In 2018, Sara Ali Khan burst onto the Bollywood scene with her stellar performances in two major films, Kedarnath and Simmba, both released within a span of three weeks. These films, shot almost concurrently, marked a significant debut for Sara. However, the journey wasn’t without its complications, particularly involving scheduling conflicts and a legal dispute that arose due to overlapping commitments. Also Read- Aditya Roy Kapoor Seen Partying With Sara Ali Khan After Break Up Rumours With Ananya Pandey!
Kedarnath, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, was initially set to be Sara’s debut film. However, complications arose when producer Prerna Aroraa exited the project, leading to disruptions in the shooting schedule. During this turbulent period, Sara’s management agency reassigned some of her dates to the Simmba team. As luck would have it, Kedarnath resumed production once the issues were resolved, but by then, Sara’s dates were already committed to Simmba. This scheduling clash led to Abhishek Kapoor taking legal action against Sara, demanding a substantial compensation of Rs. 5 crores.
In a candid interaction with Mayank Shekhar of Mid-Day, Sara opened up about this challenging period. She recalled, “In May 2018, I was supposed to do Simmba while Kedarnath was already in progress as my debut film. Then, some dates got shuffled, and I signed Simmba. Suddenly, 3-4 dates were clashing, and I got sued for Rs. 5 crores! I was very nervous because I didn’t have Rs. 5 crores,” she added with a smile.
Sara described this as one of the toughest times in her life. Her mother, Amrita Singh, was in Delhi attending to her ailing father, and her brother Ibrahim was in school. Amidst this personal turmoil, Sara was served with a legal notice. “I was like, ‘Now what do I do with this? I was completely clueless!’ I sent my management to court while I continued shooting, which the filmmakers were aware of as they were present at the shoot,” Sara recounted.
Fortunately, an out-of-court settlement was reached swiftly. Sara revealed that a meeting was arranged between Rohit Shetty, the director of Simmba, and Abhishek Kapoor. Even Ranveer Singh, her co-star in Simmba, was present but quickly exited the room sensing the tension. “Rohit sir and Gattu sir met in a room. Ranveer Singh said, ‘Okay, then’ and left quickly as it was a bit awkward,” Sara shared. The resolution was simple: Kedarnath’s team needed just three dates, and Rohit Shetty agreed without any fuss, saying, ‘Theek hai, le lo!’ This amicable agreement brought the case to an end. Also Read- Exclusive: Did You Know Farhan Akhtar Wanted to Cast Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan in His Film Dil Chahta Hai?
Sara also reflected on the logistical challenges she faced, frequently flying between Hyderabad and Mumbai to manage her commitments for both films. “I was shooting simultaneously; Simmba at night and Kedarnath in the morning,” she explained. Despite the initial tension, her relationship with Abhishek Kapoor improved over time. In a bid to ease the strained atmosphere, Sara had her spot girl, Zarna, who was known for making excellent coffee, prepare a cup for Abhishek Kapoor. “After that, the shoot was smooth,” she said with relief.
Sara emphasized that there were no lingering hard feelings between her and Abhishek Kapoor. “He also had his reasons, and it’s all good now,” she concluded, highlighting the professional respect and understanding that ultimately prevailed.
This episode not only showcases Sara Ali Khan’s resilience and dedication but also underscores the complexities actors often face behind the glitz and glamour of the film industry. Despite the hurdles, Sara navigated the situation with grace, emerging as a promising talent in Bollywood.
