Saiyami Kher, the dynamic actress known for her power-packed performances, is once again setting the silver screen ablaze with her upcoming film “Agni.” Directed by Rahul Dholakia, the film also stars Pratik Gandhi and Divyenndu, but it’s Kher’s portrayal as a fire-fighter that’s expected to capture the audience’s imagination. With “Agni,” she continues her streak of choosing demanding roles that stretch her capabilities as an actor, stating that such parts exhaust her yet offer substantial rewards.
In “Agni,” Kher embodies the vigor and valor of a fire-fighter, a role that aligns with her penchant for playing strong characters. Speaking about the film, Kher shared her enthusiasm for bringing to life a part that shines a light on oft-neglected heroes. “Agni has been special. I have already portrayed a sportsperson, who, despite the loss of a hand, exudes grit and resilience. In a similar vein, this lady fire-fighter serves as a stirring reminder of the unsung heroes who walk among us,” she remarks. The film completed shooting in late 2022 and is poised for release, much to the anticipation of Kher’s fans.
Portraying the intense and dangerous life of fire-fighters on screen came with its own challenges, not least of which were the physical demands of the role. Kher performed all the stunts herself, foregoing the use of body doubles. According to the actress, stepping into the shoes of a fire-fighter was a physically and emotionally taxing endeavor. However, Kher is no stranger to demanding roles. She finds that immersing herself in such parts takes a lot out of her but equally gives back in terms of personal and professional growth.
Over her nine-year career span, Kher has worked with a number of accomplished filmmakers, from visionaries like Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Anurag Kashyap to storytellers such as Neeraj Pandey and Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari. This journey has not only led her to forge significant connections with these creators but has also offered her a versatile palette of characters to dive into. Kher aspires to vanish into her roles so skillfully that audiences are startled to recognize her from one film to the next. She remarks, “My goal has always been to lose myself within the character. It brings me great satisfaction when someone is amazed that the ‘Ghoomer girl’ is the same person from ‘Choked.’ It’s fulfilling when, as an actor, you’re not typecast as the same individual in every portrayal.”
Kher’s relentless pursuit of unique, challenging roles reflects her belief that strength is a pivotal component of every character she chooses. From her critically acclaimed role as a differently-abled cricketer in “Ghoomer” to her fiery presence in “Agni,” Kher’s filmography is a testament to her resilience and dedication as an actor. It’s this vigor and dedication to her craft that has garnered her critical acclaim and a strong fan base eagerly waiting for her latest on-screen ventures.
“Agni” is not just another notch in Kher’s acting repertoire, it’s a testament to her unyielding commitment to exploring and showcasing the unsung tales of bravery and determination. With every role demanding a piece of her soul, Kher continues to push her limits, proving that an actor’s journey is never just about the roles they play but about the stories they bring to life and the legacy they leave behind. As “Agni” prepares to ignite the hearts and minds of viewers, Kher’s performance is sure to set a benchmark for dedication to one’s art, a story of blood, sweat, and fire in and beyond the world of cinema.
