Kubbra Sait is a multifaceted actress who has left an indelible mark on both the silver screen and the realm of streaming entertainment. From her portrayal as the bold and unapologetic Sana in the latest OTT, Trial to her mesmerizing embodiment of the enigmatic Kukoo in Sacred Games, Kubbra’s talent knows no bounds. But her path to stardom was any- thing but conventional. From hosting shows at a young age of 13 to managing accounts at Microsoft in Dubai, Kubbra’s evolution into a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry is a testament to her tenacity and determination. The emergence of OTT platforms, like Netflix, Disney Hotstar, Amazon Prime etc., breathed new life into her career, offering her a stage to shine. With opportunities and fan followings on the rise, for her the digital era seemed to be a blessing in disguise. Kubbra shines in the courtroom drama web series The Trial: Pyaar, Kanoon, Dhoka. In her portrayal of Sana, she describes the character as “hardwired and strong”, captivating audiences with her electrifying performance in the ongoing series. One role, in particular, has had a profound impact on both Kubbra and the LGBTQ+ community — Kukoo in Sacred Games. “I was only portraying my character Kukoo. But I realised it was not just a character but a whole story, complete in itself,” Kubbra expresses with heartfelt gratitude. The significance of her portray- al amplified when section 377 was struck down, making her a part of a movement she never saw coming. She felt a profound responsibility and embraced it with grace.
ADVANTAGES & CHALLENGES
Transitioning effortlessly between TV, films, and OTT, Kubbra spoke about the challenges and advantages she experiences in each medium. “Every medium has its own way of presenting a story. I grab every opportunity. weighing is not needed; the medium should not matter as long as one is happy with the opportunity.” The actress feels that the OTT has brought with them creative freedom, encouraging unconventional and bold storytelling. Kubbra marvelled at the changing landscape, where technology gave birth to movies and shows based on virtual reality, paving the way for all kinds of storytellers to rise. The era of digital entertainment has opened doors for exploration, “I am drawn towards roles that touch my heart,” she shares. Discussing her varying roles Kubbra reveals her fluid approach to acting. “I am an accidental actor; I have little more fluidity. I live my life impromptu.” Absorbing wisdom from directors like Anurag Kashyap, she immerses herself in her characters, learning from every experience that crosses her path. Foundation, a science fiction series based on Isaac Asimov’s works, was a departure from her previous roles. However, the script intrigued her deeply. “When I read the script, I felt everything around me was in the future,” she says. Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, Kubbra saw it as an opportunity to learn and humanise her character. Having worked in Bollywood and international productions, Kubbra noticed similarities in the desire to tell stories. However, she pointed out that the international industry provides a greater learning process, while the Indian industry offers opporunities to build character. Becoming a role model for aspiring actors, Kubbra advises youngsters wanting to step into this industry, “Embrace collaboration, stay true to yourself, and under- stand that every experience, be it highs or lows, is meant to shape your journey. Enjoy the process, go with the flow, and offer the world your unique talents.” Kubbra concluded saying that the digital era is serving as a launching pad for dreams to take flight!
