Bollywood sensation Sara Ali Khan, currently riding high on the anticipation of her soon-to-be-released film ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan,’ has recently expressed a deep-rooted fascination with Russian history and literature, especially its profound narratives of the 20th century.
During an engaging exchange with the news agency IANS before her film’s premiere, Sara Ali Khan, known not only for her captivating on-screen presence but also as a discerning student of history, delved into her admiration for the dramatic transformations that Russia experienced over the course of a single century. The series of pivotal moments spanning from the emergence of Vladimir Lenin, through the regimes of Joseph Stalin and Nikita Khrushchev, culminated with Mikhail Gorbachev’s leadership, which ultimately led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Speaking with candor, she highlighted the breadth and intensity of the entire era, remarking, “I like 20th-century Russian history a lot. I think it’s very interesting how they went from Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev, and Mikhail Gorbachev to the fall of the Soviet Union, ye sab 100 salon mein hua hai. It’s very interesting to observe it that way.” This period of swift and sweeping change has undoubtedly shaped modern Russia and left an indelible mark on global affairs, inspiring the thespian to further explore its complexity and legacy.
One figure consequential to this historical journey, as Sara went on to elucidate, was Nikita Khrushchev, a leader whose actions decisively broke with the past. Khrushchev is notably recognized for his repudiation of Joseph Stalin’s tyrannical rule and for initiating ‘de-Stalinisation’, a policy aimed at dismantling the cult of personality around Stalin and alleviating the oppressive political climate that he had fostered.
However, Sara’s enthusiasm for Russian culture is not confined to historical events alone. She professed a profound affinity for Russian literature as well, sharing her list of esteemed authors, with Fyodor Dostoevsky securing the position of her preferred writer. “I also like Russian literature a lot. Fyodor Dostoevsky, his ‘Crime and Punishment’ is my favorite, the novel ‘Anna Karenina’. Alexander Pushkin is one of my favorites as well. So, Russia I have a special spot for as a student of history,” the actress stated, shedding light on the depth of literary genius that Russia has contributed to the world’s cultural treasury.
Dostoevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment’, lauded for its psychological depth and moral complexity, evidently holds a special place in Sara’s collection, as does the epic novel ‘Anna Karenina’, which reflects the intricate layers of society and emotion. Moreover, the inclusion of Alexander Pushkin underscores her taste for classical literature, acknowledging the literary titan’s role in shaping the Russian literary canon and his masterful storytelling that resonates to this day.
‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ is a patriotic period film poised to launch on Prime Video on March 21, infusing the historical narrative Sara admires with cinematic expression. Fans of the actress and history buffs alike await with bated breath to see how the film captures the essence of an equally stirring chapter in Indian history.
The collaboration between Sara Ali Khan and the creative minds behind ‘Ae Watan Mere Watan’ is a commendable fusion of art and historical reverence—a celebration of the past and its enduring influence on contemporary culture. As the release date approaches, the excitement builds not just for a film, but for a portal to understanding the nuanced and transformative events that have shaped the world we inhabit today.
This article, enriched by Sara Ali Khan’s illuminating thoughts on her academic interests, is sourced from a syndicated feed from agencies. It should be noted that the trustworthiness and authenticity of the content are established by the original sources, and any modifications or editorial decisions lie solely with the management of Mid-day.com, who retain the complete discretion to make changes as they see fit.
