Saif Ali Khan in Demand !!!

Saif Ali Khan is patching up with all those years he has lost. This is his second innings in Bollywood and the most fruitful one. He is ultra-busy with work doing film projects one after the other. He just wrapped up Prakash Jha’s ‘Aarakshan’ and is finishing shoot on his ambitious home production ‘Agent Vinod’.

Saif will also be seen in his another home production along with Deepika Padukone titled ‘Cocktail’. Further, he has also been offered two very lucrative offers. One being ‘Go Goa Goa’ that is touted to be India’s first ever zombie movie and director Raj Kumar Yadav’s ‘Ghanchakkar’.

It is also reported that post the debacle of ‘Jhoota Hi Sahi’, Abbas Tyrewala has come up with something really interesting and wants to cast Saif as the lead. Well, all we can say is that the nawab is back in demand.

Prosthetics for Saif Ali Khan in zom-com

Prosthetics is in vogue in Bollywood right now. Amitabh Bachchan used it to perfection in Paa (2009), Vidya Balan is likely to employ cosmetic effects in The Dirty Picture, and if all goes well, Saif Ali Khan will also join the prosthetics bandwagon in Go Goa Gone. For his upcoming zom-com (zombie ).

For the uninitiated, Shor In The City directors, Raj Nidimoru-Krishna DK, are set to direct Go Goa Gone for Saif’s Illuminati Films. Also starring Kunal Khemu, the film is apparently about a bunch of youngsters who are out to have fun but get attacked by zombies. “Saif plays a central character and he will be required to look like a zombie in some of the fun sequences. So, the makers have decided to use prosthetics on him,” says a source.

The makers aren’t willing to divulge details yet but don’t deny the use of prosthetics. “Yes, all our actors will surely look their part with the help of VFX, make-up and prosthetics. We aren’t going to stop short of anything to make a good film,” says Krishna. Interestingly, Go Goa Gone’s crew is going to be completely foreign with technicians including stylists, make-up men, action director, editor and cameraman.

“All the technicians come from different countries like Australia, USA, Canada and UK. It’s not a conscious decision to keep out Indian crew. But zom-com is a new genre in India. So an experienced crew will be a big help,” says Krishna DK. “Plus, we have known a lot of technicians (roped in for Go Goa Gone) for some time now. And others came in through references. And since we have the right film to rope them in, why not?” says the director, adding they have agreed to work on relationship basis and will be paid in accordance with what Indian experts are paid. Interestingly, a fresh face has been cast for the female lead.

“We can’t disclose her identity right now, but she is an US-based actor. All of us, including Saif, felt a new girl would fit the part perfectly,” says Krsihna, adding Soha Ali Khan isn’t a part of the film.

Failures to fame – Saif Ali Khan

Failures to fame, and from the slide down to tasting success, Saif Ali Khan has come a long way.

After being in Bollywood for a long period of time, he was able to give some solo hits in the form of ‘ Hum Tum’ and ‘ Parineeta’, a cool 12 years after the starson debuted on celluloid. More known as Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s son, Saif’s hits came only in the form of multi- starrers like ‘ Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ and ‘ Dil Chahta Hai’. Although he did win the Filmfare award for best male debut for his film ‘ Aashiq Awara’ ( 1993), the run after that was never so easy for the actor.

And Saif still hasn’t forgotten those days.

” Every time I watch my old movies I realise how hard I have worked to reach this position. With high waist jeans and a different haircut, I started a new trend in the industry. And with the emergence of cable networks and satellite rights around the same time, the trend spread like wildfire.

Watching them makes me feel that all the success that I am getting today is the result of the hard work of those days. Hindi films have now become a lot more cool and happening with recognition at many levels internationally,” says Saif.

This actor had to go through a string of flops just before some hope was sparked with Farhan Akhtar’s youthful movie ‘ Dil Chahta Hai’ in 2001. Speaking about his career graph in Bollywood, Saif says, ” I had started off in the industry on a very bad note. With ‘ Parampara’ and ‘ Aashiq Awara’ being moderately hit, ‘ Yeh Dillagi’ brought in some relief. With gripping music and an amazing love story, it turned out to be my first hit film. Immediately after that came ‘ Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ which was another good film. After this started the worst phase of my life with 17 flop films in a row! And then ‘ Dil Chahta Hai’ happened which changed the trend of Hindi cinema completely.

Farhan Akhtar came up with an amazing urban character which was much different compared to the ‘ desi’ version of a hero like Amitabh Bachchan.” And after playing this youthful act Saif Ali Khan was all set to experiment with roles and characters. Saif was open to playing characters even having a negative side… anything that was different appealed to this actor. With films like ‘ Being Cyrus’ and ‘ Omkara’ coming his way, Saif was appreciated for his acting. ” I believe that initially I didn’t have faith in myself. This is wrong and shouldn’t happen because your director has complete faith in you. Whether it is ‘ Langda Tyagi’ of ‘ Omkara’ or even the character of the 10th standard school teacher that I play in ‘ Aarakshan’, I must have complete faith. Similarly I played a Sikh lover boy in ‘ Love Aaj Kal’ while I had never imagined I would play a Sikh character,” says Saif. And once Saifu turned a producer with ‘ Love Aaj Kal’ and the forthcoming ‘ Agent Vinod’, there has been no looking back for him.

Perhaps so much hard work and long innings in the industry seems to have taken its toll on the star’s health. No wonder then he was admitted to hospital some time back. But Saif is singing a different tune.

” According to my doctor, my lungs are like those of a non- smoker athlete. In order to stay fit and healthy I have quit smoking two years back.

Also I have been doing yoga and following a proper diet because of which I have control over my health. Also I have reduced eating red meat so as to keep my body healthy,” he says.

This single father of two seems to have managed his professional and personal life well. Having experienced all the pressure Saif says, ” I have no complaints from my present situation. I make every effort so my children receive all the love and attention from me. I believe being a father one needs to create a strong connection with kids. I like talking for long and having fun with Sara and Ibrahim.” As his face lights up talking about his kids, we don’t interrupt. ” The birth of Sara and Ibrahim was the ultimate moment of happiness for me. Happiness comes out naturally the moment one takes their small child in their lap.

And the best part is that when they grow up, your values reflect in their behaviour. I believe, creating a strong bond with our children is extremely important,” he says without holding back.

Saif Ali Khan talks about his experience of working with Prakash Jha and what he feels about Politics

Saif, you are known for your Western style and charm and royal heritage. You have played a rustic character in Omkara and a Sardar in Love Aaj Kal. Here you play a Dalit. So how did you prepare for the character?

Saif: It was difficult for me but the interesting thing about acting is that you can do different things. This is a role where more than acting, I had to feel the part from inside. I had to have a certain expression in my eyes and have a different type of body language. Prakashji and I sat and discussed the character. He told me that my character is Buddha or Zen-like in the sense that he is very calm. He is not edgy or nervous. The details were in the script. The hairstyle, the clothes, and the location helped me to become the character. The idea was to learn how to feel the part. I hope I have succeeded in doing that because this has been my most challenging character so far. It didn’t come naturally to me at all. I couldn’t even act it. I had to internalize it. I asked lots of questions to Prakashji. I am from the traditional school of thought where I am quiet on the sets and ask questions when I am off the sets. I thought of becoming like Karan from the Mahabharata.

How did working with Prakash Jha enhance your Hindi vocabulary?

Saif: We have learnt so many words from him that we can compile a dictionary. The word that comes to my mind is gadha because that is what he calls people on the sets who are making mistakes. There are many more words.

Saif, what do you have to say about working with Prakash Jha?

Saif: I want to say that India is a difficult and diverse country but the industry makes films that are very Western in their perceptions. That is the case with the films that I make. We look towards the West in the clothes we wear, the subjects we choose, the attitude, the manners, etc. Even Agent Vinod and Love Aaj Kal are Western in their presentation and treatment.

I think it is really nice that we have a director in Prakashji who takes subjects that are relevant to India and Indian situations and makes films that are set in Bihar, Bhopal, and other rustic regions. His characters are Indian and they reach out to the masses and the classes. The common man can identify with his characters. I am glad that I got an opportunity to do with this film.

Saif, what is your view on politics?

Saif : I CANNOT BEAR POLITICS! I simply can’t take it or read about political parties. A few years ago, I used to read more about it but now I am a little aware because I obviously read the papers. I just find the governing of groups of people, the kind of politics this country has and how difficult it is to keep everybody happy very exhausting. I think I am in the right profession where things keep changing every now and then. You get immersed in one world and then you go to another one. There is no politics where I work, thankfully.

Saif, how did this movie change your perception on reservation?

Saif : Before the movie, I was against reservations I felt that things should be done on a level of merit. For instance, I didn’t want to be operated upon by a doctor who got the position because of some quota. That was my thought process a while ago. After the movie, I learnt that a lot of people in India are very underprivileged and they have no chance in life. It is not like you can get a job or become a doctor by passing an exam. There is corruption on both sides. I think even if 10-20% of the population manages to get an education, then the future of the country can e brightened by some extreme measures. This is not a country you can govern normally. We have very unique situations. Things that happen in India do not happen anywhere else in the world. After doing this film, I have altered my stance on reservation to a certain extent. I know reservation should exist but the extent or percentage is debatable

Saif, you and Deepika have acted previously in Love Aaj Kal. So how has your equation changed and what do you have to say about your chemistry together.

Saif: I think chemistry lies in the script and it is not up to people. It has nothing to do with personal equations, relationships, or friendships. In my experience I have had great chemistry with people I didn’t know personally. Aarakshan and Love Aaj Kal are completely different movies and the challenge was very interesting. Somehow, Deepika and I are doing three movies this year. We have this one, the Race 2 and Cocktail (our production). We have to look distinct and act differently in each of them. As far as Aarakshan is concerned, it is a very different world and with Prakashji’s direction, it will not look like anything else. The opportunity of playing an Indian part was lovely.

Saif Ali Khan gets picture perfect

Actor Saif Ali Khan, who made his debut at the ongoing Cannes International Film Festival, wore a dinner jacket designed by Tom Ford for his red carpet appearance.

A good combination of elegance and style, we must say that the actor represents class and panache effortlessly.

Speaking from the French Riviera, Khan says, “I was at the festival to represent a brand but I felt like I am representing the Indian film industry too. And I feel proud to do so. Yesterday, I hosted a party and truly enjoyed meeting some interesting people from global cinema and understanding their approach towards film making.”

Khan says that what struck him the most was the difference in the taste for cinema between the two cultures.

“It’s amazing how different their taste and palette towards cinema is compared to ours! For me, the ideal reason for coming back to Cannes would be to showcase a movie. I hope I come back representing a film we produce in the near future. For now it’s been a great experience to be here at the French Riviera,” he signs off.

I don’t take red carpet fashion seriously: Saif Ali Khan

Saif This year is particularly important for all of us because Bollywood will be present in full force at Cannes and I must say that I am proud to be a part of the fraternity that has now evolved as one of the strongest industries in the world. People from Bollywood (like Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan) who are walking the red carpet have made a great mark at the international level.

In my opinion, the ideal reason for going to Cannes would be to showcase a movie, but you can rent space also. The best way to be here is to have a film competing in the festival. According to me these international film festivals are about different members and stars from various countries getting together. I am told that only one Indian film by a Bangladeshi filmmaker, is in the competitive category and that Mr Rakeysh OmPrakash Mehra’s documentary will be in the sponsored showcase. I have been asked whether I find this as a contrast where five Indian celebrities will be walking the red carpet. I feel that, generally speaking, we make different kinds of films, there are commercial movies and there are also a lot of filmmakers who make arty movies and they should be competing here.

Coming back to the red carpet, I know that there’s a lot of excitement. I will be there as a brand ambassador for Chivas Regal and I must say that I am ecstatic to walk the red carpet for them. I know that red carpet looks of stars are discussed by fashion critics around the world, but if you ask me how I am styling myself for my maiden appearance at Cannes, then I must point out that I don’t take the red carpet fashion seriously at all. On one hand, it’s an honour to be there and I’m very respectful of the event, I’m also clear these are part of my duties as a brand ambassador. Nevertheless, I have decided to wear a Tom Ford dinner jacket when I walk down the carpet. As a part of my duties of being brand ambassador, I would be hosting a couple of parties with them for various guests and stars there. My mother has been on the Cannes jury once and when I told her that I am going there, she asked me to have fun and enjoy myself. Kareena, however, won’t be there with me as she is shooting in Mumbai.
I have also been asked time and again whether this is an opportunity to build inroads in Hollywood and who is that one actor or filmmaker I would like to meet at the festival… To which my answer is: I really don’t know and no, there isn’t anybody in particular I can imagine.

Achkan suit ideal for Saif Ali Khan at Cannes

Saif ali khan will be seen wearing a dinner jacket by celebrated American (ex-Gucci designer) Tom Ford instead of Indian wear for the Cannes red carpet as he feels he needs to maintain the dress code.

We thus asked ace designer Shahid Amir who has been designing for Saif for quite some time now to suggest what would have been ideal for Saif for the Cannes red carpet.
Shahid is in Cannes himself all set to launch his own collection at two fashion shows on the same day, May 13th, 2011. He is the only Indian designer who has been invited until date to showcase his collection at the Cannes 2011.
“Saif Ali Khan is very stylish. He is a trend setter of sorts and carries Indian clothes impeccably well. I’d love to see Saif wear an Achkan (bandhgala) embellished with buttons on its sleeves. He looks like a true nawab in it.”
With even Ash, Freida, Sonam opting for gowns at the event, would have been nice to see Saif flaunting the Indian style on the Cannes red carpet but since he has opted for Tom Ford, how can he ever go wrong!
For those who are wondering what Achkan suit is, we’ve often seen Saif (at events and weddings), Imran Khan (in his engagement), Anil Kapoor (on ramp), Fardeen Khan wear it several times.