Saiyami Kher was told to lose curly hair, change look

Saiyami Kher has said that managers and advisors repeatedly told her to change her appearance, including getting rid of her naturally curly hair, to fit Bollywood's expectations of a leading lady. In an interview with Hindustan Times, the actor recalled being advised on how to dress and look to build a long career, but she chose not to conform. "I was told you have to conform to a certain way that an actress is supposed to be," she said, adding that she did not want to become a "factory-made Barbie".

Kher said she stayed true to herself, speaking about politics and sports, and still found work in critically acclaimed projects such as Choked, A Thursday and Ghoomer. Her latest release, Pal Bhar Ke Liye, premiered at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne on August 16. She also has the film Haiwaan, directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, scheduled for release on September 11, 2026.