Mumbai: In an age dominated by instant gratification and digital intimacy, Gustaakh Ishq (2025) arrives like a handwritten letter—unhurried, deeply felt, and unapologetically romantic. Directed by Vibhu Puri and produced by Manish Malhotra, the film transports viewers to a pre-mobile 1990s world where love brews over cups of tea, verses of shayari, and stolen silences.
At the heart of this poetic drama is Fatima Sana Shaikh, delivering one of the most tender performances of her career as the daughter of a revered Urdu poet, sharing screen space with Vijay Varma and the legendary Naseeruddin Shah. In this candid conversation, Fatima opens up about emotional inheritance, creative fear, old-school love, and how Gustaakh Ishq changed her as an actor and as a person.
1. Role Inspiration:
Your character in Gustaakh Ishq is the daughter of a legendary Urdu poet—how did you draw from real-life influences to bring her emotional depth and poetic passion to life?
Fatima Sana Shaikh:
I approached her like someone who has grown up listening more than speaking. When you’re raised in the shadow of greatness—especially a literary giant—you inherit both beauty and burden. I drew inspiration from people I’ve met who belong to artistic families, where emotions are expressed subtly, often through silence or art rather than words. I also spent time understanding Urdu poetry—not just the language, but the feeling behind it. That helped me internalize her emotional world and her quiet rebellion.
2. Working with Naseeruddin Shah:
You mentioned feeling nervous about Naseeruddin Shah potentially judging your performance—what was the most surprising lesson you learned from him during that intense emotional scene where he guided you with his heartbeat?
Fatima:
That moment was life-changing for me as an actor. Naseer saab taught me that emotion doesn’t need exaggeration—it needs honesty. When he asked me to sync with his heartbeat, it wasn’t about technique; it was about surrender. I learned that sometimes the best performance comes from listening—literally and emotionally. He made me feel safe in vulnerability, and that’s a rare gift.
3. Chemistry with Vijay Varma:
The film’s romance unfolds through poetry and tea sessions in a pre-mobile era—how did you and Vijay build that authentic, slow-burn chemistry off-screen?
Fatima:
I believe both of us desired to do a film that’s subtle and slow, with moments that make you feel the stillness in a world of rush—and we found that comfort in Gustaakh Ishq. That kind of cinema is rarely seen today. So I feel that desire brought emotional honesty to our characters, which shows on screen. It required a deep understanding of how our characters influence the world around them. I’m incredibly grateful to Manish Malhotra and Vibhu Puri for pushing us to that point.
4. Favorite Shayari Moment:
What’s your favorite shayari line from the film, and why does it capture the spirit of audacious love?
Fatima:
All the shayaris are incredibly deep and touching. Each one captures a different shade of love—longing, heartbreak, yearning, hope. Together, they make Gustaakh Ishq a very wholesome big-screen experience. I don’t think one line stands alone; it’s the collective poetry that binds the film and reflects how love itself is layered and complex.
5. Challenges of the 1990s Setting:
Did shooting in a tech-free era make the romance easier or harder to immerse in?
Fatima:
It felt grounded—like coming home after a hectic day. The absence of phones forces you to be present, and that presence translates beautifully on screen. The scenes were crafted with such detail and precision that I naturally felt everything the moment demanded. That’s why the emotions feel so raw and lived-in.
6. Music’s Impact:
How did Vishal Bhardwaj’s music and Gulzar saab’s lyrics shape your performance?
Fatima:
Their collaboration is pure magic. The soundtrack is the pulse of Gustaakh Ishq. The music stays with you even after it ends, and that emotional residue influenced every scene I performed. The album played a huge role in allowing me to express emotions that words alone couldn’t convey.
7. Manish Malhotra’s Production Debut:
What unique creative freedom did his vision bring to your character’s look and the film’s world?
Fatima:
Manish brought a very emotional sensitivity to the process. My costumes weren’t about glamour—they were about character. Each fabric, color, and silhouette reflected her inner state. There was immense freedom to explore subtlety, and that helped the world of Gustaakh Ishq feel immersive and authentic.
8. Modern Love Reflection:
Does the film’s old-school romance make you rethink today’s digital dating culture?
Fatima:
Even though time has changed, the language of love hasn’t. Earlier, it was letters; now it’s video calls and reels. But I still see people writing letters today, too. There’s a spark from the old times that still exists. Trends evolve, but love—at its core—still brings people closer.
9. IFFI Premiere Experience:
What was it like seeing the film celebrated at IFFI?
Fatima:
It was incredibly wholesome. Watching audiences connect with a story rooted in nostalgia reaffirmed that there’s still a deep love for old-school romance. People were visibly moved, and it felt like our attempt to revisit the golden era truly resonated.
10. Sharib Hashmi’s Dynamic:
How did he add depth to the family narrative?
Fatima:
Sharib brings warmth effortlessly. He grounded the family dynamic with his honesty and quiet humor. Off-screen, he kept the atmosphere light, which really strengthened our bond as a cast. That camaraderie translated beautifully on screen.
11. Personal Growth:
How did Gustaakh Ishq push you beyond your earlier roles like Dangal*?*
Fatima:
I discovered sides of myself I hadn’t known before. Dangal showed me as physically strong, while Gustaakh Ishq allowed me to explore softness and femininity. It’s been transformative, and I feel there’s still so much more within me waiting to be explored.
12. Message to Fans:
What advice would you give on embracing “gustaakh ishq” in real life?
Fatima:
Give time to love. Let relationships grow and settle naturally. No matter the era—90s, 2000s, or Gen Z—love remains authentic. It has the power to heal, even when it breaks you a little.
Gustaakh Ishq isn’t just a film—it’s a feeling. And through Fatima Sana Shaikh’s delicate, soul-stirring performance, that feeling lingers long after the final verse fades.
