Back to the future

(L-R) Saif Ali Khan and Saiyami Kher on ‘Haiwaan’ set. Pic/Instagram

To Saiyami Kher, Haiwaan stands as a symbol of unexpected coincidences. In 2014, before foraying into Bollywood, the actor had featured in an eyewear brand campaign with Saif Ali Khan. Today, she has reunited with the actor for Priyadarshan's action thriller. "Reuniting with him after 12 years feels like life has come around in the most beautiful way," marvelled Kher.

The campaign is still fresh in her memory. Asserting that one's early collaborations are important in shaping their career, she said, "I cherish that memory. I had shot for one of my very first campaigns for an eyewear brand, and Saif sir was its ambassador. Even back then, he was so funny. I have greatly admired his work, and it felt surreal to share the screen with him in Priyan sir's film all these years later. It's incredible how he looks exactly the same. Saif has been warm and gracious. Working with him now, as an equal collaborator, has been comforting."

The brand campaign featuring the duo. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Nostalgia isn't the only reason Haiwaan, also starring Akshay Kumar, is an important project to Kher. She elaborated, "It's about how far you've come. Experiences like this make you look back and feel grateful for the opportunities, learning, and people who have been part of your journey, even in small ways."