Sakshi Tanwar about Manoj Bajpayee: ‘Not many know that he was my first director’

Popular actress and TV host Sakshi Tanwar left her fans intrigued with the trailer of her upcoming ZEE5 original film Dial 100, which came out a week ago. Directed by Rensil D’Silva, the film features Manoj Bajpayee, Neena Gupta and Sakshi in lead roles. In an interaction with The Indian Express, the actress revealed her three-decade-old connection with Manoj Bajpayee, and also talked about her long-standing goal, which was to work with him.

“Not many know that when I was in college in Delhi, Manoj sir had come for a workshop there. In a way, he was my first director as he worked with us on a play, Madam,” said the actress. She also added that it took her 30 years to share screen space with him.

The actress also said that the biggest reason to take up the role in Dial 100 was her co-actress Neena Gupta, whom she always admired. She also shared how she enjoyed working with her on and off screen. “I think I couldn’t have asked for more as I got to work with both Neena ji and Manoj sir together,” she shared her excitement.

Talking about the women-led narratives, the actress said that with the arrival of digital platforms, women are getting more space and stronger roles. 

Sakshi Tanwar, who began her acting career through television soaps Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, made her big screen debut through Aamir Khan’s 2016 film Dangal. In 2018, she was again back on television with Tyohaar Ki Thaali. Besides Dial 100, she will also be appearing in a Netflix series produced by Anushka Sharma.

Tipped as a thriller, Dial 100, backed by Sony Pictures Films India, Siddharth P Malhotra and Sapna Malhotra, will be streaming on ZEE5 from August 6.