Fatima Sana Shaikh reveals she was dropped from two films after Thugs Of Hindostan failure: 'Aamir Khan took responsibility but...'
etimes.in | Jan 30, 2025, 01.53 AM IST
Fatima Sana Shaikh, who is celebrated for her breakout role in Aamir Khan's Dangal, recently opened up about the challenges she faced in the entertainment industry and shed light on the ups and downs of her career. When asked about the impact of box office failures, Fatima told Bollywood Bubble, “If, as a director, you make a film that flops, it becomes very difficult for that person to get another project... The same happens with us actors. If one of your films flops, you might get removed from two or three other films. That’s exactly what happened to me—Thugs Of Hindostan flopped, and I was dropped from two films.”
While acknowledging the harshness of the industry, Fatima revealed she avoids taking such failures personally. However, she didn’t shy away from highlighting the commodification of actors in the industry, sharing, “You are used as a commodity.”
The actress also touched upon the importance of trust in an actor’s potential. “Emotionally, I feel like I wish he hadn’t done that and had shown some faith because someone has to show faith, right? If you don’t have faith in an actor, how will it work? Someone might be down today, but tomorrow they could rise,” she said, emphasizing that an artist is not just a product but a human being.
Recalling the aftermath of Thugs Of Hindostan failure, Fatima shared that while Aamir Khan took responsibility for the film’s box office performance, the ripple effects impacted the entire cast. “It’s a collective thing, right? It doesn’t matter whether someone took responsibility or not. If a film is a hit, even the smallest role or the smallest character gets respect and success. But if a film flops, even the smallest character faces a setback,” she explained.
The actress revealed that during that phase, she felt unprepared to handle the disappointment. “I felt like, yes, I should focus on it. But I didn’t understand how to handle it. I was very upset. But now, when I look back, I realize this happens,” she said, reflecting on how she has come to terms with such experiences over time.
Despite the setbacks, Fatima continues to prove her mettle. She will next be seen in Metro In Dino, directed by Anurag Basu, alongside an ensemble cast including Sara Ali Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Ali Fazal. The film is slated for a 2025 release.
While acknowledging the harshness of the industry, Fatima revealed she avoids taking such failures personally. However, she didn’t shy away from highlighting the commodification of actors in the industry, sharing, “You are used as a commodity.”
The actress also touched upon the importance of trust in an actor’s potential. “Emotionally, I feel like I wish he hadn’t done that and had shown some faith because someone has to show faith, right? If you don’t have faith in an actor, how will it work? Someone might be down today, but tomorrow they could rise,” she said, emphasizing that an artist is not just a product but a human being.
Fatima Sana Shaikh recalls when she got epilepsy seizures in a flight: 'I’m lucky that I survived'
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Recalling the aftermath of Thugs Of Hindostan failure, Fatima shared that while Aamir Khan took responsibility for the film’s box office performance, the ripple effects impacted the entire cast. “It’s a collective thing, right? It doesn’t matter whether someone took responsibility or not. If a film is a hit, even the smallest role or the smallest character gets respect and success. But if a film flops, even the smallest character faces a setback,” she explained.
The actress revealed that during that phase, she felt unprepared to handle the disappointment. “I felt like, yes, I should focus on it. But I didn’t understand how to handle it. I was very upset. But now, when I look back, I realize this happens,” she said, reflecting on how she has come to terms with such experiences over time.
Despite the setbacks, Fatima continues to prove her mettle. She will next be seen in Metro In Dino, directed by Anurag Basu, alongside an ensemble cast including Sara Ali Khan, Aditya Roy Kapur, Konkona Sen Sharma, and Ali Fazal. The film is slated for a 2025 release.