Sumbul Touqeer Khan rose to fame for her role as Imlie in the Star Plus show, “Imlie” and enjoys a massive fan following. But what changed the game for her was her performance in the most popular reality show “Bigg Boss 16”. The actress became the youngest contestant to cross 100 days on the show, in any language and that speaks volumes about her unwavering dedication and commitment.
She debuted in Bollywood with Anubhav Sinha’s 2019 critically acclaimed film “Article 15” and has since been climbing the long ladder to success. She can be seen, or rather heard on Pocket FM’s recently released audio series “Devil se Shaadi”, which is a quirky love story that has ticked off all the points when it comes to an intriguing plot.
In this exclusive segment with FACE, the actress opens up about Bigg Boss, her father’s second marriage, what she loves about acting, her upcoming projects and much more…
With youngsters struggling to decide the career they want to pursue, you made a name for yourself at such a young age. What was it that made you realise your love for acting or the fact that you want to be a performer?
I was never clear about my acting career and I always wanted to become a dancer and wanted my academy to be known worldwide. When I started acting, I realized that I was made for acting. I have been fortunate enough to get the right opportunities. I have acted in films, TV shows and even did the reality show Bigg Boss. Acting satisfies the creative streak in me.
Bigg Boss is one of the most viewed shows on Indian Television and tests the contestants in every possible way. So, after being a part of the show and being the youngest contestant in BB 16, how do you think the experience changed the way you viewed all the
relationships in your life?
Bigg Boss was an eye opener for me. In a few months, I learned a lot about relationships. I have lived in a very protected environment. Bigg Boss gave me the opportunity to know more about the outside world and relationships.
You made your Bollywood debut with Anubhav Sinha’s 2019 film, “Article 15” which received massive love from the audience as well as critics. If you were offered two films at the same time – one, a commercial film which will make big numbers and two, an artistic film which may not fill cinema halls but earn critical acclaim. Which one would you pick and why?
If I’m offered 2 films, I would choose art films.
If we talk about the television show “Imlie”, in which you played the lead role of Imlie, it’s safe to say that you were the show-runner and the star of the show. And today, we’re seeing a lot many television shows or projects in general in which the show is being run by a female lead. What do you have to say about the kind of characters that are being written for women nowadays?
TV is dominated by women characters. Gone are the Saas-Bahu days. The new age woman is very independent and expresses herself. TV, cinema and OTT all are in a good phase. Content is the king.
Divorce is anyways something which is still looked down upon by the society, especially when it comes to the entertainment industry, and on top of that, if we talk about remarrying, that’s a different ball game altogether. And it isn’t very commonly seen that children are getting one of their parents remarried. How has the process of accepting new family members in your life been?
I wanted it and thought I should have my whole family. Home is where the heart is and my heart is in my father’s happiness who has given me and my sister an excellent upbringing. New family members have added value to our life.
What is your favourite thing about acting?
My favourite thing about acting is that in one life you get to live so many different lives. What excites me the most is that I have lived so many lives till now and will be living so many in the coming future.
When do we get to see you next on the big/small screen?
You are going to see me soon. I have got a couple of offers. Let’s see which one I pick. I value my fans and I won’t disappoint them with my choices.
