Speaking with Subhash K Jha, Saif Ali Khan delves into the life-threatening attack he suffered in 2025 and his feeling now, his thoughts on Cocktail, whether he would ever play his father in a film, plus what’s next!
You went through a horrific attack in January 2025. You have actually forgiven the man who attacked you and your family?
Yes, I feel bad for him. That was desperation … and I suppose we are ok … and he is in jail forever. Yes, it was very dangerous. But I understand it. He was a fool, not really a hardened criminal type. I could tell the difference … I think. But anyway…
The spiritual sequel to Cocktail has released to mixed reviews, please share some memories of your Cocktail in 2012, was it as much fun to make as it seemed?
Cocktail was fun… I don’t think the film was really accepted when it came out. It opened really well… I remember the producer, Dinesh Vijan, storming into my suite at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi, very excited about the numbers… But the numbers slowly declined… never went up!
So you enjoyed making it?
It was a fun film… but with a dodgy second-half and unconvincing ending. The funny thing is it’s being remembered as a classic!! This is nostalgia and a general lowering of standards these days, I feel. I said yes to it because it was a good setup and a fun film. I thought there was enough of a role to make it worth doing. I also thought I was producing it… but that was a mistake on my part. I wasn’t!
Would you like to play your father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi?
I could play Tiger, as I have a deep understanding of the vibe. But only an older version, because I’m older. When I did Parineeta, it had Tiger’s vibe in many places. I could have done a biopic on him then.
You are currently in London for your kids’ annual vacation. Karan Johar is also heading there, do you like running into the film fraternity when you are vacationing?
Of course, it’s always a pleasure to see colleagues and friends , especially away from the Maximum City ! Kjo and Kareena are like family, and our children are very good friends too! Kjo is one of the warmest and most caring people in the industry. A lovely man.
So fun times with friends while vacationing?
Well, I don’t end up seeing many of my colleagues on holiday. Or, for that matter, when not on holiday. I keep to myself and my immediate family quite a lot now, and some old school friends.
What next?
Next is Haiwaan. My lovely blind thriller with Priyadarshan. 4th September!
