Akshay Uncle and Salman Uncle are my favourites, says 'Brothers' child star Naisha Khanna

After Harshaali Malhotra, who has received rave reviews for her endearing performance in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, along comes the cute little Naisha Khanna. With a pretty dimple and a sweet smile, she’s sure to steal your heart. At age six, she’s all set to debut as Akshay Kumar and Jacqueline Fernandez’s daughter in the upcoming film Brothers. 

This isn’t her first time in front of the camera, though. Acting since the age of four, she’s done several ad campaigns for the likes of Bank Of India and LIC and has serials like Best Of Luck Nikki, Uttaran and Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, among others, to her credit. 

Her mother Mahek says that once she decided to be in front of the camera, things just clicked for her. “One of my friends (her son is into production) suggested that I should try for my daughter because she looks good. I did and immediately she got offers for ad campaigns. Her first one was for Kidzee,” she shares.

Naisha was also flooded with offers for serials, but after doing a few stand-alone episodes, Mahek decided not to get her daughter into any more shows. “It gets hectic and I don’t want that for her. She also did not enjoy shooting for serials that much. I am okay with ads and print shoots,” she says.  

Eight months ago, she took her daughter for a look test to Dharma and the next thing she knew Naisha was finalised for Brothers. “It is a big break for my daughter,” says the mother proudly.  

Here’s what Naisha shared...

What was the first scene you shot for Brothers?
Woh popcorn udanewala scene. Even after the scene was cut, I kept playing and doing masti. Jackie (Jacqueline Fernandez)  aunty and Akshay (Kumar) uncle also played with me. They are very sweet, especially Jackie aunty. She gives me a lot of chocolates.  

Have you seen the film?
No, it will release on August 14, but on the same day I have a school test and I cannot miss school. I don’t know when I will see the film.

Do you want to do more films?
Yes, I love shooting. (Mahek says she not only enjoys being on the sets, but also manages her studies very well. In fact, she is on the verge of finalising another film for Naisha). 

Who are your favourite actors?
Tiger Shroff is my favourite hero. I have seen Heropanti thousand times! I love the way Tiger dances. Jackie (Shroff) uncle has give me Tiger’s number. He has asked me to call him whenever I want to meet him. My other favourite actors are Akshay uncle and Salman uncle. Salman uncle has even given me the locket of Bajrangi Bhaijaan!

How did you meet Salman?
It was on a TV show. I asked him ‘Aap itne cute kaise ho’ and he said ‘Cute hona padta hai, so that a cute girl like you can hug me’. I like him a lot. 

Have you seen Bajrangi Bhaijaan?
Yes. I liked Salman uncle and the story. I even cried towards the ending. (Mahek adds that she got really emotional despite telling her that it was only a story).  

Of the ads that you have done so far, which did you enjoy?
The LIC one. It was shot on a beach and humne fishing kiya. Uncle even caught a fish! That was real fun.

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How old are you?
Six.

In which standard are you studying?
First.

Do your friends know that you do ads or that you will be seen in Brothers?
No.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A teacher.