Saiee Manjrekar: I would like to do a meaningful Marathi film

Saiee M Manjrekar, who made her debut with Dabangg 3 (2019), has since worked across industries, appearing in Telugu films like Ghani, Major, and Skanda. For her, the power of cinema lies not in the language, but in the story. She says, “I believe cinema has no language. It’s the story and the way it connects with people that matters. Right now, I’m focusing on my journey in Bollywood and the South, but I would definitely like to do a meaningful Marathi film at some point too. As long as the script excites me and the director has a strong vision, I'm open to exploring different industries.”Her approach to storytelling is shaped in part by her upbringing. Her father, actor and filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, has worked across eight languages, showing her early on that strong narratives can transcend linguistic and cultural barriers. Reflecting on her experience in both Bollywood and the South, she points to the distinct working styles of each industry. She says, “Having worked in both Bollywood and the South, I genuinely feel each industry has its own rhythm and charm. In Bollywood, there’s a lot of emphasis on larger-than-life emotion and the way films are positioned. In the South, I’ve experienced a deep sense of discipline and a lot of respect for the craft on set, which I really admire. Both spaces have taught me valuable lessons, and I feel lucky to be part of both worlds. For me, it’s about taking the best of both and growing with every project.”