Exclusive: "Salman Khan is still the same, has a heart of gold and the child within", says former co-actress Sheeba Akashdeep

Exclusive: "Salman Khan is still the same, has a heart of gold and the child within", says former co-actress Sheeba Akashdeep

Senior actress Sheeba Akashdeep has returned to the silver screen with a new wave of projects like Jigra, Rocky Aur Rani ki Prem Kahani, Fateh and now Baaghi 4. In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol.com, she opened up about how the industry has transformed, her memories of working with superstars, and what keeps her excited about cinema today.

When asked about the changes she observed after such a long break, Sheeba said, “I think the difference is I am a bit smart. Now I am only working with very big banners, with good ensemble staff and great producers and directors. The canvas has become bigger, the budgets are much, much bigger. The sector has become more organized within itself even though we have zero government support. People have their finances in place, the release dates are pre-planned, and we work on time schedules. Those things have definitely changed.”

As an actor, she feels performance styles have also shifted. “The style has evolved. It has become way more natural than before. You’re not compelled to over-speak or make different sounds. You can underplay your parts now, even whisper, because the technology is so much sharper and precise.”

Reflecting on her iconic co-stars, Sheeba spoke warmly about Salman Khan. “No, he was happy when he met Akash, my husband. He said I had made the right decision to get married at the right time. After marriage, when I went to visit him, he gifted me a very nice thing that I still have in my house.” On Salman today, she added, “I think he is still the same. He still has a heart of gold. There’s a child within him even now. I enjoy watching him laugh and roll around on the floor. His kindness and humanity are intact, even if he doesn’t publicize how much he does.”

Talking about the 90s stars she worked with, Sheeba said with pride, “Every single actor of the 90s is right now reigning on the top. Everybody I worked with, they are still A-listers, A++ even. They’re megastars, not just superstars. The 90s still rules.”

On her current choices, she was clear: “I would like to continue working with the big banners and big makers because it gives you a good platform. They portray you extremely well and justify your character. I want to continue to work with good people and good projects.”

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When asked about her personal taste in cinema, she laughed and said, “My favorite genre is comedy. I love masala films. I love Karan Johar films, Rohit Shetty films, Sanjay Leela Bhansali films. I love big cinema, masala cinema. I want to come out of a movie smiling, with that feel-good factor.”

Finally, sharing her experience of working in Baaghi 4 with Tiger Shroff, she said, “It was a great experience working with Sajid Nadiadwala and Harshad, who’s a very big director from the south. The songs are beautiful, the choreography of the action sequences was mind-boggling, and overall it was a very creatively satisfying journey. I had great scenes with Tiger, Harnaaz, and Saurabh.”

Sheeba Akashdeep’s comeback is not just about nostalgia. It’s a reminder that talent, grace, and adaptability can keep an actor relevant across decades.