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Updated Jun 15, 2025 · 12:18
Bollywood News Updated Jun 15, 2025

Fatima Sana Shaikh was very unsure as actor in 'Ludo', actress reveals who taught her to trust her instincts

Fatima Sana Shaikh candidly discussed her transformative experience working with director Anurag Basu. During the making of 'Ludo', she was initially uncertain about her acting abilities. Basu's encouragement to trust her instincts became a turning point in her career. The actress now feels more confident and in control of her craft in their latest collaboration, 'Metro In Dino'.

Mumbai, June 15

Actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film 'Metro... In Dino', was more at ease working with Anurag Basu this time around.

The two have earlier collaborated on 'Ludo', which was released in the thick of the pandemic. The actress spoke with IANS, and shared that back then, she was very unsure as an actor. But that changed when she walked on to the set. Anurag's process comforted her, and taught her to trust her instincts.

Speaking with IANS, Fatima said, " When you learn to surrender to him so much, I think you just relax. You don't think so much because you become more instinctive. That's what I experienced. I think I got clarity when I did 'Ludo'. When I did Ludo, I was very unsure as an actor. For him, he's working with so many actors, so he might not know the weight of his words. But one day he told me, 'Stop doubting yourself. What you're doing is correct. Your instinct is right'. So, basically, he asked me to follow my instinct".

She further mentioned, "And that coming from Anurag Basu is a huge thing. So, he doesn't realise the weight of his words. But for an actor who's just new and who's just come, that really changed the way I approach my scenes because I was like, 'No, whatever I do, let me see how wrong it is'".

"So, that really helped me. Even in this film, I also feel I've become a little better actor than I was in 'Ludo'. So, navigating that for me was a lot easier this time. It was easier that time because I had surrendered. But I feel that I had a little more control on my craft this time".

Presented by Gulshan Kumar & T-Series presents, in association with Anurag Basu Productions Pvt. Ltd., 'Metro In Dino' is produced by Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Anurag Basu, and Taani Basu.

The film is set to arrive in cinemas on July 4, 2025.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Rahul K.

Fatima was brilliant in Ludo! Her comic timing was on point. Glad she found a mentor in Anurag Basu - directors who nurture talent are rare. Looking forward to Metro In Dino now! 🤩

Priya M.

It's refreshing to hear such honest confessions from actors. The industry needs more directors like Basu who create safe spaces for performers to grow. Fatima's journey from self-doubt to confidence is inspiring!

Amit S.

While I appreciate her honesty, I felt her performance in Ludo was a bit inconsistent. Some scenes were great, others felt forced. But good to know she's working on her craft - hope to see improvement in the new film.

Neha T.

Basu is a genius director! His films always bring out the best in actors. Remember how he transformed Ranbir in Barfi? Excited to see what he's done with Fatima this time. July 2025 seems so far away though 😅

Vikram J.

This is why I love behind-the-scenes stories more than film promotions! The real struggle of acting isn't about glamour but about overcoming self-doubt. More power to artists who share these vulnerable moments.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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