Fatima Sana Shaikh, like most Fatimas, is called Fatty by her friends. She giggles and says that this moniker gives her extra motivation in the gym. She’s a dedicated foodie and despite her nickname, has got the constitution of a horse, or rather, a filly, as nothing ever shows on her. She still looks the way she did in college, even though she’s in her 30s. The Dangal actor has learnt not to take herself too seriously. Her only goal is to keep growing with every project and to stay relevant for a long, long time. She’s at her sassy best as we talk…

When did you first fall in love?

With acting…I owe it to Kamal Hasan sir, I still remember he was such a powerhouse during Chachi 420 , I was in awe. I was young but I cannot forget the happiness and joy I felt being on the set. I still feel that excitement when I am still on set.

What has been your best/worst date?

Worst date was when this guy once took me to a beer brewery for a date. Which is fine. But I don’t drink. Especially not if someone is pushing me to. What made it super annoying is that the whole evening he insisted that I at least have one pint.  Never went on a date with him again. My best date has been at home when cooked some food and had a conversation for hours and finished it off with a walk on the beach.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

I believe in love. First sight and the millionth.

Do you believe that love is blind?

It’s all things beautiful packed into a single feeling. Blind not so much.

A candlelight dinner or a stroll on the beach?

The hills any day. But if I had to choose, then beach it is.

A fantasy location where you’d like to make love…

On a beach. But with air conditioning.  

What if a girl hits on you?

I’d be flattered…

What’s the one quality you like most in a man?

A guy who knows how to respect people, loves animals, has a good sense of humour and is easy. I don’t enjoy uptight people and most importantly he needs to smell good.

What’s the thing about a man that you don’t like?

Body odour and bad breath is something that I cannot deal with.

See Also: Exclusive: Fatima Sana Shaikh reacts to link-up rumours with Aamir Khan

How many heartbreaks have you had?

Just yesterday I had one… I tried making a chocolate mousse and it turned out disastrous. I followed the recipe by the book and still nothing.

What’s the one tip you’d give to girls when it comes to dating?

Never settle and have the courage to walk away if it doesn’t feel right.

Three celebrities you’d kill to go out with…

Lewis Hamilton, Lady Gaga and Andrew Huberman

When you want to feel sexy, what do you wear?

Saree! That’s my go to attire to feel good.

What are you addicted to?

Coffee, the hills and my dog Bijlee; that’s also my perfect vacation.

Have you ever felt insecure as an actor?

Not really. Coffee helps.

A rumour you’d like to start…

I’m a superhero. And my superpower is eating all the desserts in the world and not putting on weight.

If your life was a movie, which one would it be?

Can’t think of any in particular.

If one song were to describe your life, what song would it be?

It would have to be Ladki badi anjaani hai.

What would be a good theme song for your life?

(Laughs) Have you watched Shin Chan? Uska theme song. But replacing Shin Chan’s name with mine.

A Hollywood film you’d like to remake…

There is this show called Inventing Anna. I am obsessed with that character. I would love to play her.

The role that you have regretted passing on?

None. I have always acted on my instinct and am proud of each and every film of mine.

You feel like a star when…

I don’t know what a star feels like. I feel special when people recognise me for my work. That’s the
only emotion I identify with.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

I love the mountains, so when the hills call me I just leave everything and go to Dharamshala. And paani puri mera ultimate pyaar.

Friendship to you is…

An irreplaceable bond that is built on loyalty and trust. You break it, you lose it!

What is the one thing people have got wrong about you?

That I’m a very serious person.

One regret you don’t want to have when you grow older…

That I didn’t attempt the things that I wanted to achieve because I was scared of failure. I don’t want my fear to take over my decisions ever.  

Is there something you’re afraid of?

Fumbling on my lines in the middle of an important shoot.

Do you have any phobias?

My biggest fear is losing the people I love.

If there was one illegal thing you could do and get away with, what
would it be?

Skywalking. It’s basically climbing monuments and structures from the outside… It’s extremely unsafe and illegal. But the idea of being completely in tune with your body
and being able to do that is exciting.

One embarrassing moment in your life that still makes you cringe…

I was with my friends who were older and all of them were jumping over a gutter to cross over to the other side. They told me I wouldn’t be able to do it because I was too short and the gap was huge. And that pissed me off. So first I fought with them and told them I could jump. But when I did jump. I fell straight into the gutter. So much for being so cocky.

Which bill do you hate paying the most?

All of them. I can’t imagine anyone who likes paying bills.

What was the one lie you told your parents?

I had  gone to attend a concert in another city and they had no idea. I told them I was staying at a friend’s house and made a random girl speak to them.

If you have only 24 hours to live what would you do?

Be in the moment and celebrate with everyone I love. I think we are the sum of the people we love.

What is the most precious thing in your wardrobe?

Nothing as such. I am not attached to anything in my wardrobe.

What’s your one annoying habit?

Overthinking.

Do you have a go-to designer or brand you love to wear, both on and off the red carpet?

I love raw mango, Manish Malhotra, Sabyasachi and Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla; they are masters of their craft. Internationally I really like Dior, Carolina Herrera and Elie Saab. My personal style however is a lot of casual and easy to wear clothing.

How do you want loved ones to remember you?

As the best daughter, friend and shoulder to lean on.

See Also: Exclusive Video: Fatima Sana Shaikh talks about her link-ups with Sanya Malhotra

What’s your best-kept secret?

Well that’s a secret!

What is the one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger?

That life is only as difficult as you make it out to be. The thing you fear the most, is the thing you must attempt first. It’s ok to fail, it’s ok to make mistakes, just don’t fear trying.

If you were a journalist, who’s the first actor you would like to interview and why?

I would love to interview Rekha Ji or Waheeda ji. Such icons and such amazing personalities.

One actor you want to romance on screen?

Timothee Chalamet or Liam Hemsworth.

See Also: R Madhavan and Fatima Shaikh pair up for the first time in Aap Jaisa Koi