Sadaa Sayyed: Working With Vikram and Madhavan Was Truly Special (Actress, 40+ Movies, Filmfare Awardee, 1.8M Followers)

Sadaa Sayyed Interview

"Watching Tigress Maya fiercely defend her lone cub from a male tiger, or witnessing her confrontation with another tigress, Roma, over territory, those were intense. "

Q. From acting in over 40 films across various industries to becoming a passionate advocate for animal rights, how do you manage to strike a balance between your career and activism?


Having spent many years in the film industry, my focus has now gradually shifted towards animal activism. Whether it’s speaking up for the rights of farmed animals or protecting wildlife, this cause has become very close to my heart. 

Thanks to social media, raising awareness is now more accessible and impactful than ever. I'm grateful to be able to use these platforms meaningfully, to amplify messages that truly matter.

Q. Winning a Filmfare Award for your debut is an incredible achievement. How did that early recognition influence your journey as an actor?

Even before the award came, the love and support from audiences for my debut played a huge role in shaping my career. That warmth and appreciation gave me not just a great start but also long-standing respect in the industry. It was a defining moment that continues to influence how people perceive me even today.

Q. What motivated you to become a vocal advocate for veganism, and how has it impacted your personal and professional life?


Veganism is often misunderstood as a Western trend, and I used to think the same, until I watched disturbing footage from Indian dairy farms. Seeing mothers and calves being brutally exploited shook me deeply. 

As someone who has loved animals since childhood, I realized I couldn’t claim to care for animals while contributing to their suffering, even indirectly. In November 2017, I made an overnight switch to a vegan lifestyle.


Veganism is not just about food; it’s a mindset that embraces compassion and sustainability. It's one of the most effective ways to combat climate change, too, since animal agriculture contributes significantly to deforestation and methane emissions. This shift has deeply influenced both my lifestyle and the causes I choose to support.

Q. You've worked with many prominent names in cinema. Which collaboration has been the most memorable for you?


Working with Vikram and Madhavan was truly special. I admired their work even before I entered the film industry, so sharing screen space with them was both an honor and a learning experience.

Q. Wildlife photography is a rare and beautiful passion. Can you share a particularly unforgettable moment you’ve captured?


There have been so many powerful moments. Watching Tigress Maya fiercely defend her lone cub from a male tiger, or witnessing her confrontation with another tigress, Roma, over territory, those were intense. 

Then there was Collarwali from Tadoba, carrying her lifeless cub in her mouth, and Riddhi from Ranthambore, showing patience and respect to her frail mother Arrowhead in her final days.

Even witnessing tigers mating in Panna, it's all etched in my memory. Every moment behind the lens has been humbling and awe-inspiring. My respect for wildlife, especially tigers, has only increased ever since.

Q. In your opinion, what are the most effective ways to spread awareness about animal rights today?

Social media is a very powerful tool. With the right messaging and visuals, you can reach and resonate with a vast audience. Creating content that strikes an emotional chord is key, it not only informs but inspires people to reflect, question, and act.

Q. If you could bring about one lasting change for animals using your platform, what would it be and why?


I’d urge people to try going vegan for just 21 days. It's not nearly as difficult as it seems—just a bit of adjustment and commitment. And the benefits are immense, not only for animals and the planet but for our own health.

While we often look to the government to take action on climate change through stronger laws and policies, real and lasting change must begin with us. 

When individuals reduce their demand for animal products, the supply will naturally decline as well. It's a powerful reminder that our everyday choices, what we eat, wear, and consume, can drive large-scale environmental impact. 

Collective action always starts with personal responsibility.

Beyond that, I wish for a world where we all practice a little more compassion and respect toward every species. We humans must relearn what it means to be humane.

Bio

Sadaa is an accomplished actor, passionate animal rights activist, and dedicated wildlife photographer. With a thriving film career spanning over 40 movies across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and a few Hindi films, she has shared the screen with celebrated stars such as Vikram, Madhavan, Ajith, Jr. NTR, and Siddharth. 

Her talent was recognized early on, earning her the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Actress for her debut film.

Beyond the world of cinema, Sadaa’s heart beats for animals. A committed vegan, she actively advocates for animal rights, raising awareness about the welfare of farmed, wild, and domestic animals. 

Her passion for wildlife photography allows her to capture the beauty of nature while amplifying the urgent need for conservation and ethical living.

Through her work—both on screen and off—Sadaa continues to inspire countless people to embrace compassion, sustainability, and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Follow Sadaa's Wildlife Photography on Instagram

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Interviewed by Ishika Ahuja