Saksham Dayma on 'Daayra': 'Kareena and Prithviraj never made me feel intimidated'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actor Saksham Dayma has opened up about his experience sharing the screen with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the Meghna Gulzar-directed film 'Daayra', which released in theatres on 18 September 2026. The relatively newer actor said the atmosphere on set was far from overwhelming, crediting both his co-stars for making the collaboration feel natural and growth-oriented.
On Working with the Cast
'Every day I worked with them was a different learning experience,' Saksham said. 'What I appreciated most was that neither of them made the experience intimidating. There was a very comfortable and collaborative atmosphere on set, and that allowed me to simply listen, respond, and grow as an actor.'
Saksham described Kareena Kapoor Khan's craft as deeply instinctive, yet rooted in preparation. 'She is extremely instinctive, but you can tell there is a lot of preparation behind that instinct. Even in quieter moments, there is so much happening in her performance,' he observed.
Prithviraj's Dual Role as Actor and Director
Speaking specifically about Prithviraj Sukumaran — who is also an accomplished director — Saksham noted how that dual perspective shaped the South star's on-set engagement. 'Prithviraj sir has a very strong screen presence, and I learnt a lot simply by being present in scenes with him. He is also a director, so he is very involved with the details of a scene, from the dialogue and situation to the emotion of the moment. At the same time, he is extremely warm and takes care of everyone around him,' Saksham said.
A Rain Sequence to Remember
One moment stood out above the rest for Saksham — a rain sequence shot in Palghar in mid-December. The crew had arranged 10–12 water tankers for the scene, filming through an extremely cold night in an open field while getting completely drenched. 'After every take, we would be shivering,' he recalled. What left a lasting impression on him was Prithviraj's solidarity with the team. 'Prithviraj sir could have easily stayed near a heater, but he chose to stay there with us throughout. That moment made me realise that a big star doesn't become one just because of stardom; it is also about how you treat the people around you,' he said.
His Character: Inspector Ibrahim Ansari
In 'Daayra', Saksham plays Inspector Ibrahim Ansari — a figure defined by institutional loyalty and conviction. 'Ibrahim is someone who is extremely committed to his team and has complete faith in Raman. He genuinely believes that he is doing his duty and protecting society. Playing someone with such a strong belief system, while keeping my own perspective aside, was an interesting experience for me,' he explained.
Directed by Meghna Gulzar, 'Daayra' brings together a high-profile ensemble and marks a significant career milestone for Saksham. With the film now in theatres, audience and critical response will determine how the project — and its newer cast members — are received by a wider viewership.