I give my all to reach my wife’s acting level: Mani

Salman Saqib Sheikh expressed how he feels when compared to his ‘Mere Paas Tum Ho’ star wife

Known for his comedies, Salman Saqib Sheikh (aka Mani) in a recent interview, stated that there is no comparison between him and his actor wife Hira Mani. The show highlighted all that the VJ-cum-actor has been through, what he thinks about couples in the entertainment industry and his general opinion on what people have to say about him and his lady love.

Asked about how other celebrities have always found Mani’s performances surprisingly good and sometimes overpowering to say the least, the Bandish star said, “In this field, we have to meet people and communicate and I don’t do that to begin with. Hardly. Sometimes I would call Dr Ali Kazmi to remind him I exist and that every celebrity has to do to remind everybody.”

Mani believes most people in power still take comedians as comedians, expecting them to be non-serious at all times. His opted to play a doctor in Bandish to prove he can do in any role given.

The Sub Set Hai star was asked about his unique style of dialogue delivery in Yaqeen Ka Safar and Bandish as well. He responded, “It was a challenging task as the director asked for different take than what ‘Mani’ has in everything. As my wife, Hira was also in the drama, I feared a comparison that people often make. That is why I put in my all to come to her level.”

Hira also started her career as a VJ before moving on to hosting and ultimately, acting. Mani believes the Kashf starlet is his ‘creation’ as he was the first to spot raw talent in her and polished her into what she is today. Like a team, he states, the duo works on learning new things. “I trust my wife, which is why I allowed her to reach where she is. Whereas there are many out there who just talk the talk about women rights on TV but don’t follow it in reality. They don’t even bring their wives to award shows.”

As for online criticism, Mani said it is expected of the public to talk. “Comparison is normal and that comes with being a star or a couple in the industry. If even big stars like Shah Rukh Khan or Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are criticised and compared then who are we? It happens to everybody but to say that I feel affected… not at all! Hira and I share everything and work that way.”

Proudly, Mani also revealed Hira is currently working on few projects as a musician as well and soon will be releasing something for the public to enjoy.