Saif Ali Khan looked back on some of the most memorable films of his career during a recent conversation with IMDb, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, creative discussions and personal reflections on the characters that have defined his journey in Hindi cinema.
One of the most interesting moments came when Khan recalled how he landed the role of Langda Tyagi in Omkara. He revealed that the opportunity came through an unexpected coincidence involving his mother, veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj. According to Khan, his mother had suggested that he should consider doing Shakespearean roles, mentioning Othello as an example. Soon after, he received a call from Bhardwaj.
Recalling the conversation, Khan said the director told him he was planning to adapt Shakespeare’s Othello. Khan jokingly asked whether he would be playing Othello, but Bhardwaj had a different idea. The filmmaker reportedly told him that he was “too handsome” for the title role and instead cast him as Langda Tyagi, a character that went on to become one of the most acclaimed performances of Khan’s career.
Speaking about Love Aaj Kal, Khan described the 2009 romantic drama as an underrated film that deserved another look from audiences. He said the film did not receive the reviews he felt it deserved despite its emotional depth. Praising director Imtiaz Ali’s storytelling, Khan noted that the filmmaker often creates emotionally complex and imperfect characters, making them relatable to people navigating love and relationships.
He also shared an interesting anecdote about the film’s climax. Khan revealed that Ali originally wanted a bittersweet ending in which Jai and Meera would miss each other once again, with Meera already pregnant when Jai returned. However, Khan and producer Dinesh Vijan believed audiences would connect better with a happier conclusion. After several discussions, Ali eventually agreed to revise the ending.
Reflecting on Kal Ho Naa Ho, Khan said films of that kind may no longer be made. He explained that the early 2000s saw a wave of stories centred on the Indian diaspora, a trend that resonated strongly with audiences worldwide. He also praised Shah Rukh Khan, saying that working alongside him allowed him to witness an extraordinary level of stardom and energy. Khan added that Shah Rukh’s contribution had helped take Indian cinema to greater recognition on the global stage.
Talking about Tanhaji: The Unsung Hero, Khan said he approached his role as Udaybhan with the intention of enjoying the performance. He explained that while Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of Tanhaji was intentionally restrained, Udaybhan’s larger-than-life personality brought dramatic energy to the film. Khan felt that the antagonist had to carry much of the film’s theatrical intensity, making the character especially enjoyable to play.
Khan also reflected on Parineeta and credited producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra for encouraging him to pursue lead roles. He recalled Chopra repeatedly telling him to stop accepting supporting parts and instead wait for stronger opportunities as a leading actor. That advice eventually led to Parineeta, which became an important milestone in his career.
The conversation offered fans a rare glimpse into the creative decisions, collaborations and defining moments behind several of Saif Ali Khan’s most celebrated performances, highlighting the thought process that has shaped one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors.
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