Film industry is just starting to understand Gen Z and I'm living for it: Saiee Manjrekar

Time of India

29-05-2025

Raised in a film family,
grew up around cinema — but her approach is distinctly Gen Z: open, self-aware, and constantly evolving. From Dabangg 3 to crowd-pullers in Telugu, she's forging her own path.
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The actress who is awaiting the release of The India House starring Nikhil Siddhartha, reflects on working across languages, learning from legends, and tuning into what keeps her generation engaged.
'After Major, I wanted to explore a different energy'
Returning to Telugu cinema with Arjun, Son of Vyjayanthi was a refreshing shift for Saiee, who had previously starred in Major opposite Adivi Sesh. 'With Major, I had done something emotionally intense and grounded.
So this time, I just wanted to let loose a little,' Saiee says. 'I got to dance, wear really pretty clothes, and just be in a different space altogether. The filming process was long, but I genuinely enjoyed every bit of it—it didn't feel like work at all.
It was just really, really fun.'
' Vijayashanti ma'am owned every frame'
Getting to act alongside Vijayashanti in the film was both a professional milestone and a personal delight for Saiee. 'She would walk on set like she owned it — and she did,' Saiee says with admiration.
What left a deeper impression, however, was Vijayashanti's warmth. 'She could've easily kept to herself, but she didn't. She'd help fix my saree or necklace if something was off — she's a perfectionist and incredibly kind.
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'I'm excited to explore more stories and the rich culture in Telugu cinema'
Saiee will next be seen in The India House, a period drama set in 1905 and directed by Ram Vamsi Krishna. The film also stars Nikhil Siddhartha and Anupam Kher, with Saiee playing the role of Sati. 'It's a pan-India film about love and revolution, and I'm very excited for it — it's very different from what I've done before.
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I love working in Tollywood. There's so much love for culture and unity here — people eat together, speak the language, and it feels like a community.
And yes, punctuality is taken very seriously — I've learnt to always be on time!' she says with a laugh.
'Dabangg gave me confidence I didn't know I had'
Looking back at her Bollywood debut in Dabangg 3 (2019), Saiee describes the experience as both overwhelming and transformative. 'I was extremely shy when I started off but the Dabangg experience gave me a lot of insight into how this world works — the expectations, the energy, and how you have to bring your best to every single take.'
'my parents' legacy is my biggest inspiration'
Despite her parents — filmmaker
and actor-producer Medha Manjrekar — being prominent figures in the film industry, Saiee says there's never been any pressure to live up to their name. 'The only pressure I take is the one I put on myself — to make my parents proud. I just don't want fingers pointed at them if I don't do something right,' she shares.
What she does value, however, is their honest and consistent feedback. 'They'll always find something to say about a performance, even if it's good.
At that point, I may be too caught up in the moment to think about it. But months later, when I'm working on something new, their advice just kicks in. I won't even have to think twice — it's already there.'
'Our generation's attention span is conditioned by constant digital exposure'
At just 23, Saiee has carved a niche for herself in the film industry, but being part of Gen Z comes with its own unique challenges. 'One very sad thing about Gen Z, which I experience too, is a lack of concentration. Even a split second of my attention slipping away means it's gone for good.
It's become so natural to switch instantly that being 'in the moment' is harder than ever,' she says. Reflecting on this, Saiee adds, 'If there's one thing I could change about myself and my generation, it would be to try to be more present — even if I'm bored, to keep my mind engaged instead of constantly seeking the next distraction.
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Quotes:
My parents always emphasised that language should never limit creativity, and that belief has shaped my career, whether I choose roles in Hindi, Marathi, or Telugu.
My personal style is always evolving and heavily influenced by trends and my mood. Some days I prefer glamorous, sparkly looks, while other days I'm all about comfort and casual wear. Fashion for me is fluid and ever-changing.
- Shrestha Mukherjee