Sara Ali Khan says she was brought up single mother Amrita Singh: ‘I don’t know what it is to not have a voice’ | Bollywood News

Sara Ali Khan, the firstborn of actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, recently opened up about her understanding of strength, womanhood, and privilege, shaped largely being raised a single mother. Saif and Amrita separated in 2004, after which Sara, then nine years old along with her younger brother Ibrahim Ali Khan, was brought up Amrita Singh. The actor believes this upbringing deeply influenced the way she views the world—especially the role and voice of women in society.
Speaking on Soha Ali Khan’s podcast, Sara shared her definition of a strong woman. “For me, a strong woman is someone who doesn’t fear having a voice,” she said, adding, “Today, society has evolved and women have become more free, but I think it starts from within. Your ability to emancipate yourself, to stand for what you believe in, and to stand up for yourself—that’s strength.”
Reflecting on her own upbringing, Sara Ali Khan acknowledged her privilege. “I’ve always had a voice. I’ve never had to shut myself down. Even while growing up at home, questions and opinions were always welcome. I don’t know what it is to not have a voice. Not everyone has that, and kudos to those who live in a world that may not always support them.”
She further spoke about subtle gender privileges, adding, “I think one of the biggest privileges is that you have a brother, and I have a brother, and we didn’t grow up in a household where they got the better chicken. That’s probably where our privilege begins.”
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Sara Ali Khan also recalled how being raised a single mother shaped her perception of gender roles. “You have to derive your own strength in a world where you’re aware that inequality exs. It’s not like mansplaining isn’t a thing or that we don’t live in a male-dominated world. Maybe we do—but it also depends on how seriously you take it. Women have a very important role to play in society. I grew up with a single mother, so the way I look at women is completely different.”
She went on to challenge traditional stereotypes. “Maybe to some degree people think women are the softer gender and men are providers, but growing up, that wasn’t my reality. My mom was doing everything. That bifurcation doesn’t ex in my memory at all. My mom doesn’t do any job that’s ‘ideally’ associated with women—she’s a bad cook,” Sara added with a laugh.Story continues below this ad
Soha Ali Khan also shared her own experience, adding, “Our father was a professional athlete. When we were born, he used to stay home while our mother went to work.”
Wrapping up the conversation, Sara Ali Khan spoke about embracing her many interests and how that defines modernity for her. “I have multiple interests. I like travelling everywhere—from Ujjain to the Maldives. So people wonder, ‘What is this girl?’ I come across as someone very curious. I celebrate all aspects of my life. I think modernity is really a way of approaching things. It’s evolution.”