Mar 27, 2025 06:35 AM IST
Sadia Khateeb opened up about her experience of shooting The Diplomat, and why she let go off the offer in Laila Majnu.
Actor Sadia Khateeb is garnering rave reviews for her performance in The Diplomat. The actor plays the role of an Indian Muslim woman stuck in Pakistan in the film, which also stars John Abraham. In an interview with The Indian Express, Sadia revealed that she was initially offered the lead role in Laila Majnu but she missed the part because she blocked the number of the casting call. (Also read: John Abraham says he ‘started his life with Shah Rukh Khan’. Here’s how)
What Sadia said
When asked whether it is true that she was first offered the part of Laila in the romantic drama film, Sadia said, “That’s how it all started. I was an engineering student. I’m from Jammu & Kashmir, and had no background in acting. They asked me to play Laila and I blocked the number, thinking it’s a fake call. Imagine if you’re living in a small town, would you have any idea who’s actually casting in Mumbai? It can be human trafficking!”
Laila’s role went to actor Triptii Dimri. The film also starred Avinash Tiwary.
On her role in The Diplomat
The actor also said that she did not meet the real person on whom her character is based in the film. “After the film released, I met her for the first time at a promotional podcast. My director was very sure that he didn’t want me to meet her because he asked me to do what the script wants. I just followed the human emotions, considered what I’d have done had I been trapped in the same situation, and listening to my director who had his own vision. He had met Uzma, he knew more about the character. Whatever he narrated, I put my insights into it, went ahead and lived it,” she added.
Set against the backdrop of India–Pakistan relations and exploring themes of diplomacy and the personal conflicts faced by diplomats, The Diplomat also stars Sharib Hashmi, Kumud Mishra, and Revathy in key roles. It is directed by Shivam Nair.
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