I would like to start afresh in the New Year, says Saif Ali Khan

The Nawab of Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan, is dressed in his favourite attire — a white, kurta-pyjama. He is in his office, seated on his favourite settee. The atmosphere is crackling with activity because the actor has a release lined up on January 12. And, a super-efficient, young team is brimming with energy and hanging on to his every word. Once, he has finished looking over details of the film campaign, the actor gives me his undivided attention. Over a cup of steaming hot Espresso, we speak about Kaalakaandi, Kareena Kapoor Khan and the future Prince of Pataudi, Taimur Ali Khan.

So Kaalakandi it is...

Yes, the film is in an interesting space. For a first-time director, Akshat Verma (the writer of Delhi Belly, who has penned and helmed Kaalakandi) clearly knows his mind. I have made a lot of movies with a lot of people. And I have enjoyed the experience of working with Akshat. There are good performances in this film from an ensemble cast that includes Sobhita Dhulipala, Kunaal Roy Kapur, Deepak Dobriyal, Vijay Raaz, Akshay Oberoi, and, of course, me. There are three different tracks but all mix together and become this nicely orchestrated story. I would like to give full credit to my director. And because I’m confident of 
Kaalakaandi, I requested Cinestaan to come forward and give it a good theatrical release.

Initially, there was trouble with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) right?

The producers — Cinestaan and Ashi Dua Sara — were very understanding. There was a time when after the Censor stress, we thought we should only release the movie digitally. I felt it wasn’t a bad idea because it would be financially rewarding for everyone. The film would stay uncut but having rethought that slightly, it was meant to be seen in theatres. Kaalakaandi is so special that it deserves a cinematic release and, luckily, the producers agreed. We also got fortunate when the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) gave us a U/A certificate with just one cut. That was encouraging, so we said, ‘Great, at least we don’t have to butcher the film.’ We had some anxious moments, but I would say nothing has been lost.

A couple of your recent movies have failed. But would you still say that you are in an interesting space as an actor?

I don’t want to shirk the obvious feeling that it hasn’t been a great last year. However, I would like to start afresh in the New Year. Box office notwithstanding, I have really tried to focus on being a better actor. For some really weird reason, I’m able to understand this craft better now than ever. And you can probably tell that I’m getting better at doing it now. I’ve delivered films in the past, some of which have worked well and some of which have failed. But the important thing at this point is that I’m actually enjoying acting.

A late discovery?

I wouldn’t say it is something I discovered late. All actors go through a certain pattern. Initially, it is all about being a star and a superstar. But, eventually, you start enjoying the process of acting. Like, I discovered, there is more depth to the little things that I had learnt earlier. Now, I’ve learnt to be more patient and calm as opposed to being a slightly hyper personality. Once you start doing that, people lean in and start watching you. These things have taken me a bit longer to understand. They haven’t come naturally. And quite obviously they could only come at this stage of my life and career. It had to be now.

Were you harsh on yourself when things didn’t work out? 

Yes. When your film doesn’t run, you get a bit critical. And I went through that. I would say to myself, ‘Oh God, maybe people do not want to watch films that I do.’ Believe me, that is the worst feeling for an actor. But then I thought I’m taking all this too personally. That is also a natural progression of thought. Sometimes when I was at my lowest, I even felt no one is interested in watching anything I do. But then again, I would tell myself — I do think I’m not that important that people have anything against me. Hits and flops are a part of the process. If I’m in the right film and make the right offering, then people will be there to see my movies.

You do admit that your choices in some cases haven’t been truly commercial or mainstream?

You’re right. A lot of what I get turned on by might not be the right offering and that is a curse as well as a blessing. I don’t have a very ‘massy’ brain and I cannot say wow, this is perfect, they are going to love this one in the front benches. Sometimes, yes, I do think it is a commercial film. I admit some of my ideas are niche. But then again, I’m scared to use the word ‘niche’. I do not think I’m niche. Maybe, I’m not comfortable doing what I would find silly. You have got to do it well and if you find something silly, you obviously will not do it well.  Some people can do that kind of comedy really effectively. Having said that, I’ve enjoyed the commercialism of films like Race and Hum Tum.

Weren’t you meant to do Judwaa 2 at one point? Did you watch Judwaa 2 and Golmaal Again?

I haven’t seen Judwaa 2 or Golmaal Again. Both were super-successful films. I know Rohit Shetty is like a modern Manmohan Desai. People tend to belittle the success of films like Golmaal Again but I think there is some depth. Judging by the box office, it obviously has an audience.

Coming back to my own choices, I keep asking myself — am I making the right kind of movies with people? I’ve worked with a lot of people who want to change cinema. And this can be slightly dangerous. Sometimes, we should give the audience what they want rather than try to change a mindset. And you know, the guys I work with do not even want to go Hollywood, they want to go European.

The way you are looking, it is evident you are feeling good. Correct?

I’m feeling good. I’m kind of feeling philosophical about life. The struggle is clear. I’m also not giving in too much, into a culinary-sensory pleasured life. I’ve been controlling my diet and exercising correctly. I go to bed on time and believe in staying physically sharp. It is great to have that challenge rather than let yourself go.  I’m also choosing the most interesting work that I can. I enjoy this space and age (being 47), quite honestly. I do not want to be anyone else and I don’t compare myself with anyone else. It is a journey and a kind of progression that I’ve been through. I do not want much. I want a creative job that is important to me. I’ve thought about it and if I want that, I also want a fair amount of time off. I do not want to spend it working. And I also don’t want to spend it in pursuit of something intangible.

It is true that your ex-partner Dinesh Vijan and you may get together again?

Dinesh has offered me a film. We met and talked. We have done some good work together in the past and I think we will do some good work going forward.

How does it feel to have a family, many of who are currently on a film set each day?

It’s really nice. Amma works even now. She has a lot of energy and wants to move around all the time. I’m more like my father. I’m happy to read a book on some afternoons. Bebo, Soha and Kunal (Kemmu) have their careers going. Now, we have Sara joining in.

One hears, Ibrahim, too, wants to be an actor?

Yes. Ibrahim, Aarav (Akshay Kumar’s son) and that group of youngsters want six packs and aspire to be Bollywood stars. I don’t know if anyone wants to be an actor. It is kind of disturbing because not everyone makes it. But then what the heck?  Talking of being a star, my wife points out that till a few years ago, even I didn’t want to be an actor, I wanted to be a star (laughs).

Taimur is a media darling...

Yes, I’m aware. He seems to like getting photographed. He is quite like his mother.