Sayesha Saigal interview, Sayesha interview, Saira Banu grand niece, Dilip Kumar grand niece, Akhil Sayesha interview

Barely a couple of months after passing out of school, Sayessha, the 17-year-old grandniece of Bollywood screen legend Saira Banu, has been handpicked to debut alongside Akhil Akkineni. And she is excited to foray into Tollywood with director VV Vinayak's next. "My grandfather (Dilip Kumar) knew ANR garu (Akhil's grandfather) very well and we are more like family friends. I couldn't say no when I was approached for the film. Although I didn't audition, VV Vinayak was confident that I could pull off the role. I know that I am part of a wonderful team and I am in safe hands," shares Sayessha.

Coming from a filmi family — her parents Shaheen (Saira Banu's neice) and Sumit Saigal were also actors — she has always dreamt of acting in films. "I never thought of another profession as a career option. I just completed my IB (international baccalaureate) and I had turned down plenty of offers because I was still studying. And before I knew it, I am already an actress," she shares laughing. Sayessha doesn't seem to be under any 'pressure' at all. "To be honest, I don't feel any pressure at all. It's an honour to carry forward my family's legacy and I know that I have to work really hard," she says.

Last year, Sayessha was roped in to act in Ajay Devgn's directorial Shivay, however, the film's shooting has been postponed for few months. She is no stranger to Hyderabad. "I am quite familiar with the city as we have a house here. I remember spending time in Birla Mandir with my mother, when I was really young, and also visited the city during Diwali on another occasion. I am looking forward to come back to Hyderabad to start shooting for my film," she says signing off.