Sai Tamhankar is a versatile and dynamic actress celebrated for her compelling performances across various Indian film industries. Known for her candidness and relentless work ethic, Sai has made a significant mark with her recent role in the critically acclaimed film Bhakshak. Balancing her career with an unyielding hustle, she remains grounded by her close-knit relationships, especially with her mother, who is her biggest critic and source of inspiration. Sai’s diverse portfolio spans multiple languages, and she continues to push boundaries with every project. Beyond acting, she is deeply influenced by Aamir Khan and champions the importance of equal pay in the industry. Her unique style and love for life’s simple pleasures, like monsoon chai and bhajias, make her a relatable and admired figure in Indian cinema.

Bhakshak has received rave reviews. How was it working on it?
The film was led by women, which is a major reason why I played this part. Apart from this, I feel the subject of the film is something that should be talked about. It was daring and courageous, and it is not every day that one gets to be a part of such projects.

When one is a part of films with gruesome realities at their heart, how does an actor draw a boundary or detach themselves?

It does affect you 100 per cent. This is the flip side of being an actor. Sometimes your mind stays there; you loiter and linger in that space, and it does bother you. But, you know, to earn something, you have to lose something. I personally enjoy this process because I am also someone who romanticises pain. No complaints.

In a lot of interviews, you’ve said that you are afraid of being complacent…
I intend to work until my hands and legs stop working. Yes, it is a mindset. As you grow, you progress, and you taste success, you have to slog even more. It’s a myth that when one achieves success, one can stop slogging. You have to slog in departments you haven’t slogged in before. If one kind of slogging stops, another kind of slogging begins. Hustling is non-stop in life. Life is unpredictable, and one doesn’t know what is about to happen tomorrow, and that’s the beauty of it.

When does a star know they’ve arrived?
Well, I don’t think I have arrived yet. There is still a long way to go.

What are the things that you still struggle with as an actor?
Life was simpler before stardom. You did not overthink what you were choosing; you were allowed to make mistakes. Now it feels like a lot is at stake. Even if you make one mistake, things can go haywire. Previously, I could say what I wanted to; no one would take it seriously. Now, when you say something, it has the power to affect people. It’s a great responsibility.

You often mention that you are someone who values her bonds with people immensely. Which three bonds are the closest to you?
The bond that you have with your team is very important, especially in our profession. I’m grateful that I have had amazing people around me. I have a great bond with my friends. And my mother, we share a complicated, layered, and funny bond. But, I value it a lot.

Your mother has been a single parent for years. Is there something specific about her that bothers or triggers you?
Well, things have really changed over time. Now, there is nothing that puts me off about her. In fact, I just have one complaint. My mother is my biggest critic. She is very hard to please. So, when she tells me I have done a good job, it is a big relief.

When was the last time she said that you’ve done well?
Let me see if I can remember. Oh yes! Recently, I bought a new house, and she was extremely proud of me. For her, I am Miss World. That’s the case with most mothers, though; everyone thinks their daughter is Miss World and everyone else is insignificant.

You spoke about your new house; you recently also bought a new car… What’s the next big dream?
Maintaining this lifestyle. Practically, to just be able to maintain it honestly. Also, my next big dream is that I want the entire world to watch my performance. I feel every artiste dreams this dream.

Talking about your upcoming projects, you have Agni, Dabba Cartel, and Ground Zero. How are they different and what can we expect from them?
Dabba Cartel is a very interesting web series. You will see me doing something that I haven’t done before. I am super stoked about it. Ground Zero is with Emraan Hashmi; it is a very interesting script. Although I have a very small part to play in it, I am sure it’ll be impactful. Emraan is a very shy person, and he is so different from his public personality. He’s really warm, and he takes time to open up, but when he does, he’s really a chill person. Agni is with Divyenndu Sharma and Pratik Gandhi. They are both supremely talented actors. I had a ball performing with Pratik. I am so glad that he is getting such lovely opportunities; I just wish he keeps growing.

Are there any specific things that you aspire to do this year?
I want a washboard stomach for sure. That’s on the top of my list. I also want to go to a holiday spot that I have never been to before. It’s been too long since I took a holiday, so that’s second on my list. And, sign a big project before the year ends.

You often mention the impact of Aamir Khan in your life and that you really adore him. What’s the story behind that?
I used to tell my mother that in their religion, two marriages are allowed. I told everyone, including my mother, that when I grow up, I’ll marry him. You know, the universe has its ways. We got to work together so early on in my career, whether it was for Paani Foundation or in Ghajini. I wish to work with Aamir Khan in any way that it’s possible. In any capacity, not just as an actor. He is a very sharp person, and his energy is infectious. It makes you want to do good work. So yes, I would definitely want to work with him.

Do you feel because of OTT platforms people are viewing content in several languages and not just their native one?
Yes, most definitely. We are consuming all kinds of content now, which wasn’t possible earlier. Rarely did people find links to movies from different languages and watch them. Now, it’s just a click away. Anybody and everybody has access to world cinema. And because of this, healthy competition has come into the picture. People have also become way more adventurous with the kind of films they want to make or bankroll. It’s a good sign.

You’ve worked on projects in different languages; what’s the one thing that is similar everywhere?
Pay inequality between male and female actors exists everywhere. And no one knows what to do about it. I’m glad Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently received the amount equivalent to her male co-star. At least it’s starting somewhere. It’s like a ray of hope for all us girls. Also, another thing is that at the end of the day, everyone just wants to make a good film.

Responding to the criticism of the Indian contingent’s costume at Paris Olympics, fashion designer Tarun Tahiliani has said he stands by the design and slammed “armchair critics” for implying that he charged a fee for designing the athletes’ attire.

Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Mr Tahiliani said his team followed guidelines of International Olympic Committee while designing the kits. “Many things changed in the last minute. I stand by our design. This is what we Indians wear, and this is not to be a couture show. I accept people can have their views. I am good with that, but I stand by what we did,” he said.

“We wanted the team in the colours of the tricolour as most countries follow their flag and that was visible from afar,” he said.

Many in social media have criticised the designer over the Indian athletes’ outfits and described them as dull. “It would have been very easy for me to send them in zardozi vests. But it’s not appropriate,” the designer said in response to such criticism.

Some social media users have pointed out that the outfits have digital prints on them and India, with its rich heritage of handloom and embroidery, should have been represented on this world stage by better attire.

The designer said his team had just three weeks to ready the costumes. “I can’t weave handloom for 300 uniforms in that time. The shoes were brocade, brocade from Benares” he said.

He also responded to the charge that the logo of Tasva, an Aditya Birla Group brand of which Mr Tahiliani is chief design officer, was used on the costumes. “A symbol was made into a border, that’s all. When you see a photograph, you won’t even notice it. We earlier put the Indian flag there, but were told one should not use it. We followed the guidelines,” he said.

The designer strongly denied claims that Tasva charged for designing the costumes. “The cheek of these armchair critics. This was paid for by Tasva. It was not done for a fee, it was done to support our athletes. Asking what I was paid for it just shows their mentality,” he said.

Tasva had earlier said in a statement that it was honoured to design the outfits for the Indian contingent in collaboration with Tarun Tahiliani. “This prestigious collaboration for Tasva, as the ‘Official Ceremonial Dress Partner’ for Team India at the Paris Olympics, marks a significant milestone in Tasva’s journey as it represents the spirit, culture, and elegance of India on the global stage,” it said.

It said the Indian athletes’ ceremonial attire for the opening ceremony draws profound inspiration from the Indian flag. “The tricolor palette embodies national pride and unity. The contemporary silhouettes of the Bundi jacket and the pre-pleated saree when combined with the thoughtful choice of fabrics-cotton and viscose crepe-along with practical detail, not just ensures comfort and functionality for the athletes, but also represents a fine balance of tradition with modernity.”