Sai Tamhankar has opened up about how the 2021 film 'Mimi' served as a pivotal moment in her career, providing her with greater visibility, multiple awards, and a clear turning point. The actor credited the film for marking her existence in the Hindi film industry and acknowledged the recognition it brought her.
'Mimi' as a Career Catalyst
In an interview with India Today, Sai reflected on the film that shaped her journey in Bollywood. "I think it has to be Mimi. Because Mimi sort of marked my existence in the industry, that's what I feel. Mimi also gave me a lot of awards. So I think that was a turning point," she said. The actor emphasized that the film not only boosted her profile but also helped her gain stronger recognition among audiences and peers.
The Struggle of Saying No
Sai also spoke about how success has changed her approach to selecting roles. When asked whether it is tougher to find strong parts or to decline average ones, she admitted that refusal has always been a challenge for her. "I think saying no to work has always been difficult for me. I quite fight with myself when it comes to saying no to work. And sometimes what happens is, you do a certain thing, and then you're called for the same type of role," she explained.
She elaborated on the difficulty of avoiding typecasting. "When you say no, then it feels right, it feels justified because I won't do the same thing. But sometimes there are 7–8 repeated opportunities, and when you have to say no, it really hurts. Because the only way not to get typecast is to say no to a similar kind of work. And that is really tough on the heart," she shared.
Praise for Kriti Sanon and National Award
Sai also praised her 'Mimi' co-star Kriti Sanon for winning the National Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film. "Kriti very well deserved the National Award," she said. The actor added that they remain close friends and that she is often part of Kriti's important occasions. "We are still in touch. I am a part of her important days, important occasions, and it feels really nice," she revealed.
Thoughts on Box Office Success
When asked about the pressure of box office numbers, Sai admitted that such thoughts do cross her mind. "I would not lie. Sometimes I think that yes, I should be a part of a grand hit film. Of course, you think of numbers sometimes. Of course, you get pulled into that race," she said. However, she noted that she has already been part of successful projects like 'Ghajini', 'Duniyadari', and 'Mimi'.
Sai expressed that 'Mimi' could have had an even greater impact if it had been released in theaters. "If Mimi had been released in theatres, it would have really changed the game," she asserted. She believes that a theatrical release for a women-led film like 'Mimi' could have helped shift industry trends. Despite its OTT release, the film received immense love and won the National Award.
Recent Work and Future Projects
Sai was recently seen in Prime Video's 'Matka King' alongside Vijay Varma, Kritika Kamra, and Gulshan Grover. Her last Hindi film was Bhumi Pednekar's 'Bhakshak', which is currently streaming on Netflix. The actor continues to explore diverse roles and aims to avoid being typecast while seeking projects that challenge her creatively.
