For actress Soha Ali Khan, the craft of acting is far more than a job; it is a profound family legacy and a continuous path of learning. In a recent candid conversation, she shed light on how her immediate family members serve as her most trusted advisors for her cinematic roles.
A Family Sounding Board for Complex Roles
Soha revealed to Mumbai Mirror that her mother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, her husband, actor Kunal Kemmu, and her brother, star Saif Ali Khan, regularly become her sounding board, especially when a role presents a significant challenge. This collaborative family dynamic came to the forefront during the preparation for her film Chhori 2, where she played an antagonist for the very first time.
She discussed every intricate detail of the character with her family, from its cult background and specific dialect to the nuances of body language and overall preparation. This role marked her darkest performance to date, making the family's insights invaluable.
Contrasting Approaches to the Acting Craft
While the shared passion for acting unites them, Soha highlighted the distinct methods each family member employs. She described herself as a planner who prefers to be fully prepared, learning lines well in advance to focus entirely on the performance during filming.
In contrast, her husband Kunal Kemmu leans towards a more instinctive and spontaneous style, often reading his lines just moments before a scene is shot. Her brother, Saif Ali Khan, is known for his intense and transformative preparation, famously exemplified by his iconic role as Langda Tyagi in Omkara.
The Cathartic Power of Acting
Despite their different processes, Soha emphasized that the core love for acting binds them all. She described the profession as a powerful medium that allows artists to step into different lives, explore a vast spectrum of human emotions, and build deep empathy. For the Khan-Pataudi-Kemmu family, acting is a cathartic experience and a privilege.
"We all love what we do. Acting lets us step into different lives, explore emotions, and build empathy. It’s cathartic, and we feel fortunate to be in this profession, growing with every role," Soha stated, expressing gratitude for the journey.
