Born on August 12, 1995, in Bombay, Maharashtra, India, Sara Ali Khan is the daughter of Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, both notable figures in the Hindi film industry. Her lineage connects her to illustrious personalities like Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Sharmila Tagore, Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, and Sajida Sultan. Sara’s family includes her younger brother, Ibrahim, and half-siblings from her father’s subsequent marriage to Kareena Kapoor.

Her diverse heritage spans Barech Pashtun Afghan, Bengali Hindu, Assamese Muslim, Punjabi Sikh, and Punjabi Muslim roots. At a young age, she appeared in an advertisement and found inspiration in Aishwarya Rai, sparking her interest in a career in film.

Following her parents’ divorce when she was nine, legal guardianship was granted to her mother, Amrita Singh. Despite initial challenges, Sara has since reconciled with her father, maintaining a friendly rapport.

Her teenage years were marked by weight struggles and a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome, motivating her to commit to rigorous workouts and health routines. Sara pursued higher education in history and political science at Columbia University in New York, completing her degree early and dedicating time to fitness training before returning to India.

Career

Early success and setback (2018–2022)

In 2018, Sara Ali Khan stepped into Bollywood with “Kedarnath,”.  Essaying the role of a Hindu girl entangled in love with a Muslim porter and  portrayed by Sushant Singh Rajput. Despite mixed reviews for the film and Khan’s performance earned acclaim with critics lauding her expressive portrayal.

Her emotive depth and nuanced expressions drew praise, setting a promising trajectory for her career. The commercial success of “Kedarnath” propelled her into the limelight. Earning her prestigious awards like the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Shortly after, she appeared in Rohit Shetty’s “Simmba” opposite Ranveer Singh and contributing to the film’s massive box office success. While her role was criticized for its limited depth, the movie’s triumph cemented her position in the industry.

Subsequent ventures like “Love Aaj Kal” and “Coolie No. 1” received mixed to negative reviews.  With critics questioning her suitability for complex roles. However, her performance in “Atrangi Re” showcased her range. earning both praise and critique for her portrayal of a character with post-traumatic stress disorder and highlighting her evolving versatility.

2023 onward

In 2023, Sara Ali Khan featured in “Gaslight” a swift whodunit filmed within 36 days and debuting on Disney+ Hotstar. Reviewers noted her sincere yet uneven performance within the film’s fluctuating narrative. Following this, she starred alongside Vicky Kaushal in “Zara Hatke Zara Bachke.

Aromantic comedy spotlighting a small-town couple navigating privacy issues. While her portrayal faced criticism for inconsistency and occasional overacting.  The film defied predictions and becoming a surprising commercial hit, marking her first theatrical release since “Love Aaj Kal” in 2020.

Her upcoming projects include an untitled action film and Anurag Basu’s anthology “Metro… In Dino.” Additionally, she’s set to headline Homi Adajania’s “Murder Mubarak” and will portray freedom fighter Usha Mehta in the biopic “Ae Watan Mere Watan,” slated for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Other work and media image

In 2019, Sara Ali Khan earned the 66th spot on Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list, boasting an estimated annual income of ₹57.5 million (US$720,000). Her acting prowess secured her a prominent place on Rediff.com’s “The Best Actresses” list of 2021, ranking 9th, and she further claimed the 7th position in GQ India’s roster of the 30 most influential young Indians in 2022.

Consistently featured in Times’ 50 Most Desirable Women list, Khan’s rankings climbed from 30th in 2018 to 24th in 2020, reflecting her growing popularity. She serves as a celebrity endorser for renowned brands like Fanta, Puma, Pepsi, Veet, and Kurkure. In 2022, she expanded her ventures, joining The Souled Store, an apparel brand, as an equity partner.

Beyond her acting career, Khan actively champions various causes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she contributed to Sonu Sood’s Foundation, aiding in the procurement of vital oxygen cylinders for those in dire need. Additionally, on her birthday in 2021, she collaborated with the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, extending assistance to children who lost guardians due to the pandemic’s impact.