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In an exclusive interview, actor Saiyami Kher discusses the pressures of maintaining a specific persona in the entertainment industry. She emphasizes her commitment to staying true to herself despite the industry’s expectations.
The Showbiz Persona
The current ecosystem of actors has seen a significant shift, with managers and PRs playing a more substantial role. Apart from their performance on screen, much effort is also put into creating a persona fit for the showbiz model. Saiyami Kher, however, calls this her ‘shortcoming.’
The Low Profile Dilemma
Saiyami mentions how keeping a low profile and not attending social gatherings could lead to less work in the industry. She says:
“People say that it’s my shortcoming, as you need to be out there when in showbiz. But that’s not the person I am, and I really cherish and value certain friendships I have, and my upbringing. I often feel out of place at social party setups. I am in the industry because I genuinely love being on a film set.”
Saiyami Kher’s Love For Film Sets
Saiyami cherishes her time on film sets such as ‘Ghoomer‘.
She added: “If I am not shooting, I would rather go and assist my friend Anurag Kashyap because being on sets gives me a lot of happiness. Everything else that surrounds you, to get your next show, next film… I have not been able to crack that yet. It’s because I am not the most social person. But I am content and happy with the work I am doing. I do strive to get better and more work but staying true to who I am. I would rather let my work talk.”
Saiyami Kher’s Struggle For More Work
Despite her love for the craft, Saiyami admits she struggles to get more work.
“It does happen where a persona is created. When I was 18-19 years old and had just signed up with an agency, I was told I cannot step out of the house without makeup. I must always be prim and proper and have someone around. On the other hand, I was someone who enjoyed running around Bandra in my shorts. I was not the quintessential-looking actor who has straight hair and with lip gloss all the time.”
The Culture Of Entourage
Saiyami talks about the culture of creating a ‘star’ personality by management. She recalls her experiences with an agency at a young age and the pressure always to appear ‘prim and proper.’
The Non-Conformist
Saiyami takes pride in not conforming to the norms. “Fortunately for me, I don’t look factory-made and I believe in not following the norms. I celebrate the flaws and uniqueness I have been born with, rather than doing the required. Of course, that may cause a hindrance to you doing a big film, which I would love to do. But that’s the drawback you have to face.”