Adah Sharma opens up on renting SSR’s flat, film controversies, outsider freedom, and playing a secret agent next

Aman Jain

Bollywood actress Adah Sharma, in an exclusive with The Free Press Journal, talked openly about renting Sushant Singh Rajput’s Bandra flat. She spoke about how some media channel had made fake headlines just for garnering TRPs, and shared that she’s comfortable renting clothes, cars, or even homes. She also spoke about her horror film 1920: Evil Returns and joked about ghosts liking her acting! She pointed out that she chooses films based on the story, her role, and the director. Adah also revealed she’s playing a secret agent in an upcoming project. Excerpts:

Q. You faced backlash for renting Sushant Singh Rajput’s Bandra flat. Did the criticism affect your views on privacy?

A. I thought people were very happy I've moved to the apartment. Some media channel, for clickbait, made a headline saying Adah Sharma receiving criticism for moving into the flat? The article had fan messages saying they were very happy I've moved in, Mahadev ki bhakt hai Adah, etc. But for clickbait, people make headlines like that.

Q. You clarified you’re renting—not owning—the SSR apartment. What does this public obsession with ownership say?

A. I’m wear rented clothes. When we go to cities to shoot, I roam in rented cars. In movies, I temporarily—very convincingly—play characters that I'm not. So I'm fine with renting, clothes or apartments.

Q. Your film 1920: Evil Returns sparked controversy over alleged communal messaging. How do you respond?

A. Which community was offended in 1920? The Bhoot community? The spirits and Bhoots who I spoke to were very happy with my realistic performance. At least that’s what they told me!

Q.  You joked about debuting in horror instead of romance. Do outsiders get more freedom with bold scripts?

A. We outsiders are a blessed lot! I got to do horror and romance in my debut. For me, 1920 wasn’t just horror—it’s about a man who was willing to die for the woman he loves, who was trying to kill him.

Q. You mentioned women are often called first but made to wait on sets. Has this bias impacted your film choices?

A. I choose a film based on the script, my role, the director.

Q. With public scrutiny over your home and films, what has controversy taught you about fame and authenticity?

A. Actually, when I’m home, I’m so lost in my own world, I don’t even think about scrutiny or anything else. And when I’m doing a film, I don’t allow myself to get distracted with thoughts like controversies, etc. I feel that deviates the mind from focussing on getting out an authentic performance.

Q. What can you share about your upcoming projects? Any new genres or roles you’re excited to explore?

A. I’m playing a secret agent in a project. And I’m a good secret agent, so I can’t share.