Sayyeshaa: Mentally, I am 49 and Ajay Devgn is 25
Neha Maheshwri| TNN | Oct 24, 2016, 01:00 IST
Sayyeshaa
She's a new face in Bollywood. Yet, there's something about her porcelain complexion and exuberance that will evoke a sense of deja vu. MeetSayyeshaa " Saira Banu's grand-niece and actors Shaheen Banu and Sumeet Saigal's daughter " who is all set to make her Bollywood debut opposite Ajay Devgn in his directorial venture, 'Shivaay'. Given her illustrious family
background, the 19-year-old makes a startling revelation: "We have never had a single filmi magazine in our house. People would call me daft as my non-filmi friends had more gossip on the industry than me." Ironically, despite a childhood unexposed to movies, acting was all that Sayyeshaa wanted to do ever since the age of four. As she stands on the threshold of realising her dream, the debutante opens up to BT about films, family and future plans. Excerpts...
You started acting at 17. You must have began preparing for it at an early age?
I have always wanted to be an actor and started training for it from the age of nine. It's an advantage to realise your true calling at an early age, as you can work towards it. I am happy that my dream is finally coming true.
Did your lineage make it easy for you to enter Bollywood?
People may find it hard to believe, but my family met Ajay (Devgn) sir only at social dos. He liked my pictures and called me to his office for an audition. A few days later, on my 17th birthday, I was told that I had bagged the role. It's one of my best birthdays so far.
Are you worried about being compared to the current crop of actresses like Alia Bhatt and others?
Alia has done about seven films, so she is more experienced. At 19, I am too young to be compared to anyone and also, there's enough work in the industry for all of us. Everyone has his/her strengths and I will discover mine along the way. Having said that, competition is good as it pushes you to work harder.
Recent films like 'Mirzya' and 'Raaz Reboot', which had unconventional subjects, launched newcomers but they weren't received well. Even 'Shivaay' isn't a run-of-the mill romance. Are you apprehensive?
I haven't seen either of them. It's unfortunate when a film featuring newcomers doesn't work, because there is a lot of hope pinned on it. But I can't keep thinking, 'What if my film flops?' I can only feel grateful for this opportunity and hope that the hard work pays off.
The film is releasing two years after it was announced. A long wait, especially for a debutante...
The shoot got delayed just a few weeks before going on floors. I was upset, but had faith in Ajay sir. I knew he would definitely make the film, as he was too passionate about it.
Recently, Ajay and Karan (Johar) were at loggerheads because both their films are releasing on the same day. Don't you think two Bollywood mammoths locking horns will hamper the business?
'Shivaay' and 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' ('ADHM') belong to different genres, and viewers will have an appetite for both if they are good. I am a little selfish and want my film to work, but I will definitely watch both movies. I don't understand why this controversy has been created. There shouldn't be any negativity when two films are releasing on the same day. I have immense respect for Karan sir and hope to work with him some day. I quite like 'ADHM' songs also. However, I want to add that Ajay sir had announced the release date about a year ago. So, why will he change it?
How was it working with Ajay?
He is very calm. Many people ask me if I was intimidated by him. On the contrary, he made me feel comfortable during the shoot. He never behaved like a megastar. In fact, humility is his strongest point. I always seek his advice whenever I get an offer. I look up to him not only because he is a senior, but also because he has a great body of work. I have grown up watching his films.
Did it feel odd to romance someone so senior?
Age is just a number. Mentally, I am 49 and he is 25. He has younger ideas than I do. He is among the country's biggest superstars and I wouldn't miss any opportunity to romance him. But yes, I am sure it must have been equally difficult for him to shoot with a young girl.
Didn't you fear being overshadowed by him?
Ajay sir is a superstar and this is predominantly his film, but I have a substantial role, too. An actor doesn't have to play the title role to steal the limelight. With Ajay sir in a film, it is guaranteed that the audience will watch it " in the process, they will watch me, too.
You are sharing the screen with another actress. Shouldn't you have waited for a solo-heroine project?
I would have thought about it if the film was a love story, which introduces a new pair. But Shivaay has many characters and the story will fall flat if you take any one of them out. As long as I have an important role and can deliver a good performance, I don't care if the project is a solo-heroine one or not. Having said that, I love candyfloss romances. 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' is my favourite. Like most girls, I too would love to be part of films where I get to sing in a farm, wear chiffon saris and prance around trees. But I couldn't decline 'Shivaay'. I wouldn't change my debut film; it was and is perfect.
It has been reported that Salman Khan recommended you to Ajay. Did the fact that your mother was close to him, help you bag the film?
I have immense respect for Salman sir, but there is no truth to these reports. I have met him just a couple of times. He knew I wanted to enter films, and was supportive. My mother is miffed with reports that claim that they were close. They probably must have met twice, that too, socially. People are probably mistaking her for another person with the same name. My mother plays an instrumental role in my career decisions. Whenever I am offered a film, I seek her advice. She accompanies me to the set, but not always. She wants me to be independent. When you enter the industry, you need a strong support system, as there is so much going on behind the scenes. I am glad she's there for me.
Your parents separated when you were just two years old. Did that affect your childhood?
Though my parents divorced, they remain close friends " almost family to each other. Also, my father has been an integral part of every occasion " be it attending my birthday, picking me up from school, or taking me for lunches or movies. So, I never felt the pinch. You can't hold it against your parents when their marriage fails. What's more important is to share a healthy relationship with them.
How is your equation with your father's second wife, actress Farah Naaz?
I don't mingle with them and I am glad that my father keeps the two equations separate. He had moved on even while he was married to my mother and I don't grudge him for that. I respect him and his decision to get married again. Our relationship is too solid to be disturbed by such developments.
Unlike your grandparents, your parents had a short stint in Bollywood...
My mother got married quite young " right after two films. She couldn't continue acting after that, but I don't think she regrets it. She is happy being a mom. My dad was ambitious " he did about 60 films, but it's tough to survive in the industry when your films don't work. He probably felt it was better to do something else rather than struggle endlessly. But he's quite keen that I do well.
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