Fatima Sana Shaikh: "I worry about the breakups I had or the rent to be paid; don't take my characters home"

Actor Fatima Sana Shaikh is having a busy month, with two consecutive releases. First came Metro... In Dino, an ensemble film that hit theatres, followed by Aap Jaisa Koi, now streaming on Netflix. After a relatively quiet phase marked by fewer projects, Fatima returns with two new roles and another one already in progress.

Sitting down with us exclusively for a conversation alongside co-stars Ali Fazal, Konkona Sensharma, and director Anurag Basu, she spoke about her personal relationship with music in cinema, and how she approaches character work in the larger context of her life.

When asked about the presence of music in Metro... In Dino, and how the lyrics in such films are often written with purpose and narrative weight—rather than just as filler—Fatima responded with a personal anecdote about how she listens to music in general.

She said, “I have a problem actually. When I listen to the song, I don't listen to the lyrics only. I started realising very late in my life that people listen to lyrics closely. Because in my house, there was no introduction to music as such, we didn't listen to music all the time or so. Hence, I had no idea honestly how to listen to music. In fact, it is very interesting, because after listening to it the third or fourth time, I start enjoying the music more because I listen to a new line every time.”

I do connect with my characters, it isn't that I don't, but that is only during that process of performing. After that, I am myself. I am occupied by my stress at home, if I have had a breakup or I have to pay my rent—and those are the things I am usually into as opposed to other things.

- Fatima Sana Shaikh (as told to India Forums)

When asked if she ever absorbs performances or storylines from content she consumes in a way that influences her own acting, Fatima was direct in how she separates work from personal life.

She said, “I don't think that much. It has never happened to me that I have taken a character home. I do connect with my characters, it isn't that I don't, but that is only during that process of performing. After that, I am myself. I am occupied by my stress at home, if I have had a breakup or I have to pay my rent—and those are the things I am usually into as opposed to other things. This is my process, and there is no right or wrong way of approaching any performance. It still works, I think.”

Metro... In Dino has been described as a film where the narrative is supported by its music. An excerpt from our review reads: “Metro... In Dino is not just a film. It's a feeling. A musical journey through the lives of people who love hard, hurt deep, and hope endlessly. In an age where 'musicals' are reduced to item numbers, this one restores faith in the genre. Every song, every gaze, every coincidence means something. It reminds us that cities don't break people, people do. But they also rebuild. With a new tune. A new rhythm. A new chance.”

It seems like for Fatima, the return to screen with this project, followed by Aap Jaisa Koi, marks a shift in momentum after a selective run of work. Now, with these films and another project in the pipeline, she would want to make a bigger impact with her roles more than ever, and it definitely seems like an effort towards it.

Metro... In Dino is all set to release on 4th July, 2025 in theaters. Let us know in the comments if you are planning to watch the film in theaters.