I'm Obsessed with Sachin Tendulkar...

Saiyami Kher on her love for sports and sports heroes. Suman Sharma replays the sporting encounter.

- Suman Sharma

She’s been moulded in the crucible of perseverance. Sayami Kher’s much-anticipated debut with Harshvardhan Kapoor in Mirzya didn’t quite live up to expectations. But that hasn’t tampered with the sporting spirit of this young girl… someone who’s been an ace badminton and cricket player. She’s happy that her unexpected stint at the movies has opened so many new doors for her. Despite being the proverbial outsider, she’s managed to rub shoulders with the who’s who of the industry. The most influential memory has been that of her idol, Sachin Tendulkar, watching her film. Unfazed by the future, Saiyami is focussed on giving acting her best shot. Her unconventional and striking beauty could cut her a niche. And that’s what Saiyami believes in too. Like her idol Sachin, she believes in hitting the ball out of the stadium.

Mirzya didn’t do well at the box-office...

When I signed the film director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra told me, “I make films which I believe in.” Well, some films connect, some films don’t. The effort was to make something different. It was an unconventional movie, the narration was different. For me the biggest disappointment was that the music didn’t reach a bigger audience. People always say, “Kucch hatkar karo!” But when you experiment, it’s not accepted.

A setback early in your career makes you tougher...

A setback at any point of life makes you tougher.

What was the feedback you received?

I don’t take praise seriously. But people liked my performance. Even those who are usually critical of me also praised me like Shabana (Azmi) mausi, my sister Sanskruti. (Laughs) Usually, my sister rips me apart for everything I do.