Mumbai, Dec 29 (NationPress) Actress Saiee M Manjrekar has chosen a serene and heartfelt approach to ring in the New Year by returning to Matheran, a destination she affectionately refers to as her second home.

For those unfamiliar, Matheran is a hill station located near Mumbai, celebrated for its pleasant climate and beautifully preserved colonial architecture. The charming location prohibits motor vehicles, with many visitors opting for the narrow-gauge railway on the historic 1907 Neral–Matheran Toy Train.

Reflecting on her connection, Saiee expressed that this hill town has been a stable presence throughout her childhood, evolving into a deeply personal place for her over the years.

Saiee shared with IANS: ‘This New Year, I am heading back to Matheran with a few close friends, a location that has always felt like home. My family and I have been visiting since I was a child, and it has gradually become an integral part of who I am.’

“With its absence of cars and hustle, Matheran operates at a soothing tempo.”

She fondly reminisced about horse rides along misty paths, through shaded forests, and at tranquil viewpoints, describing the experience as almost therapeutic.

“I still cherish vivid memories of riding here with my parents and siblings, filled with laughter, unity, and a sense of freedom that only time spent in nature can provide. Horse riding through misty trails, shaded forests, and peaceful viewpoints feels incredibly soothing, allowing memories to emerge effortlessly.”

For the actress, it’s the simple joys that characterize her time there. From indulging in vada pav at a familiar vendor to enjoying gola on warm afternoons and Maggi at a small eatery, Saiee noted that these experiences help her reconnect with her roots.

“After lengthy rides, the simplest delights turn out to be the most fulfilling – vada pav from a vendor we’ve known for years, gola on warm afternoons, and Maggi at a humble tapri. Stepping away from luxurious comforts, these moments ground me and remind me of how minimal one truly needs to feel fulfilled.”

The actress remarked: “Welcoming the New Year here feels profoundly right – a return to simplicity, authenticity, and the cherished memories that continue to shape my identity.”

The 23-year-old actress made her film debut with a brief role as Kushi Damle in the Marathi film Kaksparsh in 2012.

She first took on a leading role as Khushi Chautala in the 2019 Hindi action-comedy Dabangg 3 alongside Salman Khan. In 2020, she was featured in the music video for the song "Manjha", with Aayush Sharma.

She subsequently starred in Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay opposite Guru Randhawa. Saiee was last seen in the Telugu action drama Arjun Son Of Vyjayanthi, directed by Pradeep Chilukuri. The film features Nandamuri Kalyan Ram and Vijayashanti, along with Saiee Manjrekar, Sohail Khan, Babloo Prithiveeraj, Srikanth, and R. Sarathkumar. It serves as a spiritual sequel to the 1990 film Karthavyam, where Vijayshanti reprises her role as Kalyan Ram's mother.