Saiyami Kher's journey to the International Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) with her film Pal Bhar Ke Liye is a testament to her growth as an actor and a person. In an exclusive interview, Saiyami opens up about her return to the festival, the challenges of her role, and the collaborative spirit on set. With a focus on her experience working with director Vikram Phadnis, co-stars Tahir Raj Bhasin and Vineet Kumar Singh, this article delves into the making of Pal Bhar Ke Liye and the impact it had on Saiyami's career and personal life.
A Challenging Role and a New Perspective
Saiyami Kher's decision to take on the role of an ambitious fashion photographer in Pal Bhar Ke Liye was a bold one. The film, directed by debutant Vikram Phadnis, presented a unique challenge for the actor. "I was very overwhelmed with the narration itself," Saiyami 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." The role, she adds, was a layered one, requiring a deep emotional investment and a shift in perspective.
A Relaxed Return to IFFM
This time around, Saiyami's experience at IFFM was notably less stressful. Her previous appearance at the festival with Ghoomer was a blur of excitement and urgency, as the film was set to release in India just three days after the screening. "It was all a blur that time because we did the screening and flew out the same night," she recalls. This time, however, Saiyami is more relaxed, looking forward to the public premiere of Pal Bhar Ke Liye and the opportunity to immerse herself in the festival experience.
A Collaborative Spirit on Set
One of the most rewarding aspects of working on Pal Bhar Ke Liye, according to Saiyami, was the collaborative atmosphere on set. "The best thing was it was never about a battle with them," she says. "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."
Saiyami's praise for her co-stars, Tahir Raj Bhasin and Vineet Kumar Singh, is a testament to the positive working relationships she fostered. "I have been a big fan of Tahir and Vineet," she says. "Tahir and I really got along while doing workshops for that show. He is a very understated, quiet person, but he's got this mad sense of humour, and he is somebody who is very quiet, but once he opens up, he'll be a friend for a very longtime." On Vineet, Saiyami adds, "Vineet and I have been friends for really long; we both worked for Anurag, sir. He does so much in his improvisation, and there's so much to learn from him as an actor. He writes so well, and he has so much to offer."
A Well-Planned and Systematic Film
Saiyami's positive experience on set was also influenced by the director's approach. "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," she says. "It didn't feel like it was his debut film at all. It was actually the most well-planned film I have been on."
The director's attention to detail and systematic approach to filmmaking was a refreshing change for Saiyami. "In most of the films we do, schedules get haywire, edits take longer," she notes. "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."
A Film That Moves and Challenges
Pal Bhar Ke Liye, Saiyami believes, is a film that truly moves and challenges its audience. The emotional depth of the story, combined with the layered role she played, made a profound impact on the actor. "For me, I was so invested in Ghoomer, and it was very difficult for a film to top that role emotionally and physically," she says. "But I think Pal Bhar Ke Liye really moved me. I was very overwhelmed with the narration itself."
The film's exploration of the importance of relationships and family, and the way life can change in an instant, resonated with Saiyami on a personal level. "The film made me very emotional as a person," she says. "And as an actor, it is a very layered role; it was a very challenging role. The script and the role were the hero."
A Memorable Festival Experience
As Saiyami prepares for the public premiere of Pal Bhar Ke Liye at IFFM, she is filled with excitement and anticipation. The festival, she believes, provides a unique platform for filmmakers and actors to showcase their work and connect with audiences. "It's very exciting to go back," she says. "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 opportunity to share her film with the public and engage with fellow filmmakers and audiences is a significant part of Saiyami's experience at IFFM. "I'm very excited because this time the film is going to be shown to the public," she says. "It's always this nervous excitement when your film is shown publicly for the first time. It feels very special."
In conclusion, Saiyami Kher's journey with Pal Bhar Ke Liye to IFFM is a testament to her growth as an actor and a person. The film's emotional depth, the challenging role, and the collaborative spirit on set have all contributed to a memorable and transformative experience for Saiyami. As she prepares for the public premiere, she is filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to share her work with audiences and engage with the film community at IFFM.
