Actor Sarah Khan opens up about her much-anticipated drama Sher, a high-stakes story packed with emotion, action, and unexpected twists. Directed by the acclaimed Aehsun Talish, produced by ARY Digital, and penned by the brilliant Zanjabeel Asim Shah, ‘Sher’ marks a powerful new chapter in Sarah’s career. Known for her graceful on-screen presence, Sarah Khan takes on a strikingly different role this time one that promises to surprise her fans and challenge everything audiences expect from her. In an exclusive conversation with Fashion Times Magazine, she opens up about stepping into uncharted territory with ‘Sher’ and what drew her to this bold new project.
Q) This is your first time working with Danish. What was your initial reaction when you found out you’d be co-starring in Sher?
A) Most people don’t know this, but we actually worked together twice very early in our careers once where I played her sister, and another time in a telefilm. So when Sher came my way, I was genuinely thrilled. Over time, people had started seeing us as an on-screen couple, and there were even several fan pages dedicated to us on Instagram. So more than anything, I was excited for the fans they finally get to see us share the screen again, this time in a completely new light.
Q) The teasers show a lot of intensity and confrontation can you tell us a bit about your characters and their dynamic?
A) In a recent interview, I mentioned that if you watch the teaser closely, you’ll actually catch glimpses of everything that’s about to unfold. It’s a story full of twists and turns completely unpredictable. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, everything flips. You’ll find yourself going, “Wait… what just happened?”. One moment someone’s getting married, the next, a life is turned upside down. It’s chaotic in the best way possible. That’s what makes this story so compelling it constantly keeps you guessing, keeps you invested, and never lets you settle.
Q) How did Aehsun Talish’s direction shape your performances in Sher?
A) Every actor has their own approach to performing, but personally, I try not to bring my own style into a role so the character stays true and doesn’t blend with any of my past performances. Creating that distinction is where Aehsun Talish played a crucial role. My character in Sher, Dr. Fajar, is nothing like Sarah from Hum Tum or Zohra from Raqs-e-Bismil. She stands apart. It’s a complex and challenging role, and I truly believe the credit for bringing her to life goes entirely to my director, Aehsun Talish, and our producer, Abdullah Seja.
Q) What was the most challenging scene you filmed for this drama?
A) There were a few scenes in the play that were particularly challenging for me to perform. My natural tone is quite subtle, and I don’t usually lean into loud or exaggerated expressions, so when the story demanded intense, high-emotion moments, it really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I can’t reveal too much about those scenes just yet, but once they air, I’ll definitely share some behind-the-scenes moments on my Instagram Stories and take you through the intensity of bringing those scenes to life.
Q) Is the teaser inspired by Bollywood’s Ram Leela?
A) Yes, the teaser was visually inspired by Ram-Leela, but when it comes to the story itself, our inspiration is loosely based on Romeo and Juliet.
Q) Was there a particular moment during shooting where you felt the story or your character truly clicked for you?
A) It all started with the very first call from Abdullah Seja. He shared a one-liner and it instantly clicked. I hadn’t taken up a project in over a year because I was waiting for something truly different. This story felt fresh, unique, and unlike anything else currently on air. It wasn’t just another dramatic tale it had depth, scale, and something new to offer. That immediate connection was the spark for me, and honestly, it was a big catch.
Q) The drama seems to have a strong emotional core how did you prepare for such high-stakes roles?
A) There’s a certain perception among viewers and even some makers that I’m best suited for soft-spoken, gentle roles. But with this project, I really wanted to break that mold and do something completely different whether it was a negative, vampish role or even something as extreme as a serial killer. I did watch some relevant content as part of my prep, but I also believe that if you’re not careful, you can easily slip into a caricature.
That’s where my director, Aehsun Talish, played a major role. He had a very clear and layered vision for this character. Honestly, I’d say I’m 80% the girl he imagined, and the other 20% is purely my own instinct and personal touch. In a way, my preparation was to not prepare in the traditional sense. I stayed present in each scene and let the performance unfold naturally.
Q) What do you hope viewers will take away from watching Sher?
A) Audiences often look to dramas for life lessons but personally, I don’t see them that way. And I don’t choose my projects based on moral messaging either. My core belief is simple: my job is to entertain. Sher is exactly that pure entertainment. Imagine yourself in a movie theater, because that’s the kind of experience this drama delivers. Every scene is sharp, cinematic, and crafted with incredible dedication.
From intense action and emotional drama to love stories and household politics, Sher has it all. So if you’re expecting life lessons from a drama I’m in don’t. Just sit back, let go, and enjoy the ride. We’ve poured our hearts into this, and I truly hope the vision of Aehsun Bhai and Abdullah Seja shines through on screen.
