Sadia Khateeb approaches her roles with a depth that transcends mere acting; she fully embodies her characters. In her latest project, The Diplomat, she portrays Uzma, a woman navigating the complexities of trauma and resilience, showcasing her transformative journey.

The talented actress from Kashmir, who first gained recognition in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Shikara, reflects on the growth between her two significant roles, discussing her artistic instincts and the emotional challenges of portraying a story based on real events.

Sadia recalls her audition for The Diplomat, where she was given only two scenes without a script or backstory. "I didn’t act; I instinctively responded as if I were Uzma," she explains. This authentic approach laid the groundwork for a powerful performance.

Under the guidance of director Shivam Nair, she was encouraged to avoid researching Uzma or imitating her, instead focusing on discovering the truth within herself. "This honesty allowed me to connect deeply. The emotions were genuine, stemming from my own experiences," she shares.

Detaching from Uzma proved to be a challenge for Sadia. "Even after filming, I struggled to leave her world behind," she admits. The most intense scene for her was the Buner sequence, which left a lasting impact. "I told Uzma ji, ‘If I felt this much pain portraying it, I can’t imagine how you lived through it.’" It took her a month in Srinagar, along with the support of her parents, to begin the healing process.

Despite the heavy themes, Sadia found joy on set, particularly in her interactions with John Abraham. "He’s someone I’ve always looked up to," she says. "His humility and passion were evident, even off-camera, where he remained fully engaged, offering cues with dedication. It taught me the importance of loving the craft at every stage of your career."

Sadia describes her debut in Shikara as a gentle and introspective experience, calling it ‘a lesson in peace and softness’. In contrast, she describes The Diplomat as a transformative experience that made her stronger and more fearless. "It’s like a workout that breaks you down and rebuilds you. I’ve grown immensely as both a woman and an artist," she reflects.

This growth has influenced her approach to selecting roles. "I’ve always been discerning, but now I seek characters that challenge me further," she explains.

Sadia cherishes a memorable moment from her casting in The Diplomat. "After my audition, my casting director, Jogi, casually said, ‘See you on set.’ It felt magical and has stayed with me since," she recalls.

She attributes her foundational skills to Vidhu Vinod Chopra, stating, "Everything I know about being present and understanding the camera, I learned from him on the set of Shikara. His mentorship has shaped my approach to every role I take on."

The acclaim for The Diplomat has been overwhelming, with both critics and audiences praising her performance. While her parents are proud, her father's words resonate deeply: "You did well—but you’re capable of more." This encouragement fuels her ambition.

Sadia values feedback, stating, "I reflect on constructive criticism but don’t let every opinion weigh me down. I focus on growth and moving forward."

When asked what message she hopes young women take from The Diplomat, Sadia emphasizes the importance of courage. "The kind that emerges when you feel you have no options but to keep moving forward. That’s what I hope resonates with them," she expresses.

Acting has significantly contributed to her self-discovery. "It has made me mentally stronger. I didn’t realize my resilience until I took on these intense roles," she shares.

Though she believes her journey in acting was destined, Sadia views it as an evolving path. "I want to explore various genres—period dramas, intense romances, even comedy. I think comedy aligns with my personality. And yes, I dream of being a Sanjay Leela Bhansali heroine, experiencing all that grandeur and grace," she adds.

For Sadia, success is defined by creative fulfillment first, followed by critical acclaim and box office success, which indicates a connection with the audience. "I aspire to achieve all three for a balanced career," she concludes.

Regarding the industry, Sadia observes a gradual shift towards more complex, women-centric narratives. "We’re making progress. Stories like The Diplomat demonstrate that audiences are ready for these narratives. Writers just need to continue crafting them."