Sara Ali Khan on ‘Metro... In Dino’: Playing Chumki, Surrendering to Anurag Basu’s Vision, and Embracing Complexity
Sara Ali Khan continues her streak of portraying layered, emotionally rich characters, and in Anurag Basu’s Metro... In Dino, she steps into the shoes of Chumki — a woman caught between control and chaos, calculation and surrender. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, Sara delved into why this character struck such a personal chord and how working with Basu challenged and liberated her as an actor.
🌀 On Playing Chumki: “She Thinks She Has It All Figured Out... Until Life Happens”
Sara describes Chumki as someone many from her generation will relate to — a woman who tries to meticulously plan her life, only to realise that reality seldom follows a script.
“Chumki believes she’s figured everything out. But life, as always, has other plans. Her journey of letting go, of learning to go with the flow, is something I personally resonate with.”
The role explores Chumki’s internal conflict, particularly her struggles with emotional abuse at work and in a toxic relationship. Her path crosses with that of Parth, played by Aditya Roy Kapur, marking a turning point in her narrative.
🎬 On Anurag Basu: “A True Genius”
Working with Basu Da for the first time was a creative turning point for Sara.
“He’s a true master. His storytelling is whimsical, emotional, and free-flowing. You don’t perform for the camera — you just exist in his world.”
Sara credits Basu for creating an environment that allows actors to tap into vulnerability and truth without fear. That freedom, she says, brought Chumki’s raw emotions to life.
🎭 On Her Career Philosophy: Versatility Rooted in Honesty
From Rinku in Atrangi Re to Somya in Zara Hatke Zara Bachke, Sara has chased roles that stretch her abilities. Chumki is the latest in a line of characters that challenge the idea of who she is — both on and off screen.
“I don’t look for labels like ‘strong’ or ‘complex’. I just want stories that move me. The moment I read Chumki, I knew I wanted to live her life for a while.”
Sara believes acting requires a constant process of unlearning and surrender — shedding preconceived notions and flowing with the director’s vision.
💬 On Working with Aditya Roy Kapur: “It Was a Blast”
Sara’s chemistry with co-star Aditya Roy Kapur came as a surprise to many — but she says the effortless vibe on set made all the difference.
“Adi was spontaneous, fun, and never judged. That made it easy to be vulnerable. Plus, working under Basu Da’s direction — there’s just no pressure, only magic.”
❤️ On Gen Z Relating to Chumki
Sara’s performance has struck a chord with younger audiences, who see themselves in Chumki’s confusion, her emotional highs and lows, and her eventual journey toward self-trust.
“Every character I play is a new attempt — to be honest, to stay fresh, and to connect. I’m so grateful that people are resonating with Chumki.”
With Metro... In Dino, Sara Ali Khan not only adds another nuanced performance to her repertoire but also reaffirms her belief that the best stories are the ones that push you out of your comfort zone.
The film, directed by Anurag Basu and featuring a star-studded ensemble including Aditya Roy Kapur, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Konkona Sensharma, Pankaj Tripathi, and Neena Gupta, is now streaming — with music composed by Pritam.
