Sara Ali Khan has often found herself at the receiving end of criticism for visiting temples like Kedarnath. People have questioned her religious freedom, but Sara doesn’t let it get to her. She’s spoken about it before, and now she’s opening up again. Sara shares how she deals with the hate she receives and what it’s like being the daughter of a Muslim father, Saif Ali Khan, and a Sikh mother, Amrita Singh.
Growing up, Sara’s family celebrated all festivals – Hindu and Muslim. Her mother, Amrita, converted to Islam when she married Saif, but kept her surname. Sara’s childhood was a beautiful blend of both cultures. She recalls asking her mother about her identity when she was younger. “What am I?” she asked. Her mother’s response has stayed with her – “You’re an Indian.”
Embracing her mixed heritage
At the Times Now Summit, Sara spoke about her unique upbringing. “I’ve always thought about my family’s diverse background,” she said. “My mom’s a Sikh, my dad’s a Muslim, and I’ve got a mixed bag of siblings – me, Ibrahim, and Taimur. I’d ask my mom, ‘What are we?’ And she’d say, ‘You’re an Indian.'” Sara’s mother, Amrita, had a profound impact on her perspective. When Sara asked about her religion, Amrita simply said, “You’re a citizen of this country, and that’s all that matters.”
Dealing with trolls
Sara has learned to ignore negative comments. “I don’t give trolls the importance they might be seeking,” she said. “It’s pointless to try to change someone’s mindset. I’ve learned to ignore the negativity and focus on what matters.” With her strong sense of identity and a family that celebrates diversity, Sara Ali Khan is unaffected by the hate she receives. She’s proud of her mixed heritage and won’t let anyone bring her down.