Chennai, July 22 (IANS): Debutante Sayyeshaa, grandniece of veteran Bollywood actress Saira Banu, says she considers herself extremely lucky to be launched in Telugu filmdom by filmmaker V.V. Vinayak in an upcoming yet-untitled project, co-starring actor Akkineni Nagarjuna's second son Akhil.
Even before she was signed for the Telugu project, Sayyeshaa bagged Ajay Devgn's highly anticipated directorial "Shivaay", which is yet to go on floors.
"I'm extremely fortunate that I've bagged these two big projects so early on in my career. I couldn't have asked for a better launchpad," Sayyeshaa told IANS.
"The fact that Ajay chose me in his dream project means a lot to me. I'm equally excited about my Telugu debut. I'm aware of the blockbusters Vinayak sir has given to the industry, so it's truly an honour to be launched by him," she said.
The young actress is gung-ho about the project and considers the opportunity her big ticket to southern cinema.
"Vinayak sir and people from the production house Shresht Movies came and met me in Mumbai. They liked my pictures and within the next four days, I was flown down to Hyderabad for the film's launch. I want to use this opportunity to venture into other southern languages as well," Sayyeshaa said, and added that she's a big fan of Mani Ratnam and his films.
"It is my dream to work with him. I don't want to restrict myself to one industry as I feel there's much to learn and so many talented directors to work with across industries."
Talking about her Telugu film debut, she said: "It's a love story laced with all the ingredients that make a perfect entertainer. We have already completed about 70 percent of the film and will soon enter the final leg of the shooting".
Although Sayyeshaa faced initial trouble with the language, she overcame it quickly.
"I think I quickly grasped it and I don't find it difficult anymore. Even on the sets, I don't think I had any issues with my lines because I always go well prepared before a shot," she said.
On working with Akhil, she said: "We hit it off quite well. Since both of us were making our debuts, we helped each other. It's the first time for both of us on film sets, though Akhil has faced the camera before. It has been a pleasure working with him. He's a fantastic co-star."
The film, which is gearing up for release in October, is being produced by actor Nithiin Reddy along with his father Sudhakar Reddy.
A diploma holder in IT, Sayyeshaa has been training in acting since the age of 10.
"I've always been passionate about cinema. I'm trained in different style of dance forms such as Kathak, Odissi and Latin-American styles as Zumba, Cha Cha and Jive. I've spent a lot of time in London and South Africa training in dance," said Sayyeshaa, who hopes to prove her dancing skills onscreen.