Filmmaker and actor Mahesh Manjrekar’s daughter Saiee is set to make her big screen debut with Dabangg 3. The actress will romance 53-year-old Salman Khan in the prequel releasing today.
Directed by Prabhudheva, the film will see Saiee, portraying the role of a simple, innocent girl, romancing a younger version of Salman. “My character Khushi is somewhat responsible for the Chulbul Pandey you have seen in the first and second part. You will get to know why through this film,” she says.
Salman, who has introduced several newcomers in the past, will do so yet again with Saiee. “It was a treat to work with Salman sir. I have learned so much from him and he is so experienced, hardworking and kind. Everyday, I went back home with new experiences. I am so thankful that I got a chance to work with him in my first movie.”
Did she think twice about being able to pull off as his love interest? “No,” she says, adding, “I was confident. I was honestly so comfortable, at ease and myself when I was shooting with him. Salman sir is a sweetheart and he made sure I was comfortable enough.”
Saiee says that she has learned how to work hard, have patience and be kind from the Wanted actor. “Those are the things that makes Salman Khan, Salman Khan.”
Dad’s advice
The actress’ father is a well-known name in Marathi and Hindi film industries. Given that, did Mahesh share any piece of advice with the newbie? “He has always told me to be myself, which is very important and I have listened to him all my life,” says Saiee who will also share screen space with both her parents in Dabangg 3. The film also stars Sonakshi Sinha, Sudeep and Arbaaz Khan.
Explaining her association with the film, she says, “After completing my Class XII, I had told my dad that I will try my luck in films. We were looking at scripts in Marathi and Hindi when we got a call saying I am being considered for Dabangg 3. I had to go through the screen and look test.”
‘No pressure’
About comparisons with her famous actor parents, Saiee says it isn’t stressing her. “It’s more of a responsibility of doing them proud and making them happy. Now I have to work hard and prove myself,” says the actress who wants to work with her father. “I would love to if we get a great script.”
When asked which films of Mahesh she likes, Saiee replies that she loved his acting in Kaante and Me Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy and Astitva and Natsamrat for his directorials.
With so many new and talented actors entering the industry every day, the competition is tough. But Saiee believes that everybody has his/her USP and strengths. “We should hone our strengths, capitalise on them and everyone will be accepted. I think it’s great that so many talents are being introduced; we get to learn something from each one of them,” she signs off.
