Good things often happen when you least expect them, and for Saiee Manjrekar, that’s precisely what transpired with her involvement in the film “Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha.” Directed by Neeraj Pandey, this romantic drama became a turning point in Manjrekar’s budding career, encapsulating the unexpected surprises that the film industry can bring.
Saiee shared her initial struggle and subsequent breakthrough. “I originally auditioned for a role in a web series that Neeraj sir was directing, but I didn’t get the part. Later, I was called in to audition for a role in a film with Neeraj sir. After several rounds of auditions, I didn’t hear back from them for two months. I assumed they had selected someone else,” she recounted with a smile. “Then, out of the blue, I received a call saying that Neeraj sir wanted to meet me, and I was cast in ‘Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha.’ It was an incredible moment.”
The film features an ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn and Shantanu Maheshwari, with Saiee portraying the younger version of Tabu’s character. Reflecting on her apprehensions and experiences, Saiee said, “I was nervous about acting opposite Shantanu because I admired his work in ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi.’ I wondered how I’d perform alongside him. But working with Shantanu turned out to be delightful. He’s a talented actor, and throughout this film, I’ve found a friend in him.”
However, one of the most significant aspects of working on this film for Saiee was the opportunity to interact with one of her all-time favorite actors, Tabu. Known for her intense and mesmerizing performances, Tabu has a larger-than-life presence in Indian cinema. Saiee confessed to being star-struck around her and Ajay Devgn.
. “Watching one of the songs and seeing Tabu ma’am’s nuanced performance left me in awe,” Saiee admitted.
What was even more surprising to Saiee was discovering a different side to Tabu during the latter stages of the film’s promotions. “Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to spend more time with her, and I found out that she has an amazing sense of humor. It was a total revelation,” she said, adding that Tabu possesses great comic timing both in reel and real life.
Saiee’s narrative highlights the importance of persistence in an industry where opportunities can be unpredictable and where talent must meet the right chance at the right time. Her journey from an unsuccessful web series audition to landing a role in a major film project underscores a lesson for aspiring actors: never lose hope, and keep striving for that breakthrough moment.
While “Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha” promises to be a significant milestone in her career, it has also afforded her invaluable experiences and relationships. The camaraderie with her co-stars, particularly Shantanu Maheshwari, was an unexpected bonus. “He is not just a co-star but a good friend now. The bond we formed over the course of shooting enriched my experience.”
Saiee’s revelations about Tabu add another layer to the respected actor’s persona. Known for her serious roles and impeccable acting chops, Tabu’s hidden talent for comedy and her approachable, humorous nature come as delightful surprises. Such anecdotes from the sets and promotional events can often reshape public perceptions of well-established stars, making them more relatable to audiences.
In conclusion, “Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha” is more than just another film project for Saiee Manjrekar. It is a testament to the unexpected opportunities that can arise in the entertainment industry, a validation of her persistence, and a source of personal and professional growth. The film not only broadened her acting horizons but also allowed her to discover deeper, more human aspects of her idols. As the promotions continue and anticipation for the film builds, Saiee’s journey will likely resonate with many young actors and fans, reminding them that good things often indeed happen when you least expect them.
