Cinema VinesSanjeeda Shaikh sat down with the Hindustan Times to reflect on a whirlwind year that saw her transition from a supporting role in the box‑office hit Dhamaal 4 to a complex character in the Netflix thriller Ikka. The actress praised the audience’s response to her performance in the comedy‑drama, noting that the film’s success gave her a platform to experiment with different genres.
In Ikka, Shaikh worked alongside stalwarts Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna and Ajay Devgn. She described the film’s dual nature—mixing a domestic‑abuse narrative with a darker, manipulative subplot—as a “diversity” that felt almost accidental. “It just came to me,” she said, adding that she chooses roles that push her out of her comfort zone to keep her craft fresh.
The actress recalled a pivotal conversation with director Siddharth P. Malhotra, where she emphasized the need for a natural portrayal of her grey‑shaded character. “We will do this in a very natural way,” she told Malhotra, underscoring the subtlety required for the part.
Beyond character work, Shaikh highlighted the professionalism she observed from her co‑stars. She spoke of Sunny Deol’s dedication, especially after the death of his father Dharmendra. “I remember Sunny sir coming for the shoot. Dharam sir had just passed. And I would say kya professionalism hai yaar!” she recalled, noting that Deol continued to work without complaint, setting a high standard for the set.
Shaikh also praised Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna, calling them “accomplished actors” who approached their work with humility and focus. She believes that such an attitude is key to longevity in the industry, adding that observing these veterans taught her the importance of staying grounded while performing.
