Saif Ali Khan’ Birthday: From ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ to ‘Sacred Games’, actor’s best performances

Saif Ali Khan, the son of veteran actress Sharmila Tagore and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was born on 16th August, 1970, in Delhi. Saif made his debut with the film ,Parampara, in the year 1993. But, he received recognition in 1994 with the comedy film ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’.

After struggling in the initial years of his career, he marked his place in the industry with his hard work and by picking the right movies. He proved his versatility with different kinds of roles on screen.

On his 51st birthday, lets take a glimpse on some of his best performances:

Unseen photo of Saif Ali Khan from Aarakshan

The life of a teacher in Bollywood – Saif Ali Khan in Aarakshan

Indian cinema has evolved. While filmmakers are making a difference in society with strong content, Bollywood stars also go to any extent to make their parts look convincing. While the actors have done many different characters, we take a look at some films when they have shown the life of a teacher and the responsibility it holds.

Crusade against quota: Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan portrayed the character of a professor in Aarakshan. The film revolved around the corruption in education system. The film highlighted what a student goes through because the quota system. Saif protested against the controversial policy of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions in the film.

Versatile Saif Ali Khan in different roles

Saif Ali Khan has done so many chocolate boy roles that we’ve lost count of it. Though watching him fall for Rani Mukherji’s pranks in Hum Tum and as a playboy in Cocktail excited us, it is the other roles that got our attention.

Such as these, to name a few:

Ishwar “Langda” Tyagi in Omkara

This film was actually a page turner in Saif’s career. With intense eyes, stained teeth and buzz haircut, Saif looked just like the natives of the area depicted in the movie. With his brilliant performance, he bagged the Filmfare’s Best Villain Award for this film.

“I am mighty excited about Phantom” : Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan is game for playing unconventional roles.

For years, filmmakers have seen him as an actor ideal for romantic capers but Saif Ali Khan is eying roles which are challenging and unconventional. Unlike many heroes who yearn to portray larger-than-life characters, Saif is enthusiastic about getting work in socially relevant films where he can infuse life into characters written keeping in mind small town men. He has been happy to portray an oppressed Dalit character in Prakash Jha’s Aarakshan and a scheming conman in Vishal Bharadwaj’s Omkara.

One meets the seasoned actor inside the green room at Kingdoms of Dream in Gurgaon. To break the ice one starts by complimenting him for his portrayal of an urbane happy-go-lucky character in Dil Chahta Hai, even though the film was released many summers ago. After a long thank you, the actor says, “Well, Dil Chahta Hai was a turning point but I think Yeh Dillagi would better fit that description. In fact, Yeh Dillagi was the turning point in Indian cinema. Having said this, I would like to mention here that Dil Chahta Hai changed the style of portraying hero in our films. My character was a confused chap, a young Bandraiite who people in Mumbai and other cities were able to identify with. Yes it was a happy-go-lucky type of character.”

Should Saif Ali Khan do another film with Deepika Padukone?

Deepika Padkone appears to be Saif Ali Khan’s lucky mascot. While the Saif-Kareena jodi has never been hot at the boxoffice, Deepika has always given hits with the Nawab. Their last super hit films were Cocktail (2012) and Race 2 (2013). Their first film Love Aaj Kal (2009) was a super hit, followed by Aarakshan (2011) which did reasonably well too. Saif has never had so many hits films with any actress except Deepika. It’s time for Saif do another film with Dippy. Maybe that’s when he will get his mojo back which has sadly been missing from his last couple of releases.

Saif Ali Khan is keen to prove his versatility

He might not be getting the desired results but Saif Ali Khan is keen to prove his versatility.

Cinema is a game of perception where actors spend years to build an image and then regret the shackles that come with it. Perhaps, Saif Ali Khan is going through the same phase. After playing second fiddle to Ajay Devgns and Akshay Kumars for the better part of 90s, he emerged as the symbol of urban cool with a series of romantic drama and comedy at the turn of new millennium. Suave and subtle, here again he started with multi-starrers but it was never in doubt that he would soon make this space entirely his own.