Bollywood actress Saiee M Manjrekar is opting for a serene and meaningful start to the New Year, trading glitzy parties for the tranquil hills of Matheran. The young star, seeking authenticity and simplicity, has returned to what she calls her 'second home' to welcome 2025 with a few close friends.
Matheran: A Sanctuary of Simplicity
Located near Mumbai, Matheran is a unique hill station known for its mild climate, preserved colonial architecture, and a ban on motor vehicles. Many visitors access this picturesque retreat via the historic 1907 Neral-Matheran Toy Train, a narrow-gauge railway. For Saiee, this car-free environment is a major part of its charm. 'With no cars and no rush, Matheran moves at its own gentle pace,' she told IANS.
The actress revealed that her connection to Matheran runs deep, having visited since childhood with family. 'Over time, it has quietly become a part of who I am,' she shared, highlighting how the place holds a deeply personal significance in her life.
Nostalgic Trails and Simple Pleasures
Saiee fondly recalls horse riding along misty trails, through shaded forests, and up to quiet viewpoints, describing the experience as almost meditative. These journeys are filled with vivid memories of laughter and togetherness with her parents and siblings.
For her, the essence of Matheran lies in its simple joys. She eagerly revisits familiar local haunts:
- Enjoying vada pav from a vendor she has known for years.
- Savoring gola on warm afternoons.
- Relishing Maggi at a small tapri.
'Away from five-star comforts, these moments reconnect me to my roots and remind me how little one truly needs to feel content,' the actress explained.
A Return to Roots for the New Year
Choosing to ring in the New Year in this peaceful setting felt 'deeply right' for Saiee. It represents a conscious return to simplicity, authenticity, and the core memories that have shaped her. This introspective getaway follows a busy period in her career.
Saiee M Manjrekar, now 23, began her film journey with a brief role in the 2012 Marathi film 'Kaksparsh'. Her breakthrough came as the lead, Khushi Chautala, opposite Salman Khan in the 2019 blockbuster 'Dabangg 3'. She later featured in the music video 'Manjha' (2020) and starred in 'Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay'. Her most recent project is the Telugu action drama 'Arjun Son Of Vyjayanthi', a spiritual sequel to the 1990 film 'Karthavyam', starring Nandamuri Kalyan Ram and Vijayashanti.
By choosing Matheran over metropolitan celebrations, Saiee Manjrekar sets a relatable example of finding joy and renewal in nature, nostalgia, and life's uncomplicated moments.
