Every famous personality has a story to tell about their rise to fame. And, when it comes to finance graduate-turned-anchor, model, TV show host and actor Kubra Sait, the story is full of entertaining spins and thrilling episodes.
Kubra has been in the news for her role in Sultan where she held her own alongside the larger-than-life Bhai.
For the Mumbai-based Kubra, Bengaluru is home. “This is the place I come back to. This would be my happily ever after. In fact, it is strange, I speak Hindi or English in Mumbai and everywhere else, but it is like a switch comes on the minute I reach Bengaluru and I automatically speak Kannada.”
Kubra, sister of Bengaluru’s renowned RJ, anchor and prankster Danish talks of how things fell in place.
“An introvert as a child, I was bullied mercilessly about my name when I was younger. It took its toll on me and by sixth grade, I couldn’t even have a proper conversation with anyone. It was only after a visit to the Buoyancee Learning Centre, where they put me back together and taught me public speaking that my personality emerged. Finally, in seventh grade, I made the first speech of my life in school assembly about earthquakes.”
There was no turning back after that. “My first show as an anchor at the age of 15 was for Padmashree Institute of Physiotherapy.”
“Serendipitously, I’m anchoring a show for the same institute, where it all started for me, in Bengaluru now.” While her first pay of a huge garland, a basket of fruits, a big slab of chocolate and a ‘thank you’ plaque has paved way to fat pay cheques and awards, Kubra says she’s come a long way, but her spirit remains the same.
She went on to become one of the most sought-after anchors in the country, win the ‘Best Emcee Female’ Award at the Live Quotient Awards, Delhi, bag the ‘Miss Personality’ title at the Miss India World Wide Pageant in Durban and feature in a range of small roles in movies from Ready and Jodhi Breakers to I Love NY and her biggest screen appearance in the recent Sultan.
“Today, the same name I always wanted to change as a child, (thank God I retained it), is the name that appears in the film, as it is.”
Talking about the Sultan experience, she said: “I went in to audition for a small part in the film. It was a Yash Raj film, how can anyone not give it a shot? About a week later, they called and told me I did not get that role, since apparently I was a high profile person. I was perplexed. Then they told me they want me for a bigger role. I was like ‘Why didn’t you start with that?’ she laughs.
“This part had to be played with whatever I knew and thankfully, I got a part where I was playing what I do in real life.
“So, all the years of experience came naturally to me. I play myself, Kubra, the anchor. In fact, my opening line in the film is ‘Hi, I’m Kubra Sait’.”
Kubra hopes everyone goes back with a huge smile on their faces when they watch her.
“I live in the moment. As an anchor, you truly are the anchor of the show and responsible for the fate of the event. The live event business is one which is unpredictable.
“For us as anchors, both Danish and me, we’re constantly one step ahead of things. Our job is to make people feel special. I’ve always believed you can make anyone feel like a hero. Goodness comes from within. If I’m happy, I spread it. I’ve learnt that the more you give, it always comes back to you.”
She points out that when she started off as an entertainer, “I never had a role model. So we ended up wanting to be the best version of ourselves. We realised there was this opportunity and we were getting paid to do something we do anyway - that is talk. So we exploited that opportunity and used it to the fullest. It was never about the money since it came in later.”
Kubra elaborates they were raised in a family where “we would get everything we wanted. We were a middle class family with mum being the authority at home. As a single mother, she gave us the power to dream and the wings to fly. We had to work towards it, one step at a time. We learnt to enjoy it, soak it in and value the smallest things. It is those simple things that have shaped our lives. We would not be where we are if everything was served on a platter for us.”
How does it feel to be Danish Sait’s sister? Kubra grins and says: “That is the coolest part. When I’m in Bengaluru, I’m his sister. In Mumbai, he is my brother. I wish we had two more siblings – we would have covered the East and North of India as well and had Saits all over!”
She adds: “Every South Indian actor knows my brother. For me they’re friends, but for him, they’re fans. That is awesome! There is never a dull moment with this young man. He is always making people laugh and gets a lot of love from them. You feel good when people recognise you on the street as Danish Sait’s sister. We are two simple kids who grew up in this city and we didn’t realise we would be known or achieve what we have and we feel special about it.”
When not entertaining people on stage, the adrenaline junkie is climbing mountains, rafting, scuba diving, bungee jumping, ziplining and jumping off planes.
“I like to keep my mind and physical state alert. I love doing these cool things.”
