After starring in Kuch Khatta Ho Jaay, Saiee Manjrekar is excitedly awaiting her next major project from the famous Neeraj Pandey productions. The actress discusses collaborating with her father Mahesh Manjrekar, her upcoming project with maverick Neeraj Pandey, what kinds of roles she wants to try out on OTT, and more in an exclusive conversation.
Do you want your father to be your director one day?
A few scripts are in discussions, but thankfully, we have both been so busy with our own projects that nothing has come to fruition as of yet. However, he will make some time for it soon and in a way that makes it happen. We plan to take action within the next year or so.
How do you pass the time between films?
For me, it’s a simple process. To work out, I went to the gym. Read the scripts that are supplied to me and perhaps perform some fittings if necessary. I’ve been reading some very fascinating material that I’m eager to lock down. Later on, I would be able to provide further details.
Kuch Khatta Ho Jaay, your film, had just come out. After the production is over, how simple is it for you to discard your acting identity?
For me, it’s always been switch-on, switch-off. Once I heard my director say “action,” I became someone entirely different. At first, my mother was scared of me and worried about what I would do and how I would handle myself in front of the camera.
It’s my responsibility as an actor to perform my job effectively. I am who I am when I return from the sets. I once heard my father say that while being a good actor is vital, being a smart actor is much more so. I continue to carry out my everyday responsibilities.
Would you want to look for jobs on OTT?
I would definitely like to step beyond of my comfort zone on OTT. I really enjoy working on the huge, mainstream commercial theatrical productions, but I think there’s still a lot of character development to be done.
Are you able to provide any details about your next project with Neeraj Pandey?
I’m enthusiastic about it, but I’m not sure how much I can reveal just now. I’m giddy with anticipation even though I haven’t seen the finished version. I have never had a better time filming a movie. In my whole career, I have never worked harder than I do now. When I made my Dabangg 3 debut, I was just 19 years old. In the past, I would go to the school and work there.
How’s your game on social media?
I’m the worst at it, Hehe. I even occasionally forget that I have an account. I have random thoughts that come to me about half the time, but I don’t post them. I upload entertaining items with my team on a another account that is private.
