In the lead-up to the release of "Metro…In Dino," actors Pankaj Tripathi and Sara Ali Khan have shared their perspectives on modern relationships, offering contrasting viewpoints on love, complexity, and friendships with exes.
Pankaj Tripathi, known for his nuanced performances, believes modern relationships have become increasingly complex due to the demanding nature of contemporary life. He argues that while love itself isn't outdated, relationships are strained by the fast pace and stress of urban living, where career demands and the pursuit of material possessions often leave individuals with little time for each other. Tripathi draws an analogy to the invention of currency, which was intended to simplify life but has paradoxically made it more difficult in the pursuit of earning it. He feels this complexity stems from the clash of individual minds, where initial endearing habits can become sources of conflict over time. Despite these challenges, Tripathi maintains that love remains a fundamental human need, driving people to seek new connections. He jokingly stated that he doesn't know much about romance, as the only person he ever fell in love with is his wife, Mridula, and he ended up marrying her. Tripathi met his wife at his sister's wedding in 1993 and they married in 2004. During their courtship period, they kept their relationship alive through letters and fixed phone calls.
In contrast, Sara Ali Khan, a younger voice in Bollywood, holds a more pragmatic view on relationships and friendships with former partners. On "Koffee With Karan," she discussed her equation with ex-boyfriend Kartik Aaryan, suggesting that maintaining cordial relationships is possible and that "there are actually no permanent predicaments in this business". Khan emphasized the importance of moving beyond any lingering resentment and not holding grudges. She stated that making "permanent best friendships" or swearing off contact with someone entirely is unrealistic. Khan acknowledged that breakups can be difficult and affect you, especially when you get invested.
Khan's perspective reflects a growing trend among younger generations to remain amicable with exes, prioritizing maturity and open communication. This aligns with a broader societal shift towards valuing personal growth and recognizing that relationships, even when they end romantically, can still hold value in different forms. Khan and Ananya Panday appeared on "Koffee With Karan Season 8", where Karan Johar praised Khan for maintaining a friendly relationship with Aaryan.
The differing viewpoints of Tripathi and Khan highlight the evolving landscape of relationships in modern society. Tripathi's traditional outlook emphasizes the complexities and challenges of maintaining love in a fast-paced world, while Khan's perspective embraces the possibility of maturity and friendship beyond romantic involvement.
Both actors star in the film "Metro…In Dino", an anthology directed by Anurag Basu, which explores modern relationships, love, heartbreak, and human connection. The film, which was released on August 29, 2025, features couples from different generations navigating the complexities of love in a bustling metro city. The cast includes Aditya Roy Kapur, Ali Fazal, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Konkona Sen Sharma, Anupam Kher, and Neena Gupta.
