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Journalism of Courage
She is a sportsperson, won many hearts with her acting in Chak De! India, is a model, and also a fashion entrepreneur. But when you ask Sagarika Ghatge how she manages to dabble in all these roles, she specifies that all these are aspects of her personality and sum up to become one — culminating in the person she is today (or has been all these years). ” All these aspects are a part of me; things I grew up with,” she tells indianexpress.com. Talking to us about these many sides to her, the Rush actor also opens up about what acting means to her, the idea behind her fashion label, her relationship with husband Zaheer Khan, and much more. Read the edited excerpts below:
Q. A national hockey player, an actor, a model, and now a fashion entrepreneur — tell us about the different hats you have worn over the years.
Sagarika Ghatge: I wouldn’t say different hats; I feel they all are a part of who I am or who I have been as a person. As a sportsman, I studied in a boarding, have been a national-level hockey player. I also used to swim, be an athlete, and be a track runner while in school. But I also used to do a lot of dramatics and I a sports film, so it was all intertwined. This made it even sweeter for me to do something like that. When it comes to being a fashion entrepreneur, ‘Akutee’ as a brand is something that has come to the world right now, but its journey started way back for me. It’s inspired by the women of my family, who I have grown up watching, like my great-grandmother, and my mom. The brand ethos is something that I have grown up with. So, it was just about creating a brand and taking it out to the world. Hence, everything has been part of who I am. I wouldn’t like to separate it because I feel like all these aspects are a part of me and part of me growing up with it.
Q. But now that you have (somewhat) stepped away from the limelight, what do you miss about it the most, if anything at all?
Sagarika Ghatge: Technically, I have not stepped away. I am looking at doing some good work. I’ve just taken the rights of an Argentinian novel and we are looking at producing that. Acting is very close to my heart and I’d never give that up because it gives me immense joy.
Q. Tell us about your fashion venture, Akutee, and the idea behind the same. Also, share the story behind the unique name.
Sagarika Ghatge: Akutee, in Sanskrit, means a princess. So, the brand story takes you back in time. It is an homage to all the women in my family, who I have grown up watching and who have inspired me. The style is simple, classic, elegant, minimalistic — the way women in my family dress up. Today, my sense of fashion is very similar to how they used to look at fashion back then. And, it is about my mom being the main artist for the brand.
Q. Since you are now closely associated with the world of fashion, how would you describe the Indian fashion scene today?
Sagarika Ghatge: It’s amazing. Today, Indian designers are not only recognised here but also globally. It’s only going to get better and bigger because now people are so much more aware, and well-connected.
Q. With your brand, how did you ensure to not get mixed up in the clutter and stand out among a whirlpool of labels?
Sagarika Ghatge: The brand ethos, like I said, revolves around something that can be passed down to generations. So, whatever is trending today will not impact my brand because its foundation lies in being timeless, classic. It’s a saree — which is passed down through generations. We are going to stick to that as long as we can and obviously give importance to a lot of hand-painting, hand-work, and handmade garments. Hopefully, that can make a difference.
Q. How much do you influence/help your husband, Zaheer Khan when it comes to his style?
Sagarika Ghatge: I’m his stylist. Trust me, he doesn’t have one.
Q. Tell us about your experience of walking at the launch of Longitude 77 in Dubai — from the ambience to your outfit.
Sagarika Ghatge: It’s great. Firstly, the brand ethos is something that goes very well with how I believe and what I see — about putting India on a global platform. You have all these amazing designers who are putting together such a great show; being a part of that is amazing. And obviously, I’m walking with my husband and this is our first time, so it’s even more special. The weather has been fantastic. The venue is lovely.
Q. Being a sportsperson invariably means staying fit is something you must prioritise. As such, what does your everyday diet and fitness routine entail?
Sagarika Ghatge: I’m somebody who likes to work out. As such, like to do a session whenever I can, and when not, I like to run (a lot). On days I have the mornings off and I can go for a run, are always special. Now, I have also started doing a lot of yoga, something which was not part of my routine earlier. It changes your life, and I give a lot of credit to it.
Q. You also have flawless skin. What is that one beauty routine/product you swear by?
Sagarika Ghatge: Using sunscreen and drinking water are musts. Sunscreen is something one should always be very mindful of because it is something that will make a big impact as you grow older. And you should always be hydrated.
Q. Your idea of a perfect date with Zaheer Khan? Also, with your busy schedules, how do you manage to take out time for yourselves?
Sagarika Ghatge: People won’t believe but my husband and I chat a lot. We love to chit-chat, sit, and have coffee — like we are doing right now. But I think our best time is in the morning when we wake up, on the days we both are not working. We use that leisurely time to sit and have a cup of coffee at home. Even on days I know I have to go somewhere, I wake him up early because I want to have that cup of coffee with him. So, that is something I really look forward to every day.
Q. The key to a healthy and happy marriage is…
Sagarika Ghatge: The key to a happy marriage, I think, is that you just have to be yourself. You can’t pretend to be somebody else, and your partner needs to be okay with how/who you are as a person; and I think he’s [Zaheer] very okay with the way I am.
Q. Many actors are making a comeback on OTT. Can we expect one from you, too?
Sagarika Ghatge: Yes. I’m hoping you’ll see a lot of me in the coming year.
