Konkona Sen Sharma says, “I’m a director too, but first and foremost, I’m an actor.”

Having earned acclaim for her remarkable performances in films like Wake Up Sid, Page 3, Omkara, Luck By Chance, and Lipstick Under My Burkha, Konkona Sen Sharma is returning to the big screen once again. In a recent interview, she not only shared insights about her upcoming film but also spoke in depth about her journey as an actor, a director, her relationships, and cinematic philosophy.

Konkona Sen Sharma Returns in Metro… In Dino

Having made her mark through standout roles in films like Wake Up Sid, Page 3, Omkara, Luck By Chance, and Lipstick Under My Burkha, Konkona Sen Sharma is all set to return to the big screen with Anurag Basu’s Metro... In Dino. Following Life in a... Metro (2007), she will now be seen in a completely new character in this franchise. In this candid conversation, Konkona opens up not only about her experience on the new film, but also reflects deeply on her artistic journey — both as an actor and a director. Her responses reveal a sense of emotion, introspection, and the honest truth of an artist.

• Your first film with director Anurag Basu was Life in a... Metro. Now you're part of its franchise as well. How did your association with him begin?

When I first met Anurag Basu, I was quite new to the industry. I had just moved to Mumbai in 2005. At that time, I hadn’t seen his film Gangster. When he came to narrate the story to me, I remember he was mixing up the character names a lot. I wasn’t sure I had understood the story clearly. But we’re both Bengali, so we overlooked that and ended up having a meal together. Later, I asked Shabana ji (Shabana Azmi) if I should do the film. She said Anurag had made a really good film (Gangster) and that I should definitely work with him.

• So when Metro... In Dino was offered to you, what were the creative conditions or standards on which you agreed? Have your criteria for choosing roles changed over the years?

When I got the call for Metro... In Dino nearly 17–18 years later, I was genuinely happy. Technically, it isn’t a sequel because the story and characters are completely different. In the earlier film, I was part of a young couple’s love story, while this one explores love at a different stage of life. It’s a mix of something old and something new — that’s why I found it perfect. Honestly, when I agreed to do the film, I didn’t even know what role I was going to play. I said yes simply because it was Anurag.

• The film has a dialogue: "Kisi ke saath zindagi bhar rehne ke liye baar-baar pyaar mein padna padta hai." (To spend your whole life with someone, you have to fall in love with them again and again).” Do you agree with this idea? How relevant is it to your own life experience?

It’s a beautiful line — something many people will relate to. But to spend your whole life with someone, the partner also has to be right. The effort to maintain a relationship has to come from both sides. If both people are equally committed, then this dialogue is absolutely true.

• In Luck By Chance, you said with simplicity — “My dreams didn’t come true, but I’m happy.” Does your character in Metro... In Dino reflect a similar sense of contentment, compromise, or balance?

I hadn’t thought of it that way, but yes, we often think that happiness will come from just one thing — but that’s rarely true. If we look at life with an open mind, we find joy through many different paths. It’s not only work that gives happiness. We keep chasing joy, but without sadness, we wouldn’t even understand what happiness means. Happiness isn’t everything — balance in life is essential.

• Your work is known for its honesty and sensitivity, which has shaped your unique identity. When people talk about your legacy, how do you feel about it?

Oh no, it’s nothing like that. I feel when you have work, you should just keep doing it. Staying busy is good. When I don’t have work and I’m at home, I become very annoying — like I start pointing out everything: “Why isn’t this clean? Where’s that?”
As far as legacy goes — people may say things, or they may not. That doesn’t matter to me. I just do what I enjoy. And if we must talk about legacy, then it’s shaped by your choices — the people you choose to work with, that’s what builds a legacy.

• You're not just a brilliant actor but also a thoughtful director. When you're working on someone else’s set, does the director in you ever emerge? Do you find yourself giving suggestions for shots or scenes?

I’ve been acting for over 20 years, so first and foremost, I am an actor. I thoroughly enjoyed directing, but I’ve done very little of it, so the director in me doesn’t come out that quickly.

• You've also carved a niche for yourself as a filmmaker. When can we expect your next project as a director? Will we soon see you behind the camera again, telling a new story?

It takes a lot of effort — a lot of writing — and that takes time. Right now, I’m busy acting. Not anytime soon, but I am thinking about developing a show in the future. Though it’ll still take some time.

• When you're sharing screen space with powerhouses like Manoj Bajpayee and Pankaj Tripathi, does acting become easier or does it add pressure and responsibility?

If a scene has two characters and the other actor is that talented, half the job gets done on its own. Whether it’s Manoj Bajpayee or Pankaj Tripathi — what surprises me is that no one thought to cast us together before!

• When it comes to love in older age, society often raises questions. Do you think love isn’t bound by age, and that we need to become more mature in accepting such relationships?

Usually, films show love ending once the hero-heroine get together. But we don’t often explore beyond that. Love is a very complex and layered experience. It changes through different phases of life. Love isn’t just confined to youth — it continues, no matter the circumstances.

• Looking back at your life in the 90s or early 2000s, what’s one thing that you still cherish and feel deeply nostalgic about?

Back then, sync sound wasn’t used, so we had to do dubbing — and I really enjoyed that process. Dubbing involved a different kind of creativity because every frame, every line had to be brought to life. Sometimes directors would speak between takes, there would be laughter and casual chats — it all created such a memorable experience. Even today, I fondly remember some of those things.

Read also:

• Aamir Khan got support from Salman Khan during depression, the actor said- 'I was in a dark place'
• Actor Varun Dhawan said, "Aaram se, aaram se" while handling excited girls and boys in Pune
• “My First & Only True Love” — Karan Veer Mehra Pens an Emotional Note for His Mom’s 70th Birthday
• Kajol Reveals Why She Set Boundaries After Watching Mom Tanuja Work 20-Hour Days

Tags : Metro In Dino Ali Fazal | Metro In Dino movie | Metro In Dino official trailer | Metro In Dino Sara Ali Khan | Metro In Dino trailer | Metro In Dino trailer movie