Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan talked about choosing acting as a career on the second day of India Today Mumbai Conclave 2024 held on September 26. He spoke in a session titled “From Mainstream to Maverick”. Although he hails from a family of nawabs, Saif said that living off his parents’ money was never an option for him. Further discussing his career choices, the actor said that he was interested in films from a very young age.

Complete coverage of Conclave Mumbai 2024

On choosing acting as a career

I did my first film in 1992. A lot has changed since then. I was fresh out of a boarding school in England. My father spent a lot of money planning a different future for me. Nobody really asked me what I wanted to do. I don’t know whether it’s about having my mother’s (Sharmila Tagore) blood in me or not, I have always been very interested in films. But it took me a while to find my feet. There was a time when I gave in and said that I really want to understand this work and become a better actor. It’s the most amazing profession, and I’m still scratching the surface of it. I hope it’s something I keep doing and growing.

When I was young I had idols like young Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt. But now that I’ve grown up, I look at people like Al Pacino, Gary Oldman – they’ve become my heroes. It is a craft that must continue to evolve.

Living off my parents’ money was never really an option. My father told me not to rely on financial inheritance. They promised me a good education and they gave it to me.

on an alternative career

I could have become an art dealer. It looks very comfortable and is elegant and well spoken. I like the idea of ​​becoming an art dealer.

On his relationship with his father

When the camera is on you, you never know what’s going on behind it. We once came in from a party and a few people entered the lobby. The next thing he did was to enter our bedroom.

Papa doesn’t interfere much, he is polite. Kids get a little scared when their cars chase them. In India we have our own special relationship with the Pope.

The finances behind the Paps are insane. I believe some people are paying. Most of us in my family have not paid. He has a rate card. It’s funny but a little disturbing.

on their relationship with their children

I spend most of my time with my children (Sara, Ibrahim, Taimur, Jeh) and they ask me about many things. My elder children, Ibrahim and Sara, are already actors or aspire to become actors. On the other hand, I would be intimidated and not want to stand in front of the camera. However, the youngest child is a born artist – I know exactly where that trait comes from. However, there is no pressure. To me, they could be school teachers; As long as they’re happy, that’s all that matters. And that’s what we need to teach them.

My elder son (Ibrahim) recently asked me something about girls, and I had to think before answering. He wanted to know how seriously to take your relationship at a certain level, and I told him to take it very seriously all the time. I would insult him if I revealed more about our conversation. He discusses his work and girlfriend/s with me, while Sara talks to me about her work. Of course, they ask me things, and we go out for lunch often.

For me, the key is to spend quality time with each of my children, including the two I live with (Taimur and Jeh). I enjoy hanging out with them not just as a group, but individually. I think they are all more organized because of this approach.

On working in a Telugu film

Acting put me on the right path. It is a universal language. On the Devara sets, Koratala Siva said he would help me and give me pointers and I took it differently. I was offered a film in Tamil in Chennai and then I got a film in Hyderabad. They’re making amazing movies out there that are very successful, and they shape them, connect them and treat their heroes amazing. They (Tollywood) are making great films.

on your dream role

I would like to play the role of a mythological character from Mahabharata.

On salary cuts in the film industry

The economics of our industry (are like that). That’s what happens – you go to a star, and sometimes they say ‘Hey, if you want me, this is what it’ll cost.’ And people pay for it. And if people pay it, sometimes the economics work out. But, there are Indian businessmen. So the film industry itself is primarily a commercial type of financial center and people take pictures. But, Karan Johar knows best. I’m just kidding.

What he is talking about is that people are charging huge amounts of money and then not delivering, which cannot be sustainable. We don’t charge that much, we’re recession-proof.

Adipurush on backlash

It’s a little disturbing because there was a case and the court kind of ruled that an actor is responsible for what he says on screen. I don’t know how real a problem this is because I know many people are not free to say or do whatever they want. We all have to keep a little watch on ourselves and be a little careful, otherwise problems can occur.

This is annoying, but you also have to understand that there are some areas like religion that you need to stay away from. There are many stories we can tell and we are not here to cause trouble. So we stay away from him completely.

I played the role of a politician in a show (Tandav), who got into a lot of trouble. So, you learn on the job. You need to stay away from these areas.

As an actor, my job is to unite people. Our profession is to rise above caste and creed and bring the entire country together.