Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Fatima Sana Shaikh revealed that she had initially said no to playing the role of Indira Gandhi. She stated her reasons and said that she did not think that she was the right fit for the role. She said, “I said no. I was like, ‘I don’t think I am the right person’.” Meghna Gulzar convinced her for the role and that is how she agreed to play Indira Gandhi.

Fatima revealed that Meghna Gulzar was very clear about how she wanted her to bring Indira Gandhi to life. She said, “Meghna was very clear what she wanted from me for Indira ji. She had curated everything for me. I have read about her life, childhood, and everything she has done and contributed. I have seen her old videos, which the Films Division also had. But Meghna decided what are the things she wanted to pick from the character and how much.”

Talking about how she got ready for Indira Gandhi, Fatima shed light on the process where she had to look the part. She mentioned that it would take her three hours to get ready. She said, “You have to sit for three hours. Somehow you manage to do that. I think the biggest task for actors is to sit calmly when you are getting something like this done. You can’t move or do anything. That’s the most boring part of the day.”

Fatima Sana Shaikh revealed it was a pleasure to work with Meghna Gulzar. She also added that it was ‘lovely’ to work with her because she knew what she wanted.