‘I’M NOT MUCH OF A FRONTBENCHER’

After a spate of films that didn’t manage to strike a chord at the box office, Saif Ali Khan has been in an introspective mood. But having said that, the actor takes responsibility for the films’ failures and looks at the bright side of his choices.

While admitting that his films not working is a matter of concern, he is still happy with the kind of movies he has done. “It’s worrisome because these were the films that

I had thought I had done really well in. There is always a fear and I sometimes feel nobody wants to see my films anymore,” says a very candid Saif. “But I don’t know if it’s true and I don’t think that it’s just me that people don’t want to see. It’s dangerous to be egoistic, even if you’re victimising yourself,” adds the Chef (2017) actor.

Saif says that it’s the audience’s taste that dictates box-office success. “I feel like it’s to do with the kind of films I’ve been a part of. I don’t think I’m very [much of a] frontbencher by nature; I’m always attracted to slightly niche, darker films. But I want to strike a better balance. There are a few interesting things going on and there seems to be a lot of work, but I’d be lying if I said it isn’t worrying. I’m not unrealistic. But when there are 300 people on the sets counting on me, I can’t afford to have these poetic worries. I just need to wake up, go to the gym and do the best scene I have ever done every single day. There’s no wallowing in self-doubt and Hamlet-like questioning. It’s not that big a tragedy yet (laughs)”.

While last year’s releases — Rangoon, Chef, Kaalakandi — didn’t work, he is hopeful that his next films, the tentatively titled Hunter and Bazaar, will find their viewers. “When I read the script of Hunter, I thought it’s like a dream role after being in the industry for 25 years. Just to be offered this was quite stunning. I really think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime kind of role. I don’t think there will be another film like this in my career. There is something very poetic about the revenge drama. I am excited and a bit stressed because it’s not going to be a picnic. It’s a challenge,” says Saif.

His daughter Sara Ali Khan is set to make her debut with Kedarnath. But her film ran into choppy waters recently and Saif took charge of the situation. He is now relieved that things have worked out. He says, “I’ve been keeping track of it and, of course, it bothered me because I wanted things to go smoothly with her. But I’m very happy that she now has a good film with Karan Johar. I was quite involved with her getting on board with Karan but after that, I can afford again to take a backseat. I’m here if she needs me.”