Saiyami Kher's journey in the film industry is a testament to her versatility and dedication. In an exclusive interview, she opens up about her return to the International Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) with her upcoming film, Pal Bhar Ke Liye. This marks a significant step in her career, as she navigates the challenges of a demanding role and the excitement of a public premiere.
A Challenging Role, A Moving Experience
Saiyami's character in Pal Bhar Ke Liye is a fashion photographer, a role that required a deep emotional investment. She shares, "The film is very emotional, and it made me slow down and think about my life personally and how things can change so quickly and how we take things for granted. This film made me very emotional as a person. And as an actor, it is a very layered role; it was a very challenging role. The script and the role were the hero."
The film's impact on Saiyami is evident, as it challenged her both emotionally and professionally. She found the role so overwhelming that it made her reflect on her own life and the importance of relationships and family. This transformation is a testament to her ability to immerse herself in diverse characters.
A Relaxed Return to IFFM
Saiyami's experience at IFFM with Pal Bhar Ke Liye stands in contrast to her previous festival outing with Ghoomer. She notes, "It's very exciting to go back. Ghoomer was the opening film, and it was very special. But it was all a blur that time because we did the screening and flew out the same night, because Ghoomer was releasing just three days later in India. But this time we are more relaxed about going in, watching other films, and attending the festival properly. It's not as stressful as it was last time."
The relaxed atmosphere this time around allows Saiyami to appreciate the festival's offerings more fully. She is particularly eager to see the film screened for the public, acknowledging the unique excitement of a premiere. "I'm very excited because this time the film is going to be shown to the public, and it's always this nervous excitement when your film is shown publicly for the first time. It feels very special," she says.
A Collaborative Set Experience
Saiyami's praise for the film extends to her co-stars and the director. She highlights the collaborative nature of the set, where the focus was on enhancing the scene rather than personal agendas. "The best thing was it was never about a battle with them. There was never ‘yeh mera scene hai’. We worked together to make the scene better. So it was always collaborative, and that's the most exciting thing on the film set," she explains.
A Director's Vision
The director, Vikram Phadnis, played a pivotal role in the film's success. Saiyami describes him as a meticulous and collaborative visionary. "I have been very fortunate to have worked with very well-known directors, but with Vikram, I think he has had so much experience in the industry. It didn't feel like it was his debut film at all. It was actually the most well-planned film I have been on," she says.
The systematic approach and attention to detail made the production efficient and enjoyable. "In most of the films we do, schedules get haywire, edits take longer. But this is the most systematic film I have ever worked on with regards to everything, whether it's the timings on the film set or the smallest details. He was very sure of what he wanted. At the same time, he was very collaborative. There was a lot of give and take. It felt like a good day on the film set," Saiyami reflects.
A Journey of Growth and Discovery
Saiyami's journey with Pal Bhar Ke Liye is a testament to her growth as an actor and a person. The film's impact on her life and career is profound, and her return to IFFM with it is a significant milestone. As she prepares for the public premiere, Saiyami embodies the spirit of a dedicated artist, ready to share her transformative journey with the world.
