Sayyeshaa
Latha Srinivasan (DNA; November 11, 2015)

She’s both excited and nervous as she awaits the release of her first film Akhil – The Power Of Jua. The grandniece of veteran Hindi stars Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu, Sayessha, is making her debut along with Tollywood star Nagarjuna’s son Akhil.

“I think everyone knows that Shivaay which I am doing with Ajay Devgn was to be my film debut,” says Sayyeshaa candidly. However, a delay in this Bollywood project had Telugu producer Sudhakar Reddy and director V V Vinayak, sign her on as the lead opposite Akhil. “I knew this was a good film with a really good script. It was an immediate yes from me when they made me the offer,” she explains.

The pretty actress says that working in this film was an enriching learning experience. “It’s a new experience, but there was lot of learning which I am grateful for. I’ve learnt not just from the director but every technician who has worked on this film,” she says happily as she surprises you with a few lines in Telugu.

Ask her about the song-and-dance routine in films and her face lights up. “That’s my favourite part of shooting any film — the songs! I’ve been very passionate about dancing since I was little. I’ve trained in many forms and any chance to dance — I’m ready for it,” laughs Sayessha.

Being the grandniece of veteran stars Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar would obviously put pressure on her. How is she coping? “I know there are high expectations because I come from a huge film family. I didn’t get into films because of my family background. I got into movies because I really love being in front of the camera. I’m loving what I am doing but of course, I hope I live upto everyone’s expectations and the family legacy. But more than that I just want the audience to like me and accept me. I hope to do very good work in the future,” says Sayyeshaa confidently.

Ask her what’s next and Sayyeshaa says she has signed a few Hindi and Telugu projects but can’t disclose much at this point. As she signs off, she says she can’t wait to head to Hyderabad for the release of her film. “I’m looking forward to hearing the claps and whistles,” enthuses Sayyeshaa. “I have started shooting for Shivaay from November 6 in Mussoorie and it was very kind of Ajay to give me a few days off to head out for my movie release.”