Saiyami Kher is heading back to the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), and this time she brings her upcoming film ‘Pal Bhar Ke Liye’ . The movie, directed by Vikram Phadnis in his Hindi directorial debut, will have its world premiere at the festival on August 16. Kher, who previously attended IFFM with her 2023 film Ghoomer, says returning to Melbourne with a new project feels special and less stressful than before.
The actress opened up about her experience in an interview, sharing how the film challenged her as an actor and moved her on a personal level. She also spoke about working with co-stars Tahir Raj Bhasin and Vineet Kumar Singh, praising their collaborative spirit on set.
What ‘Pal Bhar Ke Liye’ Is About
Saiyami Kher plays an ambitious fashion photographer who is at the top of her game. She is doing well in her career and personal life until something happens that turns everything upside down. The film explores how she then realizes the importance of relationships and family.
“The film is about this very ambitious fashion photographer, whom I am playing. She is the best in the business and is doing well in her life until something happens and her whole life turns upside down, and she realises the importance of relationships and family. That’s why the title, in a split second, life changes.”
Director Vikram Phadnis shared that the story is inspired by his mother’s last four years of life. He wrote the film for his mother while she was alive, though he clarified it is not her autobiography but rather drawn from that period. The film also touches on mental health, which Phadnis called a “global issue right now”.
“Anything can happen in a moment, that’s why it is called Pal Bhar Ke Liye.”
Saiyami Kher’s Return to IFFM
For Saiyami Kher, going back to IFFM brings back fond memories. Her sports drama Ghoomer was the opening film at the festival in 2023. That experience was exciting but rushed because the film released in India just three days later.
This time, things are different. Kher said the team is more relaxed and plans to enjoy the festival properly by watching other films and attending events.
“IFFM has always held a very special place in my heart. My memories of bringing Ghoomer to Melbourne are incredibly close to me, and to now return with ‘Pal Bhar Ke Liye’ for its World Premiere feels truly surreal.”
She also shared that she is looking forward to seeing the film screened for the public. She admitted feeling nervous but excited about the first public showing.
How the Film Challenged Saiyami Kher as an Actor
After the intense experience of working on Ghoomer, Saiyami Kher was looking for a role that would push her in a different way. She found that in ‘Pal Bhar Ke Liye’ .
“For me, I was so invested in Ghoomer, and it was very difficult for a film to top that role emotionally and physically. But I think Pal Bhar Ke Liye really moved me. I was very overwhelmed with the narration itself. The film is very emotional, and it made me slow down and think about my life personally and how things can change so quickly and how we take things for granted.”
She described her character as layered and challenging. The script and the role, she said, were the “hero” of the film. The movie made her emotional as a person and pushed her limits as a performer.
Working with Director Vikram Phadnis
Saiyami Kher had high praise for director Vikram Phadnis, who has worked as a fashion designer for 35 years and designed costumes for many iconic films. She said his years of experience in the industry showed on set.
“I have been very fortunate to have worked with very well-known directors, but with Vikram, I think he has had so much experience in the industry. It didn’t feel like it was his debut film at all. It was actually the most well-planned film I have been on.”
She added that the film set was organized and systematic, which is rare in the film industry. Schedules were followed, and everything was well-planned. At the same time, Phadnis was open to collaboration and feedback.
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Saiyami Kher on Co-Stars Tahir Raj Bhasin and Vineet Kumar Singh
Saiyami Kher also spoke warmly about her co-stars. She said she has been a fan of both Tahir Raj Bhasin and Vineet Kumar Singh for a long time.
About Tahir, she shared that they were supposed to work together on a show earlier, but his dates did not work out. However, they got along well during workshops for that project.
“He is a very understated, quiet person, but he’s got this mad sense of humour, and he is somebody who is very quiet, but once he opens up, he’ll be a friend for a very longtime.”
On Vineet Kumar Singh, she said they have been friends for a long time and both worked with Anurag Kashyap.
“Vineet and I have been friends for really long; we both worked for Anurag, sir. He does so much in his improvisation, and there’s so much to learn from him as an actor. He writes so well, and he has so much to offer.”
She appreciated that there was no competition on set. Everyone worked together to make each scene better.
“The best thing was it was never about a battle with them. There was never ‘yeh mera scene hai’. We worked together to make the scene better. So it was always collaborative, and that’s the most exciting thing on the film set.”
Director Vikram Phadnis on the Film’s World Premiere
Vikram Phadnis expressed his excitement about the film’s selection for IFFM. He called it a validation of his work and an emotional moment.
“I think every filmmaker wants a global platform. He wants the film to have a higher reach. We are just fortunate that in the films that got selected in 2026 at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Pal Bhar Ke Liye was one of them. It’s a world premiere; it’s not the Australian premiere. It’s a validation, gratification. It’s a whole lot of emotions that come together to see that your film is worthy of that global platform.”
Phadnis gave up costume designing in 2007 after Salaam-e-Ishq to focus on storytelling. He made two Marathi films before stepping into Hindi cinema.
“My experience in Marathi cinema has given me a lot of knowledge on the dos and don’ts while I step into the Hindi medium.”
Film’s Cast and Festival Recognition
‘Pal Bhar Ke Liye’ features an ensemble cast including Saiyami Kher, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Ishwak Singh in important roles.
The film has also been selected for screening at the Melbourne International Film Festival, marking another achievement before its theatrical release.
Mitu Bhowmick Lange AM, Festival Director of IFFM, welcomed the film to the lineup.
“We are delighted to host the World Premiere of Vikram Phadnis’ upcoming film at IFFM 2026. The festival has always celebrated compelling stories and exceptional talent from Indian cinema, and this film is a wonderful addition to this year’s programme.”
The world premiere on August 16 will be the first time the film is shown to a public audience.
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