Actress Sanjeeda Shaikh has opened up about working with Sunny Deol in the Netflix film Ikka, recalling how the actor continued shooting despite going through one of the most difficult phases of his life following the death of his father, legendary actor Dharmendra.
Speaking in an interview, Sanjeeda said Sunny’s dedication to his work left a lasting impression on her. She described his commitment as an example of true professionalism and admitted that she learned valuable lessons simply by watching him on set.
‘Kya Professionalism Hai’
Recalling the final schedule of Ikka, Sanjeeda revealed that Sunny Deol returned to the film set only days after losing his father.
She said she was deeply moved by the way the actor handled his responsibilities during such an emotional time.
According to Sanjeeda, Sunny could easily have postponed the shoot considering the circumstances, but instead, he chose to honour his work commitments. She remembered him arriving on set, completing his scenes with complete focus, and quietly leaving once the day’s work was finished.
His dedication, she said, made her realise what true professionalism looks like.
Learning From Bollywood’s Senior Stars
Sanjeeda also spoke about the lessons she learned from working with experienced actors like Sunny Deol, Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna.
She said all three actors share a similar work ethic. Despite their years of success and immense popularity, they arrive on set without any ego or unnecessary pressure. Instead, they remain focused on their craft and treat everyone with humility.
According to Sanjeeda, watching such accomplished actors work made her understand that staying grounded is one of the biggest reasons behind a long and successful career in the film industry.
She believes that humility is just as important as talent and that the more grounded an actor remains, the longer they continue to earn respect and success.
A Memorable Experience on Ikka
Sanjeeda also reflected on her experience playing a layered character in Ikka. She revealed that she wanted her role to feel natural despite the character having grey shades and credited director Siddharth P. Malhotra for allowing her to explore the role in a realistic way.
The actress shared that she now looks for characters that push her beyond her comfort zone, believing that challenging roles help her grow as an actor.
A Successful Year for Sanjeeda
Sanjeeda has enjoyed a successful year with back-to-back projects. She was first seen in Dhamaal 4, where her performance received appreciation from audiences. She later impressed viewers in Netflix’s Ikka, sharing screen space with Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna.
Looking back at her recent journey, the actress said she is grateful for the opportunities coming her way and wants to continue working hard. She added that the appreciation she has received makes her feel she is moving in the right direction.
For Sanjeeda, working alongside industry veterans wasn’t just another acting assignment—it became an opportunity to learn invaluable lessons about discipline, humility and professionalism from some of Bollywood’s most respected stars.
