Sarah Thompson: My 'Raajneeti' graph landed me the role

As "Raajneeti" marked its 15th anniversary in June 2025, actress Sarah Thompson reflected on her experience making the film. She detailed how her unique approach, including a hand-drawn graph to understand the intricate plot and Indian politics, impressed director Prakash Jha during their initial three-hour meeting in Los Angeles. Jha later told Thompson that her seriousness, demonstrated by the graph, confirmed she was the right choice for her role.

Thompson's journey to India was a whirlwind, overcoming union hurdles to join the cast. She recalled her initial exposure to Bollywood through a cinema hall in Los Angeles that screened Indian films. On set, she developed a bond with Katrina Kaif, discussing their shared experiences as non-Indian actresses in Bollywood, and exchanging information about working in the US. Nana Patekar, she noted, was a supportive figure, often whispering explanations to her during scenes shot in Hindi.

Thompson also shared her fond memories of exploring Indian cuisine in Bhopal, discovering dishes like Paneer Tikka and Murgh Malai, and enjoying street food with a local guide. She found shooting with Ranbir Kapoor to be a comfortable experience, despite his burgeoning stardom and the constant attention he received from fans during their travels.