'The Diplomat' Actress, Sadia Khateeb Shares How She Got The Role Of Uzma Ahmed, 'They Tested'

John Abraham, Sadia Khateeb's real-life Indian political drama, The Diplomat had hit the theatres on March 14, 2025. The movie is based on the true-life events of Uzma Ahmad, an Indian origin. She got back to India in 2017 after reportedly being honey-trapped in Pakistan's Buner. Now, Sadia, lately shared about how she bagged the role, how 'Uzma's' character impacted her on a personal level and how accepting her role has made her chase varied dreams. Sadia also revealed that she is now desperate to take on a stronger role in her life. She just does not want to be on any sets, she wants to be part of a film with a solid script, a powerful story, and a meatier role. That’s the shift The Diplomat has brought back into her life.

How did Sadia Khateeb get the difficult role of 'Uzma Ahmed'?

Sadia had a lot of responsibility when she had to play the role of 'Uzma', and revealed that the movie came to her when she underwent an audition that Jogi Malang, a casting director, lined up. Sadia, in an interview with SheThePeopleTV, shared that she got selected immediately after she auditioned for the role of 'Uzma'. In her words:

"They happened to test me, and right after the second round, I remember him looking at me and saying, ‘I'll see you on sets.’ That's how The Diplomat happened to me."

'Uzma Ahmed's' role was a turning point for Sadia Khateeb

Sadia also shared that playing a role like 'Uzma' required her to have a lot of strength. She evolved as an actress, and the role gave her a lot of confidence as well as courage. She had to play the role with a lot of respect, presence of mind and depth. Sadia grew as an actress not just in front of the camera but also in reality. Sadia revealed how getting a tremendous response for her role changed her life. In her words:

"Definitely, it has boosted my confidence as an actor, but there’s something else that changed too. Before The Diplomat, I went through a year and a half without a release. I was desperate just to be on a film set again."

When Vidhu Vinod Chopra convinced Sadia Khateeb's dad about her acting potential

Sadia, going ahead in the interview, revealed that for her, one of the most defining times was when she was cast in Shikara, 2020. She understood her purpose related to acting when Vidhu Vinod Chopra called her for Shikara. He was talking to her dad on a video call and convinced him that she could be a great actress. Sadia said:

"That was the first time someone recognised my potential, and it gave me a push. I thought, if a small audition could earn such appreciation, what could more effort do? That moment gave me a kick, and I knew I wanted to pursue acting. So, I moved to Bombay and did my first film."

For Sadia Khateeb, acting is therapy

Over time, Sadia got the confidence to shape her profession in the acting stream. She did not need any form of validation as she could resonate with the craft. For Sadia, acting has always detoxified her and acted like therapy. Whatever emotions she was carrying, whether suppressed childhood traumas, problems, or even her alter ego, they all get released when she plays different characters.

What do you think of Sadia Khateeb's journey of getting the role of Uzma Ahmed in The Diplomat?

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