Actress Saiyami Kher shared that she frequently receives encouragement from industry peers to be more active on social media, advice she finds hard to embrace.
Kher, recognized for her roles in “Choked,” “Ghoomer,” and “Breathe: Into The Shadows,” mentioned the need to present a carefully crafted version of one’s real life online.
As she approaches the premiere of her film “Agni,” the actress, who boasts 1.1 million followers on Instagram and 130,000 on X, reflected on her experiences. She made her debut in Hindi cinema in 2016 with “Mirzya.”
“I’m not particularly fond of social media and often get criticized for it, with comments like, ‘You have to be more visible. You should wear specific outfits and post on social media.’ That’s the guidance I continuously receive, but I choose to follow my instincts,” Kher told PTI during an interview.
“My family endures significantly more sacrifices for my career than I do as an actress. There’s an expectation to maintain a facade of perfection and showcase a happy life because that’s what social media portrays,” she added.
She acknowledged the importance of being “thick-skinned” in the acting profession but noted that everyone faces challenging days.
“The sacrifices my family makes due to my moods and outbursts are substantial… It feels a bit unjust. You often take them for granted and respond sharply when you’re upset. When faced with a difficult day, they are your primary support system. Their sacrifices outweigh mine,” she reflected.
“Agni,” touted as India’s inaugural film centered on firefighters, explores the lives of a fireman (Pratik Gandhi) and a policeman (Divyenndu) as they navigate a series of mysterious fires in the city.
In the movie, directed by Rahul Dholakia (“Parzania,” “Raees”), Kher portrays Avni, an officer investigating a significant fire incident.
“What resonates with me about ‘Agni’ is the righteousness of the character. She’s someone who stands up and gets frustrated when she witnesses corruption or rule-breaking. As an investigative officer, it angers her that those around her are indifferent to following the rules. I believe cinema is a powerful influence and can affect people positively or negatively. I hope my work leaves a positive impact,” she expressed.
Kher further noted that an actor shouldn’t accept a role based on its potential success.
“If the film or role excites you, it’s all about trusting your instincts. For me, it always revolves around trying something different, and ‘Agni’ offered a unique perspective. When asked as a child, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ I never had a definite answer, but I would say I wanted to become a lawyer, an architect, or a doctor. Acting allows you to embody various lives and gain insights into the experiences of a firefighter. If a project excites you and offers learning opportunities, that’s what it means to me,” she concluded.
“Agni” will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting December 6.
