Was called for 'Mirzya' audition like any struggler: Saiyami Kher

Mumbai: Actress Saiyami Kher says she auditioned for her debut, "Mirzya" like any other struggler and did not inform her aunts Shabana Azmi and Tanvi Azmi about it as she wanted to bag the film on her merit, without their help.

Saiyami comes with a film lineage-- being the granddaughter of actress Usha Kiran and niece of Tanvi and Shabana, who are both National Award-winning actresses.

"They (family) did not know I was auditioning for 'Mirzya'. I was called for auditions like any other struggler for auditions. I did not tell anyone, including Shabana masi and Tanvi bua about the auditions as I wanted to do things on my own. (But) it is always comforting as I have somebody to talk to when I am having a bad day," Saiyami told PTI.

The 24-year-old debutant says while Tanvi got quite emotional when she signed "Mirzya", Shabana was assured that director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra will take good care of the newcomer.

"Tanvi bua is very filmy. She cried when I signed the film. She (Tanvi) has worked with Rakyesh sir on 'Aks' and 'Delhi 6' and said it would be fun working with him (Rakyesh Omprakash Mehra). And Shabana masi said I am in good hands (referring to Mehra's direction) and that I just follow Rakyesh sir," she said.

Saiyami added both her aunts are extremely protective about her.