In this exclusive interview, Subhash K Jha talks with Saif Ali Khan about turning 55 on August 16th, his favorite role so far, a hint at what’s coming next and so much more!
Saif, where would you be on your birthday?
At a friends house for a small dinner with six of us. We will cook and drink the best wine we can get hold of, but only a glass or two as I’m already training for the film that will start very soon.
55 and raring to go, would that be the accurate signature son for your birthday?
55 seems like a great age. Feeling strong and capable with some experience too, and there is this feeling that I’ve worked my way into a good space personally and financially so I can almost stop worrying as much as I do about the usual things and kind of relax that things will be ok… until they are not of course .
Is there anything you haven’t done so far and would like to do?
I’d like to play guitar better and do more gigs … will work on that. It’s amazing fun and there are so many people who will help with music and a band, etc . Also, I’d like to do some good parts in films … very blessed to have a creative job I love so much and to be offered nice lead roles .
What else?
I’d also like to travel more … nature and health type holidays mixed with food and wine with good friends . The key is balance! Focus on health a bit more ,but not too much !
Are you happy to see your two elder children go into the same profession as yours?
Kids always have my support. I would love them to have stable jobs and a good college education. But the lure of the big screen is strong! And it’s a great job: acting. But it can get rough and tough and I’d like to spare them that… But still…
Do you regret not following your father into cricket?
Not really.It’s a great game and it’s our family sport still. I love all things about proper cricket . But I love acting . At least I can still do it at 55! And get better at it. Which sport is like that ??
True that. Which among your films are your favourite?
Hum Tum was an early rom-com for India … maybe the first rom com? So a game changer in that way … a very different non dramatic formula story . Omkara was a game changer, a mainstream hero becoming a negative character. Dil Chahta Hai also a game changer Ek Haseena Thi. Sacred Games. Race also. I have tried to be versatile and play different parts… beyond that I haven’t thought about it !
What should we expect from you next?
Priyadarshan’s thriller with Akshay … will be fun. Some more good work I hope !God willing, more of the same ! Very happy with how things are .
Beautiful family, huge wealth, successful career, such a charmed life, what’s the downside?
Family is beautiful… and it is a charmed life… But I’m not hugely wealthy… all this is relative. It’s taken me a life to build all this by myself and I’m very proud of it . Of course, there have been unfortunate patches and it’s not all a bed of roses … but mostly it is!!! The good thing is, knives don’t work on me, ha ha.
Who among your children are your favourite?
I’m blessed my kids all love me Sara, Ibrahim , Tim, and Jeh. My sisters and Mum love me . I have some really good friends all the way back from school… and my wife (Kareena Kapoor) is the most amazing woman I know . I am blessed there is no doubt .
Looking back, are you content with what you have achieved so far?
The main thing was to have a steady job and not ask my parents for money . I have managed that and more… the rest is all a bonus !
