Entertainment
Saiyami Kher Lauds Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's Professionalism on 'Haiwaan' Set
Actor Saiyami Kher has shared insights into her experience working alongside Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan in Priyadarshan's upcoming film 'Haiwaan', commending both stars for their professionalism and work ethic while recounting several memorable moments from the shoot.
Kher expressed admiration for how both actors have retained a relaxed demeanor despite their decades-long careers in Hindi cinema. In an interview with News18, she jokingly remarked on how youthful they remain, saying, "I don't know what magic potion Saif sir and Akshay sir take. They haven't aged at all." She added that both actors appear comfortable with their standing in the industry, a quality she believes is evident in their on-set behavior.
Kher also touched upon an old interview of Saif Ali Khan that recently went viral, in which he discusses poets Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Mirza Ghalib before seeming to second-guess his own answer. She revealed she has long enjoyed watching Saif's interviews, recalling how she and her school friends in Nashik used to watch them for entertainment. She noted that during filming, Akshay Kumar showed Saif the viral clip, asking, "Aey, Saif, did you see this?" Since Saif is not active on social media, he was unaware of the clip's popularity.
According to Kher, Saif Ali Khan's role in 'Haiwaan' could become a defining moment in his career. She described his character as an author-backed role and praised his dedication to the part, noting that despite his experience, he remained humble and often questioned the crew after takes, asking, "Are you sure? Was it really alright?" She pointed out that Saif has been a star for many years, with his film 'Dil Chahta Hai' having released 25 years ago.
Kher also highlighted Akshay Kumar's discipline on set, noting his punctuality and constant presence on set, rarely retreating to his vanity van except during lunch breaks. She mentioned that the cast even played ludo together on his iPad during downtime.
Comparing her experiences with various actors, Kher noted that insecurity is common in the competitive film industry, where professionals are often hustling for opportunities. She contrasted this with her experience working with Amitabh Bachchan, whom she described as someone who "waits" for others, attributing his success to this trait. She recounted a similar instance during the filming of an action scene with Akshay Kumar in 'Haiwaan', where he improvised a scene that caught her off guard. Although the shot was completed in a single take and director Priyadarshan was ready to move on, Akshay requested an additional take specifically for Kher's benefit, which she cited as evidence of his security and generosity as a co-star.
'Haiwaan' marks Saiyami Kher's first collaboration with both Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. Directed by Priyadarshan, the action-thriller is set to release in theaters on September 11, 2026. Kher was most recently seen in 'Jaat', which released in theaters on April 10, 2025.