19-year-old Sayesha Saigal speaks about working with Ajay Devgn in Shivaay, and competition with Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.
How did you bag Shivaay?
Ajay Devgan sir spotted me. I had gone to his office just for a general meeting; I didn’t know Shivaay was being planned then. He saw my pictures and liked them. He asked me to audition for the film. That was my first audition ever; my first ever experience before the camera. I had never seen a film camera before that. Fortunately, he liked the audition.
The film also stars another actress Erika Kaar. Does your character have adequate importance?
Every character that has been portrayed in the film is important because even if one of them were not in the film, it would fall apart. My character is important because she supports Ajay sir’s character throughout the film in solving the conflict.
Do you see yourself as a star kid whose entry into films was a given?
I have had a very non-filmy upbringing. Whether it was my grandparents or parents, when we would talk it would be about travelling. The conversation wouldn’t be about films. But from the time I was very young, I have been very passionate about dancing and about films. I don’t think it was only because of my family connections.
Ideally what you would have liked to make your film debut with an action film?
This was unexpected. I didn’t think that I would debut in an action-drama. I thought I would do some love story in the fields of Switzerland, a Yash Chopra sort of movie. But I was very happy when Shivaay came my way not only because it’s a big film but also because Ajay sir is directing himself – that doesn’t happen often. Moreover, I related to my character.
On clash between Shivaay and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil?
Honestly, both the films are good, both are going to be watched and Diwali is a holiday season so many people will be going to the theatres. If both are good then both will do well.