Sauraseni Maitra, who plays a pivotal role in the upcoming mystery thriller Saali Mohabbat, has shared her experiences working with the film's producer, Manish Malhotra. Saali Mohabbat, which marks the directorial debut of actress Tisca Chopra, is slated for release on ZEE5 on December 12, 2025. The film features an ensemble cast including Radhika Apte, Divyenndu Sharma, and Anurag Kashyap.
Maitra plays Shalini, the sister of Smita (Radhika Apte), a housewife whose life takes a dark turn after a shocking double murder disrupts the peace of her small town of Fursatgarh. Shalini's arrival sets off an emotional chain reaction, placing her at the center of shifting dynamics between Ratan Pandit (Divyenndu Sharma) and Pankaj (Anshumaan Pushkar).
In an exclusive interview, Maitra expressed her admiration for Manish Malhotra and his hands-on approach to production. According to Maitra, Malhotra saw her work in Taj: Reign of Revenge and approached her for Saali Mohabbat. She was immediately drawn to the intriguing story and jumped at the opportunity to work with Malhotra and Chopra.
"Manish Malhotra spoils his actors! He pampers them like anything," Maitra said, describing the positive and dedicated atmosphere he cultivated on set. She emphasized that Malhotra ensures his actors are comfortable and have everything they need, which, in turn, inspires them to give their best performance. Maitra also noted that Malhotra's background as a fashion designer gives him a unique understanding of films.
Maitra also shared her experience collaborating with director Tisca Chopra, praising her versatility and involvement throughout the entire process. She noted that Chopra's guidance and personal stories helped her to unlock and understand her character, Shalini. Maitra appreciated the opportunity to be directed by a woman, highlighting their different perspectives.
Saali Mohabbat is produced by Jio Studios and Manish Malhotra's Stage5 Production. The film had its world premiere at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa in 2024. The film was also screened at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival.
The film is not a typical whodunnit, but rather focuses on "howdunnit," exploring the inner demons and layers within each character. The narrative explores themes of betrayal, trust, shifting identities, and moral ambiguity within relationships.
