For Sara Ali Khan, life under constant public scrutiny is both a privilege and a challenge. The actor, known for her bubbly personality and candid nature, admits that dealing with trolling and criticism hasn’t always been easy. Over time, however, she has developed what she calls a “mental filter” — a way to separate constructive feedback from needless negativity.
In a recent conversation with Hindustan Times, the Zara Hatke Zara Bachke star opened up about learning to navigate fame while staying grounded. “It’s definitely not easy when you’re a public figure — opinions come at you from all directions, invited or not. But over time, I’ve learned to build a bit of a mental filter,” Sara said. “Constructive criticism helps me grow, learn, and improve — I truly value that. But when comments get personal or seem meant to bring you down, I try not to let them in.”
Sara made her Bollywood debut in 2018 with Kedarnath, opposite Sushant Singh Rajput, and has since appeared in hits like Simmba, Coolie No. 1, Atrangi Re, and Metro… In Dino. Her on-screen vibrancy often mirrors her real-life positivity, but she admits that the harshness of online spaces can still sting. “Not everyone knows you, and not everyone needs to,” she said. “What matters is staying connected to who I am — my values, my intentions, and the people who know me off-screen.”
Despite projecting confidence, Sara doesn’t shy away from acknowledging her vulnerable moments. “Honestly, as a human, some days things affect me more than I’d like — and that’s okay,” she shared. “But I always come back to my work, my family, my routine, and my friends. Those things keep me real and rooted. At the end of the day, if you’re proud of your work and growing along the way, that’s what truly matters.”
While she is often seen as cheerful and high-energy, Sara insists she doesn’t feel pressured to always appear upbeat. “I have my off days too. We’re all human. It’s okay to feel anxious or sad sometimes,” she confessed.
Revealing her personal coping mechanism, she added, “I let myself have a mini drama moment — vent to my diary or friends, binge a comfort show, and then get back to sparkling. Life’s more fun when you don’t bottle up your emotions — it makes the happy moments feel even sweeter.”
Through her honesty, Sara continues to remind fans that authenticity is her true superpower.