‘I’m happy with what I have achieved’
Saif Ali Khan is considered to be among those actors who opted to play offbeat characters and shed the “chocolate boy” image much before other mainstream actors did. But Saif says that it may be in his nature to choose roles that may be called “risky” for an A-list actor. “I guess there must have been something in my nature when I did Being Cyrus (2006) or Ek Haseena Thi (2014). I was willing to go out on a limb. Then, Adi (Aditya Chopra; film-maker) asked me to be his multiplex hero in those days, and I enjoyed those films too,” he says.
And judging by the trailer of his upcoming film, Kaalakaandi, it seems the actor is once again departing from the mould of the run-ofthe-mill characters. Drawing parallels between this film and his previous projects that strayed from established norms, the actor says the film-makers who worked on them shared an urge to entertain and change filmmaking in India. “Perhaps my previous films were wellintentioned, because some of these guys (the film-makers) want to change cinema. They make different movies, and in India, movies means entertainment. It’s a relief to work with a director like Akshat Verma, who is a little mad and charming. The writing [of the film] is very unpretentious and quite entertaining. I really liked the script and found it a slice-oflife tale of this city. We live in our ivory towers, but there is a lot going on here,” says the actor.
Saif says an actor should strike a balance between the kind of movies they choose. “It has to be entertaining and fun. I know everyone is saying that, but it has to be engaging in a watchable way. Even Being Cyrus is not some artsy movie; it’s a dark thriller, and Ek Haseena Thi [is similar] too.”
Does he think of box office success when decides to do such films? “I don’t think business-wise. If you think business-wise, then the only film to make would be Golmaal. You’ve got to know what you are doing. I am happy with what I have achieved, but I’d be happier if some of these films did well,” he says, laughing.
Ask Saif what has changed in him as a person over the years, and he says, “I’ve developed a certain amount of patience and calm, which has let me enjoy my time more. I used to have this terrible habit — I would fantasise about being home when I was in the gym, and vice versa. Now, I’ve started focusing on the task at hand. It stands for everything in life: you have to enjoy it.”
He adds that his newfound patience has helped him better enjoy the time he spends with his son, Taimur. “I am at a stage [in life] where I am thoroughly enjoying his presence, just looking at him in amazement and awe. I don’t have the luxury of doing it all day, though.”
I’ve developed a certain amount of patience and calm, which has let me enjoy my time more. Now, I’ve started focusing on the task at hand. SAIF ALI KHAN, ACTOR