In alien land

“Shabana masi has done a South film,and it was her idea that I start my film career with a South film. She said that South films,being more loud than Hindi movies,help an actor get rid of all inhibitions. My Tanvi atya (father’s sister) agreed with her,and since they have been part of the film industry for so long,I blindly follow their guidelines,” said the 5’ 7” model who was brought up in Nasik and shifted to Mumbai five years ago to complete her graduation from St. Xaviers College.

The 20-year-old who remembers watching her grandmother’s films,and tagging along with aunt Tanvi for her shootings as a kid,says that acting was never on her mind. “I never thought I would get into this field because I am quite a tomboy. I played badminton for Maharashtra and was called for the Indian cricket team selection. It was family friend Sushma Reddy who coaxed me into modelling,and subsequently films followed. I am very excited about Rey because it is a very modern film,being made on a huge canvas. Majority of the film will be shot in America,” smiles Saiyami who plays a collegian in the film who meets Sai Dharam at her dance class.