She's a new face in Bollywood. Yet, there's something about her porcelain complexion and exuberance that will evoke a sense of déjà vu. Meet Sayyeshaa - 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 hisher 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's 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 actor, 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 per formance, 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 cou ple 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 anoth er 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 deci sion to get married again. Our rela tionship 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.

Shivaay has changed Ajay Devgn in many ways - both striking and subtle. For an actor who loves being on the move constantly, the project remained his sole point of focus for close to two years. Physically and emotionally , he has invested his everything in the film. Yet, less than a week from release, he is breathing easy . BT catches up with the actor-filmmaker for a tête-à-tête over lunch. Excerpts...

You have told us how Shivaay is all you have done in the last two years. Now that it's set to release, do you feel a sense of achievement?
I've been working 18 hours a day. Now that the first copy is ready, I feel content. In the beginning, when I told my team about shooting in hard-to-reach locations in tough weather conditions, they said we wouldn't be able to do it within our budget. But I told them we had to, no matter what. Today, when they see the result, they are as excited as me. I feel someone up there was looking after us. I never had any problem - not even while shooting in places where one can't survive for five minutes. There were locations where you could only reach by helicopter. Hollywood films are doing so well here, but what are we doing to give our audience a big screen experience? We have talent in abundance. And as far as the budget is concerned, we can work doubly hard to produce better movies.

As an actor, it must have been tough performing stunts in such harsh weather. But what challenged you as a director?
A film is not just about the story, it's also about the emotion and the thought behind it. Shivaay showcases the parent-child relationship - the lengths a father goes to protect his daughter, and her determination to nurture that relationship is the seed around which the story is woven. For example, take a Hollywood film like Die Hard. Many call it an action flick, but for me, it's a family drama about a husband and a wife who are about to divorce. Likewise, my film is a father-daughter story.

Despite high-octane action, you want the film to strike an emotional chord?
Of course, my intention is just that. When viewers step out of the theatre, I want their eyes to well up with emotion and a sense of happiness. The film should make them connect with whoever they love the most.

Does the film reflect your relationship with your children - Nysa and Yug?
Shivaay has all the emotions I feel for and expect from my children. It's not just about how I am as a father - it's about how every parent is.

Your kids visit you during the shoot in Bulgaria. How did they react to your stunt sequences?
They visited for five-six days, but only to a location that was easily accessible. Everywhere else, it was too cold. After seeing the rushes, they freaked out. When I got hypothermia, Kajol and the kids fired me saying, 'How could you do all this?'

Did that make you more cautious?
No, I just told them not to worry.

Why did you cast newcomers - be it Erika Kaar or Sayyeshaa?
The story needed newcomers, and they both have performance-oriented roles. It took me a year to find Erikaa - I had to search across the world. For Sayyeshaa's role too, I needed a newcomer, who is much younger and a good performer.

Being the only star in the film, do you feel an added responsibility vis-a-vis the box office?
The audience will connect with any actor, new or known, as long as they perform with conviction.

Recently, Rakesh Roshan announced shifting the release of Krrish 4, as the Shah Rukh Khan-Aanand L Rai film also releases on the same day. Isn't it a better strategy for filmmakers to not release big films together?
Somewhere, he is being fair about it. But it's not always possible. Sometimes, the situation is such that you can't shift your release date.



There is an outcry against casting Pakistani talent in the entertainment industry. What is your stand on that?
I reiterate that art and politics should not be mixed. But what about art and nation? Then the nation comes first. If you say politics can't put pressure on artistes, then artistes too can't influence politics. You can't isolate either in the time of crisis.

Now, sportsmen and industrialists are also talking about cutting off ties with Pakistan...
They are all being Indian before anything else. I don't like it when someone from abroad asks me about my religion. But when they enquire about my nationality, I proudly say that I'm an Indian.Religion has got nothing to do with the country. For me, India comes first

Does it bother you that the other Diwali release, Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, is under threat?
Of course, it bothers me that multiplexes are also under threat. It's harmful to both films and our industry. The threat could keep the audience away from theatres.

Previously, stars had an aura about them. Do you feel that has changed now as actors are more visible?
I feel that's because the audience of this generation has the urge and need to know more about actors. If I had my way, I'd maintain more privacy. But I try to strike a balance.

You are aloof and reserved, but today's stars are known to be more accessible. Have you changed with the times?
I speak where I need to speak, that is the demand of the day. It hasn't changed me, it troubles me (smiles). I do whatever is necessary, I can't go beyond this.

Many stars have quit social media because of trolling. How do you handle the negativity?
I've been lucky, I don't face too much negativity. Maybe that's because I don't interfere in anyone's life.

You took eight years to direct a film after U Me Aur Hum. Hope your next won't take so long...
It won't take too long. I've got to finish two-three films as an actor. After that, I'll start working on my next directorial venture.

Even as Shivaay girl Sayyeshaa is keeping her fingers crossed for the success of her Bollywood debut, she says she would love to play her grandmother's role if and when the iconic Purab Aur Pashchim (1970) is remade. And her hero? Apna Ranbir Kapoor.

Says Sayyeshaa, “My favourite films of my grandmother are Purab Aur Paschim and Padosan. I won't be able to do what she did, but I would like to be a part of Purab Aur Paschim if it is remade. It would be great if Ranbir Kapoor is cast opposite me.“

The newbie shudders at the thought of being compared to Sairaji. “Though I might look like her, please don't compare us. She had a style of her own. I won't be able to live up to her legacy and body of work. I want to be accepted without being compared to anyone.“

In a way, Sayyeshaa is relieved that her dinner-table conversations don't revolve around movies. “My grandmother has seen the trailer of Shivaay, but we don't talk about films. Our conversations are more about travelling, as my family loves to travel. I also discuss shopping with her. She is glamorous and owns the finest of things. She has beautiful shawls that she wants me to use,“ she says. The debutante also admits that she feels the pressure to live up to her family's name and reputation. “There is no pressure from them, but I still feel it. I know people expect me to be a good actress. My grandfather (Dilip Kumar) has done great work, and I can't even be compared to his toenail. Also, I have to maintain the respectability that my family has earned over the years,“ she concludes.

Sayyeshaa Saigal spared no effort while shooting for her Bollywood debut, Ajay Devgn's Shivaay. A few sequences of the song Tere Naal Ishqa required her to shoot in a bathtub filled with ice-cold water, in the cold climes of Manali. The toughest part was, she had to do it without a break.

However, Sayyeshaa took on the challenge like a thorough professional, and completed these scenes in two days. Needless to say, Ajay and his team were impressed. A unit member says, “Sayyeshaa showed thorough professionalism while shooting for the song. She shot without complaining even once, leaving all of us overwhelmed!“ Tere Naal Ishqa, which released on Monday, has received a positive response from the audience. The action adventure drama also stars Polish actress Erika Kaar and British child artiste Abigail Eames.

Shivaay, presented by ADF , Jayantilal Gada (PEN) and Narendra Hirawat, and produced by Ajay Devgn Ffilms, releases on October 28.

Before Ajay Devgn's second directorial, Shivaay, introduces 18-year-old Sayyeshaa Saigal, the grand niece of Saira Banu and Dilip Kumar and the daughter of Sumeet Saigal and Shaheen Banu, the young actress will be seen in a single opposite Sushant Singh Rajput.

Produced by T-Series, which has earlier released hit music videos like “Dheere Dheere“ featuring Hrithik Roshan and Sonam Kapoor, “Main Rahoon Ya Na Rahoon“ with Emraan Hashmi and Esha Gupta, and most recently, Tiger Shroff and Disha Patani's “Befikra“, the song will be choreographed by popular TV personality and ABCD: Any Body Can Dance actress, Lauren Gottlieb.

“Lauren is known for both her ballet and hip-hop sequences. She was also asked to be a part of the video but chose to work behind-the-scenes instead. She will be doing an extensive workshop with the two actors soon,“ reveals a source close to the development.

When Polish actress Erika Karkuszewska, better known as Erika Kaar, came to India, she instantly fell in love with the country's vibrant colours and smiling, happy faces. The light-eyed beauty's love affair with the country only grew when she started shooting for her debut Hindi film, Ajay Devgn's Shivaay. In an exclusive chat with Bombay Times, she shares her experience of working with the intense actor-director and how he would treat her to some lip-smacking butter chicken and naan after a hard day at work. Excerpts...

How did you bag the role in Shivaay?
In September 2014, I went for an audition to Warsaw. All I knew was that they were scouting for a new face for a Bollywood movie. The scenes that I had to enact were written in English and Hindi. We were supposed to speak only in English, but I made an extra effort and learnt a couple of lines in Hindi, too. The character and script caught my attention and I was thrilled to be cast for the role. I had no idea I would be working opposite Ajay. Shivaay was like winning a jackpot. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn a new language, travel to India and explore an unknown culture.

You've worked earlier in a UK production. How would you compare that experience to Bollywood?
Oh, Bollywood was a different ball game. I learnt to go with the flow and the result was far better than I had expected. Once, we had travelled to a distant location and shot a few takes. All of a sudden, Ajay said it was time to pack up as he didn't think the location was perfect. I was impressed with his decision-making and ability to lead the team. After a while, we all bonded well and became like a huge family. Bollywood is dynamic, energetic and high on emotions. These qualities combined with a high level of professionalism and technology makes it extraordinary. On set, I felt respected and loved. People were always there for me. We would have lunch together or gossip between the takes. The spot dadas are selfless people with a wonderful sense of humour. One of them would always chase me with a chair and bottle of water. Even though I wanted to stand and wasn't thirsty, I would always sit down and drink the water that he offered me as he was so endearing. Everyday, I would be the first one on the set because it took some time to transform a sleepy Erika off screen into a stunning woman on screen. But after pack up, we would sit around eating dates, singing Bollywood songs and cracking jokes. Though it was my first film, it seemed like a cakewalk.

Were you familiar with Hindi cinema before Shivaay was offered to you?
Yes. I love Bollywood songs and Kajol is well known in Poland as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham was a huge hit there. I also liked Deepika Padukone's performance in Bajirao Mastani.

How was it working with Ajay?
I loved every minute of working with him. He is a thorough professional who respects people and combines fun with discipline. It's incredible how he can act, direct and produce a film at the same time. I watched his performance while waiting for my shots and realised I had to push myself harder to keep up with him.

What was your initial reaction when you came to India?
I came here for the first time in January 2015 for a workshop and instantly fell in love with the warm air, bright colours and happy, smiling faces. Now, I want to spend more time here.

Did the desi crew make you try out Indian dishes?
Yes. They were lovely. They pampered me with so many amazing dishes like biryani, kebabs and dosas. However, my all-time favourite is butter chicken with butter naan. Whenever I had a tough day on set, Ajay would joke, “Go, have your butter chicken in the evening and you'll be as good as new.“

How did you cope with the cold terrains of Bulgaria?
It was difficult for the Indian crew as the temperature was -22 degrees Celsius. We were shooting in extreme weather conditions on the mountains. Everybody was wearing thermals and special snow gear. I am used to Polish winters, but even for me, it was a huge challenge to shoot in the snow. There were heaters everywhere, but it was impossible to have them on high peaks. Despite all these challenges, the crew did a fabulous job.

Did you get a chance to interact with Sayyeshaa, who is also debuting with this film?
Sayyeshaa is a lovely girl. We didn't have too many scenes together but we did get to know each other better on set. She is extremely focussed.

Since your film releases during Diwali this year, do you plan to celebrate the festival here?
This will be my second Diwali in this country. My first was in Landour (Mussoorie) on the sets of the film. I will be united with my Indian family during the festival of lights.

Sayyeshaa, who makes her debut with Ajay Devgn's next directorial venture, Shivaay, has prompted film buffs to sit up and take notice of her. The newbie, who is the daughter of actors Sumeet Saigal and Shaheen, has been interested in acting from childhood. However, there is more to her than just her pretty looks. Ajay, who is launching a newcomer for the first time as a producer and director, is impressed with her acting abilities. “Talent speaks for itself,“ says the actor-filmmaker, adding, “When I saw Sayyeshaa's screen test, I realised she has great potential. It's rare to find someone who not only has a beautiful face, but is also a fabulous performer. Shivaay is a performance-oriented film and I needed a strong actress for this role.“ The action adventure releases this Diwali.

At least on the face of it, filmmaker actor Ajay Devgn's discovery Sayyeshaa seems to have what it takes to make a career in films. Born to actors Shaheen and Sumeet Saigal, this academically bright girl who studied in Mumbai and London, was determined from her pre-teen years to strike the right balance between arts and education. Not only was she a topper in school, her quest for the performing arts also made her invest in several classical and non-classical forms of dance in Brazil, South Africa and London. The girl, who is proficient in Latin American, Rhumba, Samba, Jazz funk, Belly dancing, Hip hop, Kathak, Odissi, created a mini-furore when her dance video, where she matched steps with Tiger Shroff, made its appearance online. Determined to make it entirely on her own, the teenager auditioned when Ajay was casting for his ambitious home-production Shivaay.

This attractive youngster is so nimble-footed that apparently the actor-director has recorded a special track to showcase her dancing skills. This is the first time in his 25-year career that Ajay is launching a new girl. It is also rumoured that when Bollywood superstar Salman Khan spotted her somewhere, he remarked that “she has spark“. With such praise, the newbie who will make her Bollywood debut this Diwali, has all eyes set on her.

Seventeen years ago, Ajay Devgn had sat across Mahesh Bhatt listening to the script of Zakhm. He gave his nod to the film within 30 seconds and it bagged him the National Film Award for Best Actor. Ajay admits that since then, he has not been offered such strong scripts, barring the intense Gangaajal. So, when Nishikant Kamat's upcoming thriller Drishyam, also featuring Tabu came along, he gave his nod immediately even though he's yet to see the Malayalam original. “I can't predict the first day collections but I hope it'll get a decent opening,“ says the 46-year-old-actor, adding that he was told to get media savvy and attend success parties but it's too late to change now. “Whatever I have today, is on my own merit. Those who know me will tell you I like my privacy but that doesn't make me arrogant.“

Wife Kajol is currently miles away filming Rohit Shetty's Dilwale in Bulgaria with Shah Rukh Khan. What does Ajay think of the Dilwale stills? “The photos are nice but they are only working shots,“ he shrugs.

By the end of the year, Kajol will be shooting for a film produced by her husband. “Yes, the film will roll in December. I'm waiting for her to wrap up Dilwale,“ confirms Ajay. He will not be paired with her. “I don't have a story for us at the moment. The day we get a great script, we'll act together,“ he promises. Would he be her ideal lover boy? “I didn't play such roles even in my 30s but I'd love to do a mature romance,“ he smiles. Once Kajol starts shooting for Ajay's production, he will fly to Bulgaria to shoot his second directorial, Shivaay. “I was the one who found Bulgaria and unlike Dilwale, we are filming in the snow-capped Balkans. You'll see action sequences play out in the mountains,“ he points out. Shivaay is an emotional, father-daughter journey and will introduce Saira Banu's niece, Sayyeshaa. “She is one of the many actors in the film. I have also signed a Polish actress who has won accolades in Europe,“ he informs. Ask for a name and he quips, “Be patient, I will be unveiling her soon.“

What's the update on Golmaal 4? “Rohit and I have been working on a script together. We are yet to decide if we will start filming Singham 3 first or Golmaal 4. Both films are happening. We will mostly start with Golmaal 4. I like sandwiching an intense drama with a comedy,“ Ajay says.