Saif Ali Khan: I’m in a zone now where I want to be more present in every moment

Saif Ali Khan has a refreshingly grounded take on fame, work and the life that comes with it. From staying present and valuing his work to being open to criticism, he speaks with the perspective of someone who has learnt to focus on what truly matters. He reflects on the privileges of stardom, staying grounded and the value of hearing different perspectives. With Haiwaan now in theatres, the full JBL Live Headphones presents Bombay Times Lounge episode featuring Saif is live. Here are some candid takeaways from our conversation with the actor.

You are playing a visually impaired man in Haiwaan. When an actor plays a character with a disability, there is often the danger of performing the disability rather than playing the person. How did you ensure the character was understated, normal?

Well, it’s a little tricky in that sense. He’s got these special abilities where he can do certain things, and he doesn’t come across as a handicapped person at all because of that. So, it had to be quite subtle, and it wasn’t very easy to find that balance. Also, I grew up watching a lot of Japanese samurai movies, and a lot of these films have blind swordsmen for some reason, who can hear so well that they can fight. So, I had already bought into that. When that happens, it makes it much easier for you to put it across what you need to with conviction.

Cinema, Family, Changing Times & More ft. Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan’s Haiwaan movie released

Haiwaan X Review: Internet Calls Saif Ali Khan ‘Impressive’, Says Akshay Kumar ‘Nailed’ Villain Role

Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan reunited after 18 years in Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan. The film released today and internet reactions have been pouring in. Fans are massively impressed with Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar’s solid performances. One of the most enticing factors of the film was Akshay Kumar as the villain, and it seems he has impressed the audience.

Internet Reactions

One user wrote, “#AkshayKumar transforms into a full-time #Haiwaan and surprises with his psychologically challenging character that has dark shades with mental elements attached to it. The opening scene and the climax are where he steals the show and makes you believe in the evil he portrayed on screen. The film has a classy framework – top-class cinematography – that deserves all the praise, along with a superb background score. The storyline has a #CapeFear touch and there is a lot of emotional boosting for #SaifAliKhan’s character, who has done decent work. The screenplay picks up a solid pace in the second half during those cat-and-mouse chase sequences. The ending feels fulfilling, with a surprise cameo that is a pleasant one!”

Saif Ali Khan Was Not Allowed to Watch Mohanlal’s ‘Oppam,’ Reveals ‘Haiwaan’ Director Priyadarshan

Priyadarshan’s “Haiwaan,” an adaptation of his 2016 Malayalam film “Oppam,” releases on September 11. The film has Saif Ali Khan as Shyam, a character Mohanlal played in “Oppam.” The filmmaker says it was important that Khan approach the role without being influenced by Mohanlal’s performance.

Priyadarshan ensured the “Sacred Games” actor did not watch the Malayalam film. He added that Khan brought his own body language, dialogue delivery and mannerisms to the character, making the performance distinct from Mohanlal’s. “Saif has no idea what Mohanlal has done. I did not allow it. Also, everyone has their own body language, dialogue delivery and movements. It cannot be imitated. When I work with Mohanlal, I tell him to move a certain way. I don’t follow the same with Saif. His dialogue delivery, body language and hand and head gestures are completely different,” Priyadarshan says.

Video: Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar on KBC

Not playing it safe: Saif Ali Khan

It’s been three decades of Saif Ali Khan — from the charming young star of the ’90s to one of Hindi cinema’s most instinctive and versatile actors. This year, the actor has much to celebrate — Dil Chahta Hai turns 25, Omkara completes 20, and Saif reunites with Akshay Kumar after more than two decades in Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan, which releases on September 11. At 56, there’s plenty to look back on — and Saif has plenty to say. Our guest on the JBL Live Headphones presents Bombay Times Lounge brings his trademark wit, candour and perspective to a conversation spanning films, fame, family and everything in between. Excerpts from the conversation.

Saif, you arrived as a star over three decades ago. At what point in your journey did you feel that you’re becoming the kind of actor that you want to be and that you belong here?

I think I’ve always felt very comfortable here and felt that these are my people. I had a very academic kind of exposure when I was young. My parents sent me to a brilliant school, and they had a very academic career in mind for me. But I felt a little bit strangled by the idea of sitting behind the desk for so long, even though now I love it and I love reading, and I’m trying to reconnect. But deep down, I also realised I belong to a world like this and feel at home here. I don’t know exactly when I started enjoying it so much. I used to hear international actors talk about things like craft, technique and form and I had no idea about it. So, I read a few books, and they spoke to me.

I understood what they were saying, and I tried to apply some of it. And some of it worked out quite well. This is such a remarkable profession; the learning is endless. Every now and then, you break a little door open and enter a room. And you’re like, wow, this is possible.