Sara Ali Khan says she was brought up by single mother Amrita Singh: ‘I don’t know what it is to not have a voice’

Reflecting on her own upbringing, Sara Ali Khan acknowledged her privilege. “I’ve always had a voice. I’ve never had to shut myself down. Even while growing up at home, questions and opinions were always welcome. I don’t know what it is to not have a voice. Not everyone has that, and kudos to those who live in a world that may not always support them.”

She further spoke about subtle gender privileges, adding, “I think one of the biggest privileges is that you have a brother, and I have a brother, and we didn’t grow up in a household where they got the better chicken. That’s probably where our privilege begins.”

ALSO READ | Naga Vamsi says he suffered massive losses due to War 2, says Yash Raj Films paid him Rs 18 cr: ‘I made certain mistakes’

Sara Ali Khan also recalled how being raised by a single mother shaped her perception of gender roles. “You have to derive your own strength in a world where you’re aware that inequality exists. It’s not like mansplaining isn’t a thing or that we don’t live in a male-dominated world. Maybe we do—but it also depends on how seriously you take it. Women have a very important role to play in society. I grew up with a single mother, so the way I look at women is completely different.”

She went on to challenge traditional stereotypes. “Maybe to some degree people think women are the softer gender and men are providers, but growing up, that wasn’t my reality. My mom was doing everything. That bifurcation doesn’t exist in my memory at all. My mom doesn’t do any job that’s ‘ideally’ associated with women—she’s a bad cook,” Sara added with a laugh.

Soha Ali Khan also shared her own experience, adding, “Our father was a professional athlete. When we were born, he used to stay home while our mother went to work.”

Wrapping up the conversation, Sara Ali Khan spoke about embracing her many interests and how that defines modernity for her. “I have multiple interests. I like travelling everywhere—from Ujjain to the Maldives. So people wonder, ‘What is this girl?’ I come across as someone very curious. I celebrate all aspects of my life. I think modernity is really a way of approaching things. It’s evolution.”