Saiee M Manjrekar on 'Ikaai': Had to unlearn instincts as an actor
Synopsis
Saiee M Manjrekar says 'Ikaai' forced her to do something rare in Bollywood — actively unlearn her own craft. Opposite Raghav Juyal and backed by Vikas Bahl, the film is shaping up as the most emotionally demanding project of her career, and her most deliberate reinvention yet.
Key Takeaways
Saiee M Manjrekar stars opposite Raghav Juyal in the upcoming film 'Ikaai' .
She says the role required her to 'unlearn certain instincts as an actor' and work from a more raw, instinctive place.
The film is produced by Vikas Bahl and directed by Raj Singh Chaudhary , known for Thar and Shaadistan .
Saiee, 23 , made her screen debut in the Marathi film Kaksparsh in 2012 .
She is also set to appear in India House , produced by Ram Charan and shot in Hindi and Telugu .
Actress Saiee M Manjrekar has opened up about the emotional and psychological demands of her upcoming film 'Ikaai', in which she stars opposite Raghav Juyal, saying the project compelled her to shed familiar acting instincts and tap into a far more raw, instinctive approach to performance.
A Role Unlike Any Before
'Ikaai' marks a significant departure for the 23-year-old actress, who first appeared on screen as Kushi Damle in the Marathi film Kaksparsh in 2012. Speaking about the project, Saiee said: 'I think every actor reaches a point where they want to challenge themselves beyond what feels familiar or comfortable, and for me, Ikaai became that project.'
She added: 'This film pushed me emotionally and mentally in ways I didn't expect. I had to unlearn certain instincts as an actor and approach scenes from a far more instinctive and raw place.'
The Creative Team Behind 'Ikaai'
The film is produced by filmmaker Vikas Bahl and directed by Raj Singh Chaudhary, who previously helmed Thar and Shaadistan. Saiee credited both with pushing performers to take creative risks. 'Working with Vikas Sir and Raj has been an incredible experience because as a filmmaker they constantly encourages you to take risks and surrender completely to the atmosphere of the film,' she said.
She also highlighted the impact of sharing the screen with Juyal: 'And sharing screen space with Raghav, who brings such unpredictability and intensity to his performances, added so much energy to the process.'
Why This Is Her Boldest Choice Yet
Saiee described 'Ikaai' as one of the 'boldest choices' of her career so far. The film reportedly explores an intense world that is distinctly unlike her previous work, signalling a conscious effort to expand her range as a performer. 'I'm excited for audiences to see me in a space that is so different from anything I've done before,' she said.
What's Next for Saiee
Beyond 'Ikaai', Saiee is also set to appear in India House, a project set in the pre-independence era. Backed by actor Ram Charan in his debut production venture, India House is being shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu, further widening her footprint across Indian cinema.
Point of View
Who has built a reputation for physical and emotional unpredictability, adds an intriguing dynamic. Whether the film delivers on that promise remains to be seen, but the intent behind the casting and creative choices appears unusually considered for a mid-tier Bollywood production.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Ikaai' and who stars in it?
'Ikaai' is an upcoming Bollywood film starring Saiee M Manjrekar and Raghav Juyal. It is produced by Vikas Bahl and directed by Raj Singh Chaudhary, who previously made Thar and Shaadistan.
What did Saiee M Manjrekar say about her role in 'Ikaai'?
Saiee said the film pushed her emotionally and mentally in unexpected ways, requiring her to 'unlearn certain instincts as an actor' and approach scenes from a more instinctive and raw place. She described it as one of the boldest choices of her career.
Who is directing and producing 'Ikaai'?
'Ikaai' is directed by Raj Singh Chaudhary, known for Thar and Shaadistan, and produced by filmmaker Vikas Bahl.
What other projects is Saiee M Manjrekar working on?
Saiee is also set to appear in India House, a pre-independence era film backed by Ram Charan in his debut production venture. The project is being shot simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu.
When did Saiee M Manjrekar make her acting debut?
Saiee made her screen debut with a brief appearance as Kushi Damle in the Marathi film Kaksparsh in 2012. She is currently 23 years old.
