Exclusive | Saiyami Kher on Haiwaan: 'It is Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan's reunion after 17 years, I was watching them in awe'

Saiyami Kher with Akshay and Saif

Actress Saiyami Kher is stepping into one of the biggest projects of her career with Haiwaan, directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar, Saif Ali Khan.

Haiwaan marks the reunion of Akshay and Saif after 17 years, a pairing fans have long awaited since their Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Tashan days.

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, Saiyami described stepping onto the set as “overwhelming in the most beautiful way.”

Saiyami said for her, these are the actors she watched growing up and now to now share screen space with them is like a full-circle moment. The film has a huge ensemble, and her role is being seen as a significant break.

Haiwaan promises high stakes: a thriller action vehicle that reunites Akshay and Saif after some 17 years. The two actors had last worked in Tashan.

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The shoot kicked off in Kochi and is expected be later shot in Ooty and Mumbai.

“It was both Akshay and Saif’s coming back after 17 years. I’m a fan first and then an actor, so I was very excited to watch them together because they have been acting for so many years. Many a times I catch myself watching them together because they’ve done so much for each other,” Saiyami told us during the conversation.

Saiyami said it felt surreal to share the same set with stars she had grown up watching.

“We were coming back from our shoot in Kochi and when we came out, it hit me that these are the big stars I’ve grown up watching. The public wants to see them together, and as a fan, so do I,” she admits.

But beyond the fan moment, Saiyami said her experience on set was filled with warmth and camaraderie.

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“They were very patient and very kind because they always make sure to take care of you and look after you. It has been a complete joy ride because it doesn’t feel like we’re shooting a film — it feels like we’re on a big picnic with Priyadarshan sir at the head of it,” she shared.

Describing the vibe on set, Saiyami said it was a very lively set full of 'constant laughter' and sports. “With Saif sir, it is constant laughter. He’s just constantly cracking you up, even if he doesn’t intend to. And with Akshay sir, he’s a volleyball guy, he’s always playing some sport. During waiting time, we’re just constantly playing something. It’s been such a joy ride working with both of them.”

Saiyami spoke with warmth about the captain of the ship - Priyadarshan and said that the energy was perfectly balanced by Priyan sir's (as she lovingly calls Priyadarshan) trademark precision and discipline.

“I feel he’s somebody you can learn so much from. Akshay sir told me, ‘Just watch him and you’ll learn.’ He edits his own films, he’s so sure of what he wants, and he doesn’t waste anyone’s time. Priyan sir shoots exactly what is needed — you’re done before you even know it,” Saiyami said.

“There’s so much learning from him about how to optimise time, because he knows exactly what and how he wants to shoot,” she added.

Haiwaan is touted as an action entertainer with Priyadarshan’s signature mix of pace, humour and emotion. While much about the plot is being kept under wraps, the film has already generated buzz for bringing together two major stars and a director known for his efficiency.