Her name, Saiyami Kher, is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Saiyam', meaning patience; and she lives up to it. Although she hails from an illustrious Bollywood family - Usha Kiran is her grandmother, Shabana Azmi is her maushi and Tanvi Azmi, her aatya - she had no qualms about standing in queues for auditions and screen tests for the part of Sahiban in Mirzya. Yes, the film is being looked at as Anil Kapoor's son's (Harshvardhan) debut, but she holds her own with pride and confidence as Mirza's exceptionally beauti ful other half Sahiban. Read on...

Some other girl was also considered for the part. Do you think your filmi background gave you an edge over her?
They looked at pictures of around 1,000 girls, and the audition process took over six months. I gave a total of 10 screen tests. Rakeysh (Omprakash Mehra) sir sent her and me to Delhi for an acting workshop as he wanted to be sure of his actress. After I returned, there were a few more screen tests, and I was finally signed on in April 2014. But I've struggled and stood in queues for auditions. I know the feeling of dejection when things don't materialise. Going through auditions, awaiting my turn and meeting mean casting directors has taught me a lot. I have experienced it all before my first film.

You could have used your family ties for roles in Bollywood...
I agree that access is easier when your family is entrenched in the industry, but being rejected is a big learning process and it only strengthens you. The struggle makes the journey exciting. It feels more substantial when you achieve something on your own. The biggest requirement of this craft is that you need to experience life to be a good actor. I never had a filmi upbringing, though my grandmother (Usha Kiran) was an actress and so is my aunt (Tanvi Azmi). My parents moved to Nashik as they wanted to keep me away from the industry. They wanted me to have a middle-class upbringing. I grew up in a space where the world didn't revolve around films. My childhood was spent swimming in lakes and climbing mountains. I played cricket and badminton in state-level championships and travelled by bus for 10 hours. With the morals and values that I have inculcated from my parents, I am sure I will be able to handle myself in this industry.

So, what have been your first impressions of Bollywood?
I have attended Holi and Eid functions at Shabana maushi's house. But my impression as an outsider was that it's a big, bad world. I started modelling at 16, all thanks to our family friend, Sushma Reddy, who said I had a decent face and I should give it a try. Before I did my first portfolio, she sat me down and lectured me on the ways of the industry. She told me that I couldn't get into drugs, alcohol or fall in love for the next 10 years. So, I had these people who guided and guarded me. It's sad that women are often exploited in this industry. I have been in a similar situation, but I bluntly told the lady not to call me ever. It's uncomfortable when you land in such situations. It's difficult to not have a support system in this industry. I am so glad I have family here to fall back on.

Have Shabana Azmi, Tanvi Azmi and your family given you lessons on survival skills in this industry?
My family is over-the-top, dramatic and filmi, while I reserve all my emotions for the camera. They started crying when I signed the three-film deal with Rakeysh sir. All I said was wow! They were shocked with my reaction as they felt it was too underwhelming. My parents have told me that if at any point I drift away from the values they have raised me with, I will be called back home. My grandmother, aatya and maushi are powerhouse performers. Even if I inherited five per cent of their acting prowess, I would consider myself a good performer.

Do you hear of such intense love stories like Mirza-Sahiban in today's world?
I feel that the definition of love has changed over generations. Today, the purity is missing; it's more like a barter. I've been fortunate to have spent a lot of time with Shaukat aapa (Shabana Azmi's mother), who is a die-hard romantic. She would often ask me, 'Why doesn't your generation believe in love. Why has it become so materialistic?'

Do you feel any pressure as the film's release is coming up close?
There's more pressure on Harsh (Harshvardhan Kapoor) because of his lineage; he comes from one of the biggest film families. I don't think I can be put in the same bracket. Besides, I never take any pressure. My parents and sister are nervous and excited, which is funny. They are going through this emotional graph and I have to counsel them. If you ask me, I think you should give your 100 per cent when you are working, and not worry as the results are not in your hands, but there should not be any lack in your effort. not be any lack in your effort.

Did you have any reservations about Harshvardhan before you became friends?
Initially, I just hoped that being Anil Kapoor's son, Harsh wouldn't be too filmi or difficult because you need to get along with your co-actor. But all those notions were proved wrong as I got to know him. He is easy to get along with. We played on the set and even now, we play cricket and hang out together. With every passing phase of the film, we got closer.

Anil Kapoor is synonymous with child-like energy. Is Harshvardhan like him?
Harsh looks a lot like his father. But at the risk of ticking him off, I feel he can't match up to Anil sir's energy. I remember the time Anil sir came on the set. His presence lifted the morale of the entire unit. He exudes energy. He patiently clicked pictures with 300 people. I asked him how he could maintain the enthusiasm after so many years and still remain humble. He told me this is what he lives for because there could be a day when things change and he will crave for it.

Your extended family, Farhan and Zoya Akhtar, are known to have distinct cinematic sensibilities. Do you discuss films with them?
I was in school and sported a Halle Berry-like hairstyle (like in the Bond film), when Zoya saw me and told me that I looked pretty and she wanted to do a film with me. She persuaded me for Luck By Chance, but I didn't take it up. Now the tables have turned, I will hold Zoya's feet to make me a part of her film, even if the role is that of a tree. She has explored the travel genre brilliantly in Bollywood; something that hasn't been done in a long time. In fact, Harsh and I should work in one of her films as we will make a good combination. I love Farhan's Dil Chahta Hai and Lakshya, and I am hurt that we have lost an amazing director to acting. Both of them have a knack of understanding relationships, which reflects in their films.