Mumbai’s bustling film industry is witnessing a new wave of pan-India projects that push actors to their limits. Sai Manjrekar, the rising star known for her versatile roles, is currently immersed in the period drama ‘The India House,’ a bilingual Hindi-Telugu production. Shooting the same scenes in two languages simultaneously is no small feat, and Sai opens up about the intense demands it places on performers.
In an exclusive interview, Sai shared, ‘Working on ‘The India House’ has been a unique chapter in my career. Capturing the rhythm, nuances, and emotional depth of a scene in two distinct languages requires unwavering focus. Often, we film one take in Hindi and switch immediately to Telugu, demanding constant alertness and adaptability.’
She elaborated on how acting evolves in such setups. ‘It’s not just about memorizing lines; it’s about letting emotions drive the narrative. Each language carries its own sensitivity, so you mold your performance to ensure the character feels authentic across both versions.’
Drawing from her experience in the bilingual film ‘Major,’ Sai noted how it prepared her for these challenges. ‘Every project has its own flavor, but ‘The India House’ stands out with its historical backdrop and compelling storyline. The preparation for my role as Sati was particularly immersive.’
Portraying Sati, a woman of quiet strength hiding inner turmoil, Sai delved deep into the era’s mindset. ‘Sati appears calm on the surface, but beneath lies courage, pain, and resilience. Conveying that without over-relying on dialogue is a true test of craft.’
Sai praised the collaborative spirit of pan-India films. ‘The set buzzes with talent from diverse regions, all united by a shared vision. Nikhil Siddhartha, director Vamshi, and the entire crew create an environment of positivity and dedication.’
This teamwork, she says, elevates performances. ‘When everyone is story-focused, it inspires you to dig deeper into your character.’ As ‘The India House’ gears up for release, Sai’s insights highlight the grit behind pan-India cinema’s glamour.