Sanjeeda Shaikh on Toxic: 'Role felt very far from my reality'
Synopsis
Sanjeeda Shaikh says her cameo in Yash's mega-budget gangster drama Toxic let her inhabit a character 'very far from her reality' — and the audience's warm response to even her brief screen time suggests she delivered. For an actor who built her name on dual roles and morally layered characters, Toxic looks like a natural next chapter.
Key Takeaways
Sanjeeda Shaikh described her role in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups as 'unimaginable' and far removed from her real personality.
She shared in-character images on Instagram and thanked audiences for the warm response to her brief appearance.
Toxic stars Yash in a dual role, alongside Kiara Advani , Nayanthara , Huma Qureshi , Tara Sutaria , and Rukmini Vasanth .
The film is reportedly budgeted at ₹500–1,000 crore , making it one of the most expensive Indian productions ever.
Sanjeeda's recent credits include Taish , Fighter , and Heeramandi .
Actress Sanjeeda Shaikh has opened up about her brief but memorable appearance in the Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, describing the character as 'unimaginable' and worlds apart from who she is in real life — a contrast she says made the experience deeply rewarding.
What Sanjeeda Said
Sharing a series of in-character stills on Instagram, Sanjeeda reflected on what drew her to the role. 'As an actor the most enjoyable part of the job is doing characters that challenge or shock you. TOXIC allowed me to play an unimaginable role that feels very far from my reality and probably why I thoroughly enjoyed it,' she wrote.
She added that she had entered the project with no expectations, making the audience's warm reception all the more gratifying. 'Going in with absolutely no expectations, I am pleasantly surprised by the heartwarming response to my short appearance in the film, a big big thank you to everyone for supporting me in my journey. I promise to keep taking up roles that will keep shocking everyone,' she wrote, tagging the film.
About the Film
Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups is a high-octane gangster drama featuring Yash in a dual role. The ensemble cast includes Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth. The film reportedly carries a production budget of ₹500–1,000 crore, placing it among the most expensive Indian productions ever mounted.
The story centres on Raya, a ruthless gangster and playboy who climbs to the top of the underworld before a dramatic fall from grace. The narrative takes a darker turn when his biological son, Rumi (also known as Ticket), returns years later to exact revenge after Raya abandoned him and his mother.
Sanjeeda's Career Arc
Sanjeeda made her television debut as Namrata Mathuria in Kyaa Hoga Nimmo Kaa, followed by the role of Ayesha Shergill in Kayamath. She earned wider recognition for playing dual roles in the crime drama Ek Hasina Thi and Love Ka Hai Intezaar.
In recent years, she has steadily expanded into film and prestige streaming projects, with credits including the thriller Taish, the action blockbuster Fighter, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's acclaimed series Heeramandi. Her appearance in Toxic marks another step in a career defined by a willingness to inhabit morally complex characters.
Audience Response
Despite her limited screen time, Sanjeeda's role has drawn notable attention from viewers, with her Instagram post generating significant engagement. Notably, the warm reception underscores how even supporting turns in large-canvas productions can carve out distinct impressions — particularly when the actor brings visible commitment to a role that defies type-casting.
With Toxic already generating buzz ahead of its wider release, Sanjeeda's promise to continue pursuing challenging roles signals an actor firmly in her stride.
Point of View
000 crore budget puts enormous pressure on every frame to justify its scale, and the fact that a brief appearance is generating its own conversation suggests the film's casting choices are landing. For Sanjeeda, who has long been underutilised relative to her range, the trajectory from television to Heeramandi to a Yash-headlined tentpole is a meaningful one — and her public pledge to keep 'shocking' audiences reads less like promotional copy and more like a genuine creative declaration.
NationPress
29 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did Sanjeeda Shaikh play in Toxic?
Sanjeeda Shaikh made a brief appearance in Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, though the specific character name has not been publicly detailed. She described the role as 'unimaginable' and very different from her real-life personality.
What is Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups about?
Toxic is a gangster drama starring Yash in a dual role. It follows Raya, a violent underworld figure, whose biological son Rumi returns years later to seek revenge after being abandoned. The film also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth.
How much does Toxic cost to make?
Toxic is reportedly budgeted at ₹500–1,000 crore, which would place it among the most expensive Indian films ever produced. The wide range reflects varying estimates in circulation.
What has Sanjeeda Shaikh appeared in recently?
Sanjeeda Shaikh has appeared in the thriller Taish, the action film Fighter, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's streaming series Heeramandi. Her role in Toxic marks her latest high-profile appearance.
Why did Sanjeeda Shaikh enjoy working on Toxic?
Sanjeeda said the character was far removed from her own personality, which she described as the most enjoyable aspect of acting — taking on roles that challenge or shock her. She also said she entered the project with no expectations, making the audience response a pleasant surprise.
