Kriti Sanon deserved National Award for Mimi, film changed my career: Sai Tamhankar
Sai Tamhankar said that Mimi marked a turning point in his career and changed how the industry saw him. He also praised Kriti Sanon for winning the National Award.
Actress Sai Tamhankar credits Mimi for changing her journey in the industry. He shared that the film gave him recognition and visibility, as well as made him more aware of such roles.
Speaking exclusively to India Today, Sye said looking back at the defining moment of her career, “I think it has to be Mimi. Because Mimi has marked my existence in the industry, that’s what I feel. Mimi also gave me many awards including IIFA and Filmfare. So I think it was a turning point.”
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When asked what is harder now, getting great roles or saying no to average roles. She said, “I think it has always been difficult for me to say no to work. I fight with myself a lot when it comes to saying no to work. And sometimes it happens that you do a certain job, and then you are called for the same type of role.”
The actor further added, “When you say no, it feels right, it feels fair because I wouldn’t do the same thing. But sometimes 7-8 chances come again and again, and when you have to say no, it really hurts. Because the only way to not be typecast is to say no to the same type of work. And that’s really hard on the heart.”
But Sye admitted that box office numbers sometimes cross her mind and said, “I won’t lie. Sometimes I think that yes, I should be a part of a blockbuster hit film. Of course, you think about the numbers sometimes. Of course, you get into that race. But yes, I have been a part of commercially hit projects like ghazni, WorldlinessAnd even, for that matter, Mm. If Mimi had released in theatres, it would have truly changed the game.”
She said, “How I want to, because it is a women-centric film and if it was so, the trend would have changed a lot. But no problem, we got a lot of love on OTT too. And we even got a National Award for it.”
Talking about his off-screen relationship with Kriti Sanon, Sai said that he is happy to see Kriti winning a National Award and that their relationship has continued over the years.
He said, “Kriti deserved the National Award. I remember she threw a party at her house. We were there. We are still in touch. A lot of people think that actors, especially Bollywood male and female actors, work and then move on. But Kriti is different. We are still in touch. I am a part of her important days, important occasions and it feels really good.”
Sai was recently seen in the Prime Video series Matka KingWhich includes Vijay Verma, Kritika Kamra and Gulshan Grover.
The actor’s last Hindi film was Bhumi Pednekar’s eater (2024), streaming on Netflix.