Saba Azad, a dynamic force in Bollywood, reveals her unconventional approach to her acting career. Far from seeking conventional roles, Saba embraces the label of a “greedy actor,” preferring parts that demand significant personal investment and challenge her craft. She finds joy in stepping into diverse characters’ lives, a process she describes as truly exciting and deeply fulfilling.
Her artistic journey is fueled by a desire to explore complex characters and break free from stereotypes. Saba admires and enjoys portraying women who are self-assured, fearlessly own their space, and exude a powerful, resilient energy. These are the qualities she finds most compelling and enjoys channeling on screen.
While her filmography continues to grow, Saba also navigates the public’s keen interest in her personal life, particularly her relationship with actor Hrithik Roshan. Addressing persistent questions about marriage, Saba shares a heartwarming perspective from her upbringing. She recounts how her parents, at a very young age, instilled in her the freedom to choose her life path, emphasizing that marriage was never presented as a mandatory milestone.
“At the age of six, my parents sat me down and said, ‘Beta, you never need to get married if you don’t want to. We don’t have any expectations from you.’ So, no, I have never felt any pressure from my family about how to live my life,” she shares.
Reflecting on her career, Saba acknowledges the common industry challenge of typecasting. “I often get boxed into urban characters. People ask me, ‘Can you even speak Hindi?’ And I’m like, ‘Of course I can!’” she laughs. She sees breaking stereotypes as a significant challenge and a director’s belief in her ability to portray different characters as a true gift.
Saba emphasizes that an actor’s career is often shaped by the imagination of others. “An actor’s life is really at the mercy of someone else’s imagination. You’re dependent on someone to think of you in a certain role, and sometimes the work you want isn’t what comes your way.” This perspective underscores her commitment to artistic passion over commercial success.
For Saba, the allure of a project isn’t tied to its commercial viability. “I was born into theatre, and theatre doesn’t pay. There’s no money in it, so you really have to love the craft to keep going. It’s never been about success for me. If a story moves me, I’ll do it.” Her driving force is the passion for storytelling and the potential to connect with audiences through meaningful narratives, believing that stories are vital for reminding us of our shared humanity.