Cinema VinesAt the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Saiyami Kher appeared for the second time, this time to showcase her latest feature, Pal Bhar Ke Liye. The actress had previously graced the festival’s screens with Ghoomer, a film that, despite its lackluster box‑office returns, earned her critical praise and a dedicated audience.
In a candid interview with Hindustan Times, Kher opened up about the commercial fate of Ghoomer and the broader industry emphasis on ticket sales. She explained that while box‑office performance is a practical reality for producers, it should not be the sole yardstick for an actor’s credibility. “I feel Bollywood speaks a lot about box office and your next film actually depends on how much money your film has made, which is a bit unfortunate,” she said. “It’s not very merit‑driven but more of how much money your film makes.”
Despite the commercial setback, Kher highlighted the support she received from key filmmakers. She recalled director R. Balki’s insistence that she be the lead in Ghoomer, stating that he believed she was the most authentic fit for the script. “I have that sense of validation when big makers back me on certain projects,” she noted, adding that such backing can open doors to future opportunities.
Kher also reflected on the evolving distribution landscape, citing the success of 8 AM Metro. The film initially struggled to find a distributor but gained traction on YouTube, eventually attracting an OTT platform that acquired it. “I am satisfied with doing a film like 8 AM Metro that became big on YouTube, and then an OTT platform bought it,” she said. “That film no one was buying until it became a big YouTube hit. I feel the respect I have got from 8 AM Metro I have never got from any other film.”
Through her career, Kher has consistently chosen roles that challenge her, prioritising artistic growth over commercial guarantees. She believes that while financial success is important, it should not eclipse the artistic merit of a project. “I think OTT is helping reach a very big audience which originally wouldn’t be there,” she added, underscoring her view that new platforms can elevate a film’s reach and, consequently, an actor’s standing in the industry.
