Reel to real: actor Saiyami Kher’s love for sports takes her to the Ironman triathlon

In the last decade, actor Saiyami Kher has carved a niche for herself with her choice of roles in films and web series, including Choked, 8AM Metro, and Faadu. But her portrayal of sportspersons in Ghoomer and the recent Sharmajee ki Beti seems true to her nature. 

Kher admits, “Sport has been a part of me since childhood. I can’t imagine my life without playing a sport. It is an integral part of my personality.” 

Having been brought up in Nashik, around verdant hills and lakes, Kher was always outdoors–either swimming or engaging in mountain climbing. She has also played badminton professionally. 

“During my college years, I would play nine sports. Sport has helped shape me into the person I am today,” Kher tells YS Life. 

Now she’s all set to take her love for sports to the next level–by participating in the upcoming Ironman triathlon in Berlin, Germany. The triathlon is considered to be one of the world’s toughest athletic disciplines, combining three sports that are individually demanding—swimming, running and cycling. 

Kher is the only female Bollywood star to participate in this race, and this has her feeling both excited and nervous. Actor Milind Soman is the only other actor from India to have done this. 

“I have immense respect for him. For a half marathon, people can train for a month or so and end up doing it. But Ironman is gruelling. It requires relentless dedication and consistency. I hope I complete the race,” says Kher. 

A never-give-up attitude 

Kher’s participation in the Ironman race reflects her grit and determination. She was supposed to attempt it in 2020 but the pandemic struck and put her plans to rest. 

Back then, Kher was ready to take on the challenge after completing two full marathons and close to 20 half marathons. 

“I had trained by myself and was prepared, but that year Ironman was deferred. It was to happen in Westfriesland in the Netherlands, on a beautiful route with windmills around and a lake next to it,” she says. 

“It mentally takes a toll on you to prepare for such an endurance sport. It took me a long time to get back up mentally before signing up for the race again,” she adds. 

Last year, she wanted to give it another shot. However, during a bike-packing trip in the north of Italy, where she was shooting for a documentary, Kher met with an accident on her cycle. 

“I got stitches on my face, broke a rib, and hurt my legs. I was on bed rest for a month, and, for the next seven to eight months, something switched off, and I did zero exercise. In February this year, I said, ‘enough is enough’, and I signed up for Ironman. That’s when I began training.”

Testing physical and mental capabilities 

Since Kher began her training a few months ago, she has been consistent and diligent despite her demanding work schedule. 

“I have a coach in Pune who sends me plans every week. I try to keep short-term goals because that’s what works for me, else it seems daunting,” she explains. 

Kher has a 14-16 hour training plan through the week. 

Monday is marked for a recovery swim, while Tuesday is speedwork for her running; she tries to squeeze in some strength training too on the same day. 

On Wednesdays, she typically goes for a 90-minute bike ride followed by some core training. Thursdays are all about swimming and running, while Fridays are dedicated to a long swim–anywhere between two and two-and-a-half kilometres. 

On Saturdays, she does a long run. “I initially started with an 8-km run which has now gone up to 17-18 km. Sunday is a brick workout where I try to do all three disciplines,” she shares. 

Kher clarifies that her training has been gradual, helping her build endurance over time. However, it has been challenging to juggle work with training. 

“I have been working 9-10 hours a day and then there are additional hours of commuting. I train for almost two hours every day. Let’s be clear that social life takes a backseat when you’re preparing for Ironman. 

“You can’t be hanging out with friends and doing late nights. Your body won’t have enough time to recover,” she elaborates. 

Pursuing interests 

Films and sports are two things Kher loves the most. She believes that the film set is her happy space, though it’s not something that’s always in her control.

In her downtime, Kher enjoys listening to Hindustani classical music. She also travels at every opportunity she gets, whether it is solo, with her school friends, or with her parents. That’s not all—she also travels to various destinations to watch sports. 

“Whether it’s the Wimbledon, the Australian Open, or any cricket series, I love watching these sports. I also believe travel is an essential part of being an actor. One gets to explore different cultures and meet diverse people; so it’s a huge learning,” she says. 

Kher is someone who tries to pick up a new skill now and then. 

“I want to learn an instrument. I think there’s so much to do and so little time.”

Besides the Ironman triathlon, what else is keeping her busy these days? 

“I am currently shooting for a film. There’s also a film and a show that is slated to release this year. Next year, I want to go back to running a full marathon. It suddenly feels much easier than doing Ironman. 

“Every year, I like to put certain targets around my fitness. It gives me a sense of accomplishment,” she says.