When Danish Sait first watched a Mohanlal film 16 years ago, he would’ve laughed had someone told him that he would share screen space with the Malayalam superstar some day. Today, the actor-comic is gearing up for the release of Malaikottai Vaaliban, a Lijo Jose Pellissery-directed period drama led by Mohanlal. The movie marks many firsts for Sait—it not only is his maiden Malayalam film, but also sees him explore a space far removed from comedy, which is his forte. “I am excited to play characters that are far from me, so that I can push myself to get to them. There are so many wonderful filmmakers I’d love to collaborate with. I am not in a hurry. It’s not the money that drives me to pursue acting; it’s my love for the art,” he says.

Danish Sait