Saif Ali Khan: "I Feel I Have Nine Lives" | League Of Excellence | THR India

In this candid conversation with Anupama Chopra for The Hollywood Reporter India's League of Excellence powered by BMW India, Saif Ali Khan opens up about the harrowing knife attack at his Mumbai home in January 2025 that nearly left him paralysed. The National Award-winning actor reflects on his remarkable 32-year journey since his debut in Parampara, discussing the evolution from romantic comedy hero to critically acclaimed performer in films like Omkara, where director Vishal Bhardwaj pushed him to deliver a career-defining turn as the villainous Langda Tyagi. Saif shares intimate details about his relationship with wife Kareena Kapoor Khan, revealing how Rani Mukerji's advice helped him navigate dating a fellow star, and speaks movingly about the challenges of watching his children Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan forge their own paths in the film industry.

The actor delves into his philosophy on craft, discussing the importance of separating vanity from good work and his excitement about reuniting with Akshay Kumar after 17 years for director Priyadarshan's upcoming thriller Haiwaan, where he plays a visually impaired music teacher opposite Akshay's menacing antagonist. Saif candidly addresses the pressures of relevance in Bollywood, his deliberate choice to stay off social media, and why he believes maintaining mystery is a valuable currency in an age of constant exposure. Drawing parallels to Mani Ratnam's experience of being attacked after Bombay's release in 1995, Saif reflects on how artists process trauma, while also sharing his thoughts on acting technique, the art of listening, and what it means to endure in an industry that constantly demands reinvention.

00:00 Introduction
07:15 Choosing roles and creative fulfillment
13:52 Separating vanity from good work
19:58 Developing precision and acting technique
28:02 Deciding what kind of actor to be
37:08 Dancing at weddings and protecting mystique
43:36 Parenting adult children in film industry
49:57 Relationship dynamics with working actor spouse
56:00 Enduring relevance and staying creatively fresh
63:40 Upcoming projects and focused preparation

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