'I was always dancing in front of mirrors!'
'I would dance in the shower too.'
'My mother has to pull me out and make me stand still. I am that sort of girl.'
Meet Sayyeshaa Saigal.
Sayyeshaa Saigal says she's feeling very lucky. It sounds right, after all, she's making her Bollywood debut this Diwali with Shivaay, starring and directed by Ajay Devgn.
Yet, Sayyeshaa is not new to the film industry. She is the daughter of Sumeet Saigal and Shaheen Banu and the grandniece of Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu.
The young actress is nervous before the big release and hopes for audience acceptance. All the more, since her first movie release -- 2015's Telugu film Akhil -- was a disaster.
Sayyesha appears friendly, as she greets everyone before settling down with Jahnavi Patel/ Rediff.com for the interview.
You're making your debut with a big film, and that will definitely help your career. But the film also stars another debutante, Erika Kaar. How much time will you get on screen?
The roles are very different. Every character in the film is equally important. Even if one is missing, it will not be complete.
If people like my work and onscreen presence, it will be easier for me in future.
I don't know if people will compare me to Erika because we're very different. She's a foreigner and I play an Indian girl.
Shivaay seems like Ajay's dream project. What was your reaction when you were approached for it?
He didn't sort of approach me. I went for a meeting where he told me about Shivaay. But I had to audition for it for six-seven hours.
The fact that he choose me for the film was a big deal. I was surprised that he liked my audition.
I signed the film on my 17th birthday and didn't know the signing was happening; it was a surprise.
I'm honoured to share screen space with Ajay Devgn and the fact that he has considered me as a part of his directorial. I definitely feel lucky.
Do star kids really have it easy?
There is a certain amount of expectation that you have to live up to because you come from a film family. The expectations are from your family as well as audiences, who see you in a certain light.
It's not completely easy.
The struggle is probably easier than someone who isn't from a film family because you get a cup of tea in someone's office or you know someone better. At the end of the day, you will get the film or the role only if people find you worthy.
But I guess the struggle is more if you aren't from a film family.
What did your family think about the promos?
They were happy because when you see the promo, it gives a big effect. And the action is really good. They appreciated that; everyone in my family felt the action was really good.
They hope it does well.
Has Dilip Kumar seen the Shivaay trailer?
No, he hasn't. Phuponana (as she addresses Dilip Kumar) is probably not in the health to receive it clearly. If he is feeling okay, I will show the film to him.
Phuponani (as she addresses Saira Banu) has seen it and was happy. She liked the action and the beautiful locations.
Do you think the release clash with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil will affect the box office business of both the films?
I don't know much about box office collections. All I know is that if the film is liked, it will probably be viewed by the audiences.
I may be a bit selfish but I just want people to like my work in the film. Since it's my debut, there's a certain sort of acceptance that you want from the audience. I am looking forward to that.
Have you seen the Ae Dil Hai Mushkil trailer or songs?
I have seen the trailer and one of the songs, Bulleya.
I liked the song; it was really nice.
You've done a Tamil and a Telugu film. Will you still continue doing films in the south after Shivaay?
At the moment, I'll be continuing with all three languages because there have been good films coming my way. It's a good opportunity to be a part of them.
But the first film that I signed was Shivaay, not (Telugu film) Akhil.
But because Shivaay got delayed by about a year, I had some time and the Akhil offer came.
I wasn't even looking forward to doing that because I never thought I'd go to the south, honestly. I always thought I'd do Hindi but that team was very good -- director V V Vinayak is an acclaimed director.
I thought it would be a good camera experience before I do Shivaay.
Did Ajay Devgn have any objection with that?
No. I asked him if he was okay with it and he said, 'Why not? So I did it.
How have you planned your career in Bollywood?
After Shivaay, it's going to be more of what people choose me for. I am not in the position to choose films or directors now.
There were reports that Salman Khan was going to launch you. Do you think that would have been a better debut?
No, I am the happy making my debut with Shivaay.
Salman sir was never going to launch me. He is a close family friend. I really look up to him. I hope to work with him in future.
Has Ajay Devgn become your mentor?
Ajay sir is like family. We have that sort of bond.
Because he has launched me, I will always call him and ask him for his opinion.
Were you one of those kids who would love to dance in front of the mirror?
Always! I was always dancing in front of mirrors!
I would dance in the shower too.
My mother has to pull me out and make me stand still. I am that sort of girl.
