Saiyami Kher: One has to be thick-skinned to survive in Bollywood

Two years after the release of her Bollywood debut opposite Harshvardhan Kapoor in Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra’s 'Mirzya', Saiyami Kher will now be seen alongside Riteish Deshmukh in his Marathi film, 'Mauli'. It’s rare for an actress to take a plunge into regional cinema so early on in career. However, Saiyami, who made her acting debut with the Telugu film 'Rey' (2015), has no such inhibitions. In a quick chat with BT, she talks about life post her grand debut in Bollywood, how regional cinema is opening up opportunities for actors and most of all, how surviving in the movie business is no mean feat for a newcomer.

You made your debut with a Telugu film and 'Mirzya' (2016) was your debut in Bollywood. Your next release is a Marathi film. One would have expected you to follow up with another Hindi project instead...

Riteish Deshmukh’s last Marathi film 'Lai Bhaari' opened up a new dimension for action and drama in Marathi cinema, and this again is an ambitious project for him. Besides, I always wanted to be a part of Marathi films as my grandmother (Usha Kiran) was a renowned name in the Marathi industry. It’s a matter of pride to go back to my roots. The best part about regional cinema is that it is more receptive and welcoming towards actresses from outside, as compared to Bollywood.

It has been two years since 'Mirzya' released. The second Hindi film you signed got pushed to November this year, and another film with Mani Ratnam, too, is delayed. At any point, were you frustrated at the pace at which your career was moving?

Nobody wants to put their money on someone whose film hasn’t worked. Those two years were really tough. It made me realise who my true friends were; failure is the best teacher. That’s when your family and genuine friends play an instrumental role in keeping you afloat. Also, my sports background helped me sail through the phase. Walking with my chin up despite failure has been ingrained since a young age. In our world, a loss makes you work harder. It’s difficult to survive and sustain in the film industry with several people vying for the same part. One has to be thick-skinned to survive here. Depression is normal when you face rejections. It has been a huge struggle. I was suddenly surrounded by new friends and relatives when my film ('Mirzya'), which was touted as one of the biggest Bollywood debuts, was announced. There were filmmakers who were keen on casting me. Before 'Mirzya', at auditions, several people were concerned about my looks. They would say, ‘You have a wide smile and big teeth. You should get a nose and lip job done’. I said ‘thank you’ to them, as I am happy with the way God has made me. After I bagged my first Bollywood film, suddenly, the same set of people thought that I am good-looking

Are you in touch with your 'Mirzya' co-star Harshvardhan Kapoor considering you guys have been good friends since your debut?

I am very much in touch with Harshvardhan. Your first co-star is always special. We don’t meet but are in touch over messages. He is concerned about me and checks with me on whether I have approached the people he has suggested. Harsh has been headstrong and clear about the cinema he wants to do. I am glad that he is not going down the conventional route, which is very brave of him. He is going through his share of struggles, too. He has a tough job of living up to his father’s name.

What are the kind of films that really interest you?

I would love to feature in a sport biopic. I feel I am fit for it as I am a sportsperson, too. Also, rarely do we see actresses getting cast in action films; I would love to do