To mark World Health Day, we spoke with the incredibly talented and fiercely driven Ghoomer actress Saiyami Kher—who’s reshaping the narrative for women in Indian cinema. Renowned for her powerful performances and athletic spirit, Saiyami made history in 2024 by becoming the first Indian female actor to complete a Half Ironman, a remarkable achievement that reflects her dedication, mental strength, and commitment to pushing boundaries.
In this exclusive interview with Moneycontrol.com, she opens up about her fitness journey, her preparation for another Half Ironman this July, and how staying active has influenced both her personal life and professional career.
Experts from the Interview:
Q: You’re the first Indian female actor to complete the Half Ironman in 2024. How did you prepare for such a monumental challenge?
A: I’ve always been invested in sports and fitness since I was a kid. The Ironman felt daunting mentally and physically, but it was something I always wanted to do. There’s never a good time to start, so I finally began training six months before the race. The key is consistency—showing up every day is the secret to success in endurance sports.
Q: What inspired you to pursue fitness and sports, and how did your early experiences shape your approach today?
A: Credit goes to my father. He’s always been sporty and adventurous. He got me into running and badminton, which I played professionally. I grew up training twice a day, and that became my lifestyle. When I moved to Bombay for college, I started running and eventually progressed to marathons and then the Ironman.
Q: You mentioned playing badminton—did you ever play at a competitive level like state or national?
A: Yes, I played open nationals and represented Maharashtra. I even played opposite Saina Nehwal once when I was under 16—she completely hammered me, and I realized then how good she was.
Q: Can you walk us through your fitness routine today? How do you balance it with acting?
A: Today I woke up at 5 a.m., ran 15 km, and did a strength session. I finish by 8:30 a.m. so I’m ready for the day. During shoots, I wake up as early as 3:30 a.m. to train. I believe time is never the issue—consistency is key, and even 20-30 minutes a day can be enough.
Q: You’re preparing for your second Ironman in July, right? What challenges are you anticipating this time?
A: Yes, this one is tougher—more hills, more elevation, and it’s hotter. I’m more nervous than excited. The training involves more hill work, and I’ve had to adapt because of the heat and humidity. Listening to your body is important.
Q: How do you mentally and physically prepare for such events? How do you handle recovery or injuries?
A: Endurance sports are more mental than physical. Once your mind decides, your body follows. Training gives discipline. For recovery, hydration and sleep are crucial. Thankfully, I haven’t had injuries so far and I hope that continues.
Q: As a prominent figure, how do you feel your fitness journey has inspired others, especially women in India?
A: It’s overwhelming. I did it for myself, but sharing it inspired so many people. Social media can be powerful if used positively. Many people have reached out saying they started running or signed up for events. Watching their progress feels amazing.
Q: Has your fitness journey helped in preparing for roles, like in Ghoomer with Abhishek Bachchan?
A: Definitely. It was a sports film and required a certain level of fitness. I was able to do it without injuries. Even in action films, fitness lets me do stunts without body doubles. But beyond physical, sports taught me discipline, resilience, and how to bounce back from losses—valuable lessons for acting too.
Q: Did you face any specific challenges while preparing for Ghoomer?
A: Every day was a challenge. I had to act left-handed and use only one arm. For six months, I trained using a prosthetic arm and did everything with my left hand. Also, we shot the climax in 40-degree heat. I was bruised, cut, and even had a broken toe—but I was having so much fun that it didn’t feel like a challenge.
Q: You debuted with Harshvardhan Kapoor in Bollywood —are you still in touch with him?
A: Not much. We bump into each other occasionally. I respect him for sticking to his choice of cinema. Your first co-star always holds a special place because of the memories attached to your first film.
Q: Tomorrow is World Health Day. Do you have any quotes or messages of inspiration for your fans?
A: I want to stress the importance of health and fitness for women—it’s not selfish; it’s necessary. After a certain age, many women get so busy caring for others that they neglect their own health. I want to create a movement promoting health and fitness for women. Just stay consistent and don’t neglect your health. You realize its importance only when you don’t have it.
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