Early Life
Saif Ali Khan was born on August 16, 1970, in New Delhi, India. He is the son of Indian film icon Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, the former captain of the Indian national cricket team and the titular Nawab of Pataudi. Saif is a member of both the distinguished Tagore family and the royal Pataudi lineage. He was educated at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, and later at Winchester College in the United Kingdom. After returning to India, Saif briefly worked in advertising before pursuing a career in acting. Though he came from a privileged background, he had to fight hard to gain credibility as an actor.
Film Career
Saif made his acting debut in 1993 with “Parampara,” followed by early successes like “Aashiq Awara” and “Yeh Dillagi.” Throughout the 1990s, he was often cast in romantic or comic second-lead roles in multi-starrers such as “Main Khiladi Tu Anari,” “Kachche Dhaage,” and “Hum Saath-Saath Hain.” While these films were commercially successful, Saif struggled to break out as a solo lead. His major career breakthrough came in 2001 with “Dil Chahta Hai,” a coming-of-age drama directed by Farhan Akhtar. The film’s modern tone and Saif’s portrayal of the laid-back Sameer won him critical acclaim and ushered in a new phase in his career. Over the next several years, he delivered strong performances in films like “Kal Ho Naa Ho,” “Hum Tum” (for which he won the National Film Award for Best Actor), “Parineeta,” “Salaam Namaste,” and “Being Cyrus.” In 2006, Saif earned widespread praise for his dark, layered performance as Langda Tyagi in Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Omkara,” an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Othello.” The role marked a turning point, establishing him as a serious actor capable of complex and gritty roles. He continued his successful run with “Race,” “Love Aaj Kal,” “Cocktail,” and “Tanu Weds Manu Returns” (cameo), while also experimenting with genres like horror-comedy (“Go Goa Gone”) and political satire (“Kaalakaandi”).
Streaming Success and Recent Work
In 2018, Saif made a major move into streaming content with the role of Inspector Sartaj Singh in “Sacred Games,” India’s first Netflix Original series. The show was a global hit and introduced Saif to a new audience, earning him praise for his restrained and introspective performance.
Production Work
Saif launched his own production company, Illuminati Films, in partnership with producer Dinesh Vijan. The banner produced several notable films including “Love Aaj Kal” (2009) and “Cocktail” (2012). Though their partnership later ended, Saif has continued producing under other banners, occasionally backing experimental projects and passion pieces.
Personal Life
Saif Ali Khan was first married to actress Amrita Singh in 1991. The couple had two children, Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan, before divorcing in 2004. Sara has since launched her own acting career in Bollywood. In 2012, Saif married actress Kareena Kapoor, forming one of the most high-profile couples in Indian entertainment. They have two sons together, Taimur and Jeh. The family is frequently covered by the media and commands a massive following. Despite his royal lineage and celebrity status, Saif is often praised for his wit, candor, and low-key demeanor. Over the years, he has cultivated a refined public image, often associated with books, music, and culture.
