Saif Ali Khan to dedicate ‘Agent Vinod’ to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi

If final cut matches expectations, actor-producer Saif Ali Khan says he will dedicate Agent Vinod to late father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi

Agent Vinod will be Saif Ali Khan’s first release since his father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi passed away on September 22, 2011. And the actor says he would like to dedicate his spy thriller, Agent Vinod, to him. “I’m considering it. I’ve spoken to Sriram (director Sriram Raghavan) who said, `Yeah sure.’ I probably will, I’m just waiting to see the final cut. It has to be worthy of him,“ Saif says with a smile.

The star-producer admits his father never watched Hindi movies and never discussed work with him, believing that’s why he has a life away from films when he’s not shooting. “He only saw Omkara (2006), but didn’t understand much because of the dialect. I think my mother (Sharmila Tagore) made him watch Parineeta (2005). But I remember sitting with him through Clint Eastwood movies like Dirty Harry (1971),“ Saif recalls.

Agent Vinod is being hyped as a `desi’ Bond movie, but Saif insists that his secret service agent is not copying 007. “That wouldn’t be a clever idea,“ he quips, adding, “He’s an original, and is sent out on a mission, using his training, strengths and personality to get out of trouble, eventually saving the day.“

Saif points out a crucial difference, saying, “He doesn’t even have a line like, `The name’s Bond, James Bond.’ Our writers were clear that Agent Vinod didn’t need gadgets or glib one-liners.“

Rumours have it that Saif had a fallout with his producer partner, Dinesh Vijan. Quiz him on this and he laughs, “There’s a gossipy lot out there.
Cinematically, we’re on the same page. You could put us in different rooms and we’d perhaps react in a similar manner, which is reassuring.“ He admits they argue often, but over small issues: “Nothing major or monumental.“

Speculation is also rife that the movie has gone grossly over-budget. But Saif says it’s not worrying.
“Yes, we jumped into production six months before we should have. We could have saved a little money if we were more organised.

But we only shot for 110 days and it’s a wrap!“ On a lighter note, he adds, “Dinesh is the one with the MBA degree, so now it’s up to him to ensure that we make a little money on this movie.“

Unseen Photo Of Late Tiger Pataudi with son Saif Ali Khan at a Polo Match

Saif Ali Khan at Cricketing seminar

It was an evening of discussions as cricketing legends like Kapil Dev, Ian Chappell and Mike Brearley arrived for the latest edition of the Raj Singh Dungarpur summit. Saif Ali Khan and mom Sharmila Tagore marked their presence on behalf of the late Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. Chappell delivered a welcome address and turned it into a tribute to Pataudi. Mike Brearley delivered the main lecture while Sanjay Manjrekar and Ajay Jadeja participated in the panel discussion. Kapil on his part announced the formation of a Raj Singh Dungarpur
foundation.

This Polo Tournament means a lot to me: Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan takes the reins of carrying forward his royal legacy at the Bhopal Pataudi Polo Tournament held in Delhi, that was very close to his father’s heart

What everyone missed in the form of the late Tiger Pataudi, they found in the presence of the whole Pataudi family. On Sunday afternoon, at the first Bhopal Pataudi Polo Tournament held post Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s demise this September, the entire Pataudi clan, including Sharmila Tagore, Saif Ali Khan and soon-to-be begum Kareena Kapoor, and sisters Soha and Saba Ali Khan, made it a point to attend the tournament’s finals.

While the family was especially emotional, it was chhote nawab Saif who explained the reason behind the entire family’s attendance. “This (the tournament) means a lot to me. Especially this year; it’s a memorial for my father. Horses and polo are very closely associated with Pataudi and Bhopal. The next time, I’ll make this event much bigger; I’ll get in more sponsors. But again, this year, it’s purely in memory of my father,” he told us.

All the while, Kareena seemed much like a part of the family, making conversation with a number of guests and enjoying the match sitting among the Pataudis. She also threw in the ball at the beginning of the finals and gave away prizes to the winners along with Sharmila, Soha, Saba and Saif.

Soha expressed a sentiment similar to that of Saif’s, and said, “Polo is a sport that my father and grandfather were extremely passionate about. I’m so happy that my brother is taking it upon himself and pushing it forward.” After this, the actress paused for a while, and said, “We miss him today.”

It was the first time in 16 years that Tiger wasn’t present for the this tournament. “Most of his photos that were printed in papers across the country and abroad after his demise were clicked right here, on this polo ground (Jaipur Polo Ground), and today, he’s not with us,” said the commentator, followed by, “We miss you Tiger.” Then everyone present there observed a moment of silence as a mark of respect for the late Nawab.

Being a Nawab is a huge responsibility – Saif Ali Khan

Actor Saif Ali Khan, who has been annointed the 10th Nawab of Pataudi, says he’s honoured and hopes to carry his late father Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi’s legacy forward in a responsible manner.
“I’m overwhelmed with the kindness and simplicity the village heads have shown me and my family and the respect to my late father. This is a huge responsibility for me to take my father’s legacy forward in whatever way I can,” Saif said in a statement.
“This is a deeply personal part of my life. Princely titles no longer exist, but family values and tradition do…I shall be conscious of this always and do the best I can for Pataudi,” he added.
Saif was Monday anointed the 10th Nawab of Pataudi at a ceremony at the family’s Ibrahim Palace in Pataudi. Heads of various villages of the area tied a white turban (pagri) around his head to annoint him the new nawab. His mother Sharmila Tagore and sisters Saba Ali Khan and Soha Ali Khan were also present.
The 41-year-old’s father, popularly known as Tiger Pataudi, passed away Sep 22 in New Delhi’s Sir Gangaram Hospital after battling a severe lung infection.

Work is salvation for Saif Ali Khan

Just a few days after the passing away of ‘Tiger’ Pataudi, his beta Saif Ali Khan is back on the set of a film. Like girlfriend Kareena Kapoor says, “There’s nothing like work to help you cope with stress.

It just diverts your mind for those few hours and then, you can deal with it better. It takes you longer to get over whatever pain you are feeling if you are just sitting at home and moping around. I think the best thing to do no matter what tragedy you are facing in life, is to show up at work.” We endorse that too.

Photos Of Saif Ali Khan at Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi’s Funeral

Former Indian Cricket Captain Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi Passes Away

Mansur Ali Khan, formerly known as the Nawab of Pataudi, died due to respiratory ailments here on Thursday. The former cricketer who led India to many wins, was 70.

Pataudi Jr, as Mansur was also known, played 46 Tests for India between 1961 and 1975. His first-class career spanned over almost two decades and he made a prolific impact on Indian cricket with not just his forceful batting and medium-pace bowling but through his sheer determination to excel. He was appointed India captain at an early age of 21 and is regarded widely as the man who uplifted the team from being resigned to defeats to a spirit to fight for a win.

Pataudi led the Indian team to its first overseas victory when New Zealand surrendered to his side in the 1967 series. The win and the subsequent victories were not just the result of playing well on the field but off it as well. Pataudi was known to think differently and tackle the each opposition with a different approach. He recognised, for instance, that India must play with three spinners because spin was the key against foreign teams. It played dividends then and continues to do so now as in contemporary cricket, spin and not pace is considered as India’s bowling might.

That captaincy came barely months after a life-threatening accident made Pataudi’s achievement stand out more. After all there is a genuine reason why he soon came to also be known as Tiger. Pataudi was involved in a very serious car accident that left him with no vision in his right eye. Yet, he managed to excel not just as a player but also as a leader for which he was honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1964 and the Padma Shri in 1967.

Two years after receiving the Padma Shri, Pataudi married Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore and retired from cricket in 1975. He had since been actively involved with the game as first an ICC match referee and then as a cricket analyst.

He is survived by his wife Sharmila Tagore, son Saif Ali Khan and daughters Soha and Saba Ali Khan.

Prateik Babbar is a fan of Saif Ali Khan’s father

Prateik may have stopped playing cricket a while ago, but he remains a huge fan of legendary cricketer, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who is his Aarakshan co-star, Saif Ali Khan’s father.

Naturally, when Prateik started working with Saif in Prakash Jha’s upcoming film, the duo bonded over the game. And although, Saif and Prateik share screen space for the first time in Aarakshan, they soon became close pals, thanks to the sport.

In fact, Prateik has given a special bat to his co-star to get it autographed by his father. According to Prateik, Pataudi Sr. had a “very unique and special talent.” Saif too, was quite impressed with Prateik’s knowledge and passion for the gentleman’s game. “Cricket has always been my favourite sport.

For me, bonding sessions with Saif started when he discovered that I was a cricket fanatic. I have asked him for a huge favour. Since I am a big fan of Pataudi sir, I have requested Saif to get me his father’s autograph on my favourite bat,” says Prateik. Although surprised Saif immediately agreed to fulfill the request, as Prateik wanted to showcase the autographed bat in his bedroom.

The actor’s bonding over the game has been so thick, that on the sets of Aarakshan, Saif even taught his co-star a special trick. Since Prateik has been a fast bowler, Saif decided to teach him the trick of throwing a tennis ball hard on the pitch to make it move like a season ball. Saif had learned this trick from his father.

Not many are aware that Prateik has been a fast bowler for his school and state teams. In fact, till his college days, he apparently wanted to be a pace bowler and a pinch-hitter like Irfan Pathan. But when he reached standard 12, he finally quit playing cricket to concentrate on acting.