In perhaps a first for Bollywood, a true blue Parsi is playing the role of a Parsi in Meghna Gulzar’s biographical Sam Bahadur that released last Friday. The film, that has wowed critics and audiences, is based on the life and illustrious career of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the legendary Parsi Chief of Army Staff who distinguished himself by leading the country to victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. And playing his daughter alongside established actors like Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Sheikh in the film, is popular Parsi model and actress Farah Titina. She told PeepingMoon.com, “It came naturally to me and not because I am a Parsi.” 

Excited to have made her Bollywood debut with Sam Bahadur by playing Sherry Manekshaw, Farah said, “It was an honour to be a part of this prestigious project. To be directed by Meghna ma’am was a great learning experience. I was fortunate to have scenes with Vicky, who is not just a fine actor, but also a lovely human being. He was very gracious on the sets and always helped me. I also had scenes with Sanya, who plays Manekshaw’s wife. We had a great time shooting and I am super proud to be a part of this talented team.”

Coincidentally, Sam Bahadur also features Parsi actor Shreas Pardiwalla as Sam Manekshaw’s ADC Behram Pardiwala. Was it Parsi producer Ronnie Screwvala’s decision to cast actors of his community in the biographical to play Parsi roles? “No, I landed the role through a casting director,” Farah said. “My family was thrilled and proud.” The vivacious artiste has featured in several TV, digital and print ad campaigns. She has modelled for popular and leading brands such as Cadbury Celebrations, Reliance Jio, Renault, Nikon, Panasonic, Santoor, Jeevansaathi.com, Godrej Interio, Imagicaa and Tata Salt among others and also starred in music videos.