Filmstar. Rock star. Same difference? “Nope. Compared to emoting in front of a camera or dancing at a stage show, creating music in front of 15,000 people is pretty terrifying and, at the same time, an exhilarating and humbling experience,” says Saif Ali Khan. The actor stepped on to the stage for his first ever performance as a guitarist last weekend with Parikrama in New Delhi.
Saif picked up his first guitar at the age of 12 and has been hooked ever since. “There is just something about the guitar. It can be both aggressive and mellow.” The busy schedules of both Saif and the band resulted in not too much practice before the event. “I wasn’t really worried because we jammed together for three hours on the morning of the show.”
For the performance Saif not only strummed his guitar, but also sang a couple of tracks. “I sang ‘Roadhouse Blues’ and a metal version of ‘Johnny Be Good’.” So, how does this National award- winner rate himself as a singer? There’s a pause, while he thinks. “If you ask the people who were there, I’m sure they’ll say that I was good. At least, I hope they do,” he laughs, adding, “But I don’t think I am a great singer.” And, guitarist? “I am good,” pat comes the reply.
The actor loved the experience so much that he’s looking forward to jamming with Parikrama again. “They are the only Indian rock band that I know and I’d love to play with them again. But this is definitely not going to be an alternative career for me.” A band that he would give an arm and a leg to perform with? “Deep Purple. Man, they rock!”
And so does the Chhote Nawab now.
Parikrama CHEERS Chhote Nawab
“It was amazing to see how passionate Saif was about the concert. He played really well, but one has to remember that Saif’s an actor and not a professional guitarist. We think he was very good while playing rhythm but he needs to practice playing the lead a bit more.”
—Subhir Mallik, manager and keyboardist
