grey. How did you navigate portraying a negative character, who elicits varied reactions from the audience?
I believe all humans are a mix of good and bad, and it’s this blend that makes us truly human. Waheeda’s complexity resonates deeply with me because she reflects real-life emotions and struggles. Her character is not undimensional; she experiences a range of emotions, from joy, love, sorrow to anger. This multi-faceted nature makes her relatable and realistic. People’s reaction to Waheeda has been fascinating because they see different facets of themselves mirrored in her journey. Some may empathise with her moments of vulnerability, while others might recognise their own strengths and weaknesses in her actions. Her story encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives, relationships, and choices. It’s this ability to evoke introspection and connection that makes her character so compelling and impactful.
You’ve admired Manisha Koirala’s work, how was your experience working alongside her?
As an actor, I have always admired Manisha’s work. I have always thought she is naturally beautiful, with a face untouched by artificial enhancements. I have seen all her films. Dil Se and Bombay are my all-time favourites. She is professional and hard-working. We often see her playing soft, bubbly characters—the girl next door. For her to take on challenging roles, especially at this stage in her career, is impressive. Watching her perform teaches you a lot. Her success is a testament to her dedication and humility. The key to success is, of course, to keep working hard while staying humble.
Moving on to Fighter, where you worked with superstars like Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone. What has that experience been like for you?
While I was shooting for Heeramandi, I was called for a meeting about Fighter. I found the character performance-oriented. Though the role wasn’t long, it was strong and impactful. It’s exciting to work with actors like Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, who are among the biggest superstars in the country. They have a beautiful, humble quality about them. When Deepika comes on set, she brings positive energy with her smile and presence, making you forget she’s a superstar. Their approach creates an atmosphere that enhances everyone’s performance. For instance, there was a scene with Hrithik Roshan at a cremation ground. The scene was well-received and felt very organic and pure. We hadn’t rehearsed it because Siddharth Anand, our director, advised against it, given its emotional intensity. He told us to simply go with our feelings when he called for action. And that’s exactly what we did. The scene turned out beautifully. In acting, it’s crucial to be in the moment and not overthink your performance. You have to live the scene rather than just act it.
You’ve mentioned going through challenging phases in life. How have these experiences shaped your perspective on success and resilience?
My family has been my pillar of strength during tough times. Their unwavering support has taught me resilience and the importance of staying grounded. I’ve learnt that challenges are opportunities for growt. And I’ve emerged stronger from each experience.
You’ve emphasised the importance of financial independence for women.
Financial independence empowers women to make their own choices and pursue their dreams. It’s not just about money; it’s about mental empowerment and self-reliance. This belief has been crucial in shaping my career and personal journey. Women should know they are strong enough to take care of themselves and others around them. Many women face pressure to marry when they want to focus on their careers, unable to make their own choices about marriage. If you find a good partner, get married. In a relationship, be understanding, supportive and appreciative but never tolerate dishonesty. Honesty is a beautiful aspect of any relationship, while dishonesty is completely unacceptable.
Reflecting on motherhood, how has it impacted your life and career?
Motherhood has been a transformative experience for me. It’s taught me patience, strength and the ability to balance work and my personal life. My daughter, Ayra, is my biggest motivation and inspiration. People say it must be tough being a single mom. It’s not tough. As a mother, your duties are your duties, right? Whatever you can do for your child, nobody else can. I often tell people, “Why are you making a big deal about being a single mother?” As long as you are independent nothing else matters. The biggest secret to my success is my daughter. She wants me to do good work and it’s such a beautiful feeling. When she sees the poster for Heeramandi, or Fighter, she proudly tells her friends, “That’s my mom.” That pride she has in me is a huge achievement. When I receive an award and come home, the smile she gives me is precious. It adds immense value to the award. She also has my family around her, which is a great support system.
Are you a strict or lenient mother? Do you pamper your child?
We come from a middle-class family. My parents worked hard for us and that’s what I emphasise to Ayra. I’ve raised her normally. I don’t buy her everything she wants; I teach her that money is hard-earned and we must plan and work for what we want. It’s crucial for children to understand the value of money. I play games with Ayra to help her learn how to manage and spend money wisely. Additionally, I stress the importance of emotional bonding and expressing feelings.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring actors or anyone navigating challenges in life?
Trust your instincts, stay true to yourself, and embrace every phase of life as a learning opportunity. There are no mistakes, only learning experiences in life. As humans, we do what feels right at the time. If your mindset changes over time, it doesn’t make your past actions mistakes; they were right for you then. At 20, I made decisions that suited me then. Now, at 40 I’m more mature and self-aware. What matters most is how well you know yourself. Over the years, I’ve come to understand myself better. After enduring many challenges, I’ve discovered my own strength. Success comes from perseverance and staying humble. Focus on continuous improvement and enjoy the journey.
