My connection with Shashi Kapoor predates Kareena: Saif Ali Khan

The first Prithvi annual festival was started in 1983.

The festival past 32 years has since been the time in the year when the entire theatre family, be it the performers or the audiences, come together to celebrate and show their love for the art and their Prithvi Theatre, a place that is so intimate and special, run by a legend Shashi Kapoor and now his son Kunal who have dedicated their entire lives to keeping the legacy of Prithviraj Kapoor and the dream of Jennifer Kapoor alive. Members of the 'Kapoor Khandaan' who are in town make it a point to be a part of the opening night and the opening of the 2015 festival again was one such. The opening night also had the very elegant Saif Ali Khan and his sister Soha join in the celebrations with the Kapoor family. Excerpts from a quick conversation with the nawab.

What does the Prithvi Theatre mean to you?

It means many things. I love theatre and there is something so special about Prithvi as it is so intimate and so close to the action. It's also special for the fact that the Kapoors have this legacy. I remember Shashi Kapoor coming to our home at Carmichael Road where I grew up. While he worked with my mum in films, he was friendly with both my parents and was probably the closest actor that I remember from those days. Even in those days he would come and talk to my parents about doing King Liar on stage. I remember as a child once he was going to a party and my father lent him his bandhgala. It's wonderful to see how Kunal has taken forward the family legacy. It's important for us in Mumbai to go out and participate in things like this that is done for promoting the arts and that is why I am here. It's beautiful to see how Prithvi brings together people and it's a place Mumbai can be proud of. You are also linked to Prithvi through your wife Kareena.

Well, actually I am quite close to Kunal and my connection to him and Shashiji predates Kareena. So it's nothing to do with her in any way, though it's sweet that it's family also now. As a kid whenever I was on set with Kunal, I would annoy him often and drive him mad on set.



Have you ever thought of doing theatre?

I keep thinking of it but it's such a big commitment and a different kind of deal. And as usual, films pay you more so you land up doing films.

Is there any star that you would like to see doing theatre on stage?

I once saw superstar Orlando Bloom doing Romeo and Juliet. And he was totally upstaged by this theatre actor who played another key role in the play. But I have a video of Al Pacino's performance on stage. He and Dustin Hoffman are unbelievable on stage. I would love to see them live some day.



Shabana Azmi, Farooque Shaikh and Feroz Khan had been a team for over 25 years of them doing Tumhari Amrita together till Farooque Shaikh passed away. Recalling her memories with her two friends, veteran actress Shabana Azmi said, "I was doing a film Ek Pal with Farooque Shaikh being directed by Kalpana Lajmi and he was supposed to run his fingers on my lips in a romantic scene. It was a very difficult task for him. Kalpana shouted from behind the camera, 'Farooque, I am not asking you to brush her teeth. You are supposed to touch her lips.' The same is the problem with my friend Feroz Khan. Once we were doing something on TV where I was playing his wife. So I was supposed to put my arm around Feroz and he tells me, 'Please don't do that. I can't play your husband. I would be good to only play your dewar that too a Lakshman kind of dewarJ'.

Saif with Neila Devi

Nivedita Bhattacharya, Makarand Deshpande, Kay Kay Menon and Kunal Kapoor

Saif Ali Khan: My life will have probably two sets of children

onversation with Saif Ali Khan is always interesting. He is intelligent, well read and loves doing all the different things that he gets to do being born a nawab and being a Bollywood star. He has always been charming, but today, he is also realistic, mature and responsible. Excerpts from a conversation over coffee with him.

You recently worked with Katrina Kaif and she also visited your house with Ranbir. Talk about Katrina?

I wouldn't say I know her very well and most of what she has talked about was her thoughts on the film and not really very personally, but I did find her to be always very nice. I feel that she has consistently really been interested in her work. I remember once she bought this magic dress for a song in Race and I found it very interesting how someone just went out and brought a dress for a song herself. I was impressed and thought it was really being committed. And I feel it's that kind of commitment that has led her to becoming such a successful star. She is really grounded and loyal as a person. I don't want to get personal and offend her in any way, but I have seen her at different points in time in different relationships and she has been loyal at all times. She came home recently for the first time as I wanted her and Ranbir to come.

How do you decide which director you want to work with?
A film is a director's personality. If you want to know what your film will look like, have a look at your director. If you find him worrying and annoying, you might end up with that kind of movie. And if you find him dark, mysterious or cool or sexy, your film might end up like that. There is a high chance that the personality of the film will be the personality of the director. For instance, Imtiaz Ali has traditional knowledge and has a tehzeeb to him, but there is a wildness and awareness to his free flowing personality that is hard to contain. He is free spirited, so you can see that in Love Aaj Kal. Vishal Bhardwaj is an artist, he is musical and deep and you can see it in Omkara.

You have some free time in the first half of this year. What were you up to?

Most of the free time has been spent in playing a good husband and taking my wife around where she wants to go. And I am happy with that too, as Kareena and I have a lot in common. When we have time, it's normally to go to places where she likes to go, like Switzerland or London. Staying at Claridges is her choice and that's where we both like to stay.

What stage of your life are you in?

with the experience and self-awareness that has come in. I enjoy being comfortable with the person I am. There is a financial settling and you look at the films you have done in the 90s and then, one has saved and invested money and you feel secure with a nice house. I feel now I would like to just concentrate on doing some good work. Earlier, everything was happening at the same time and now, there is no distraction really. It's almost like a second innings for me.

Have you changed as a person?

I am sure and I hope. Sometimes I read my earlier interviews and say this can't be me. I just sound younger and too quick to comment and I can tell that it was me in the 20s. They call it maturing. And now, I have more patience and understanding. I am primarily responsible to myself and there is a sense of mortality and awareness. For example, to take care of oneself as against smoking and drinking and taking care of your body so you don't leave it out in the rain. You don't eat or drink some stuff as you want to look a certain way. And I now worry about people. I want life insurance to be done for my mum and I want the kids to be alright, my wife to be taken care of.

Do you have a will?
My mom was talking about it to me. I have worked it out but have not executed it. I don't know how well wills work. But at least yes, they are an intention. My life will have probably two sets of children. So I think a will will be quite useful. I feel that everyone will be well taken care of and be balanced and happy. I think when my will is executed, they will all be alright and fairly pleased. My mom told me the other day, 'You make a will.' I don't know if she has one, but she wants me to make one. Of course, she has made her intentions clear.

Have you become more attached to Pataudi in some way?

It's always been there. It's like my attachment to my father. When my father was alive, it wasn't like a Punjabi movie where a father said, 'Beta, all this is yours.' In fact, I was always the naughty boy who was always in trouble, so he must have always thought what is this guy going to do, which is a bit of a shame but that's how it was. And hopefully, it has worked out in a way that one has developed into a decent human being later rather than earlier. And now, it's about joining the two spheres. Earlier, my father had his life and I had my life in Mumbai, which was very separate from his, but with his passing away, I have now inherited that. So I am trying a way to combine it all.

Saif Ali Khan lucky to have me in his life: Kareena Kapoor

Bollywood diva Kareena Kapoor Khan brought the curtains down at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2015 showcasing ace designer Gaurav Gupta's line on Sunday. Reacting to the compliments she received at the event, she said that her husband, Saif Ali Khan, surely is a "lucky man" to have her in his life.

When asked how Saif reacts to the compliments that she receives, Kareena said, "I think it's the biggest compliment for Saif. He is a lucky man for sure."

It was the first time that Kareena and Gaurav collaborated for a fashion show. The 34-year-old actor looked her stunning best as she walked down the ramp wearing a black flowing sheer gown, a piece from the designer's collection, which was in tandem with Lakme's Sculpt line. Kareena, whose outfit was a playful juxtaposition of Gaurav's signature drapes and structure, said she loves working with new designers like him.

"It's very interesting to collaborate with new designers every time during the finale. I admire the novelty and quirk that new designers like Gaurav bring to the table. I think the fashion industry needs such creative minds," Kareena said. Keeping with the theme of the show, the designs, which were all women's wear, consisted of sculpting with fabric as well as on stage.

A huge installation of a lady was set up in the middle of the circular stage. Models one-by-one emerged from the small pit inside the statue and spread out on the runway, which also consisted of stairs. The piano and cello added to the tempo of the show as models walked to its rhythm at Mehboob Studio. "It was an exciting pressure to be a finale designer. It is a first for me. We celebrate our decade today and Lakme celebrates its 15 years. The music was very unique because we did a very artistic setting. The clothes are also very sculptural. We kept the music romantic and (such) which fills large spaces in a beautiful way," Gaurav said.

Dune-like textures featured in the garments through boning and silver rivulets and large ruffles swayed through the drapes. The fabrics used were mostly neoprene, tulle, silks and georgettes in colours like gray, black, ivory and red. The show, however, was low on celebrity turn out with only Dia Mirza, Aditi Rao Hydari, Prateik Babbar, Shriya Saran, Zayed Khan in attendance.

Saif Ali Khan opens up about differences with Salman Khan

'Phantom' actor will always look up to Salman

Indian Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan poses during a promotional event ahead of the release of the Hindi Film ‘Phantom’ in Mumbai late August 11, 2015. (AFP)

It's a known fact that Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is good friends with other two Khans – Shah Rukh and Aamir.

However, one Khan if the actor has been keeping a distance from is Saif Ali Khan.

What's interesting is the fact that Saif's wife Kareena Kapoor Khan is good friends with Salman and has also teamed up with him for many films.

Reasons best known to them, the two popular Khans have been keeping distance and managed to keep it away from media glare as well.

But in a twist of fate, Salman surprised everyone when he extended an invite of 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' screening to Saif recently.

In an interview to Times of Indian Saif says he has known Salman even before he knew Kareena.
And that the relationship he shares with Salman has changed over the years, but there are some aspects of it that will never change.

So was it because of Kareena that Saif was invited for the special screening? When quizzed Saif, who seems to have been emotionally touched by the former's gesture, has been quoted by the publication saying, "I hope not. Salman, I know, would not do anything just for the sake of it. I have known him longer than I have known Kareena. So I would hope that our equation is not dependent on her and I felt very nice about it."

Saif said, "He (Salman) is someone I have known for a very long time and was the No.1 star when I had thought of joining movies. He is someone I just respect and look up to. I will always look up to him for many reasons.

"We have done films and shows together. Over time, there have been some differences that have come up, which him and I best know about and that will always remain between him and me only. He is someone I have worked with, spent a lot of time with and he is someone I greatly admire as a brother. And that will never change."

It was just a month back that we heard Saif had turned down a Salman Khan production film, citing date issues as he is busy with Vishal Bhardwaj's 'Rangoon'.

Since Saif has made it clear that the reason/s for differences between them would stay between them, we can only let it be.

Saif Ali Khan: Islam is unpopular today

'If you go up to an average American or British citizen and tell them you are a Muslim, they look at you suspiciously. It's not a good feeling.'

'Narendra Modi is the first person to make sense when he talks.'

'At the moment, Kareena and I are not planning to start a family.'

Saif Ali Khan in a freewheeling conversation with Sonil Dedhia/Rediff.com, ahead of the release of his film Happy Ending.

Saif Ali Khan arrives at Mumbai's Mehboob Studios in his Audi R-8, and dives into his vanity van.

He does not like giving interviews, and as he fidgets with his new Harrods flat cap, he argues with his manager about the long line-up of interviews for his latest film Happy Ending.

'I am not giving so many interviews in a day. It’s maddening! I can’t sit here the whole day,' he tries to reason.

But when he decides to talk, there’s no stopping him.

Saif discusses movies, babies and Islam with Sonil Dedhia/Rediff.com.

Your last two films, Bullett Raja and Humshakals, were experiments that did not work. Are you back in your comfort zone with Happy Ending?

I don’t have a life where everything I do works. But I do have a career where a couple of things go really wrong after which some good work comes up.

I signed four films (Bullett Raja, Humshakals, Happy Ending and Phantom) at the same time. So it was a bit like hedging my bets. I know it's not the best way to approach cinema but sometimes, the business side takes over.

I was hopeful that all four films would work. Unfortunately, the first two (Bullett Raja and Humshakals) did not. Now, the pressure is on Happy Ending.

I am excited as well as frightened.

Did the failure of those two films affect you emotionally?

More than being affected emotionally, it was a learning experience.

I have had ups and downs throughout my career.

It’s an instinctive thing. Your instinct always says don’t do things you don’t believe in but invariably, you make a mistake by following someone else’s conviction. I was listening to other people's convictions and I feel I lost touch with myself.

Ultimately, you either stay home or you work and the worst thing that can happen is that the film won't work. But life goes on.

Also, I knew there was Happy Ending, a film I was comfortable with.

I interviewed you during Bullett Raja, where you told me you have started praying more…

(Interrupts) I have stopped praying (laughs).

Okay sorry, go on...

...And now, you are reading a book called Beyond Monotheism. Have you become spiritual?

I have always been spiritual.

My library at home has a section on science and religion because I like reading about that. I am aware of different theological thoughts.

I don’t mind praying but I don’t even know when I am praying.

I don’t think I pray to God for materialistic things. I think I just try to commune with the universe and say thank you for all the things I have got.

I like praying in Urdu and Arabic. I also pray in churches and temples. I don’t have an agenda for praying. I do feel better after praying but I don’t know why because I feel no one is listening.

Why do you say that?

(Thinks) Because it is ridiculous to imagine God is listening to me.

There is too much suffering in the world for there to be a personal God. I am so well off and have everything, so what should I be praying for? People on the streets should be praying for survival. There are many suffering, and terrible things are happening in the world. I think God should listen to them, not me.

But these things did not bother me because who cares what these people think! Making threats and carrying them out are two different things. There were death threats when my parents got married too.

In the recent article by you on Love Jihad, you also stated Islam has become more unpopular today than it has ever been. Why do you feel so?

Yes, Islam is unpopular today.

The Middle East is on fire; there is war everywhere.

There are a lot of extremist people from the Muslim community using Quran for their means and ends, thereby giving the entire religion a bad name. Islam is a religion of peace and submission but because of some people, it is perceived as a religion of violence.

If you go up to an average American or British citizen and tell them you are a Muslim, they look at you suspiciously. It's not a good feeling.

Have you ever faced a situation where you were looked at suspiciously because you are a Muslim?

No. That's because I have a very secular vibe. People don’t associate me with any religion, and that's how I like it.

The voice of moderate Islam needs to be modified and modernise, but does anyone understand the meaning of it?

Does moderate Islam mean I can have a couple of pegs of whiskey?

It might be wrong for a Muslim to drink but it's okay with me because I don’t think of myself as a Muslim.  I think of myself as a human being.

You said that Islam needs to modernise. How?

People tried to modernise Judaism and many other religions, so why not Islam?

People have died in the process. I guess you need someone like a Jesus Christ; a martyr who will be taken seriously.

I guess someone will have to say that God has spoken to them and these rules no longer apply and it’s okay do certain things which were not allowed earlier. I am sure he will be killed because he'll say certain things against Islam. But later, his following will catch up as a religion called modernised Islam.

But the Quran is said to be the word of God. How can you differentiate between what is modern and traditional?

Exactly. You cannot challenge it. So someone will have to die before he is taken seriously.

My point is that it’s not a great sign when a country reverts to Sharia law and it’s not a good sign for a country to be ruled by religion. Do I want to live under Sharia law? No.

I wish there was one law for everyone in India.

You are talking about a uniform civil code (one law for all Indians). Do you think it’s possible?

People feel it’s not possible because it's idealistic and that the minorities will suffer. But I feel it is achievable. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for.

If it is not possible, don’t expect everyone to think alike. We say we are one nation but there are different laws for different religions. But the law should be separate from religion.

Kareena and you recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi. How did that meeting go?

I loved his gesture of coming down and meeting all of us personally.

I have found him to say many things that I agree with, and a couple of things that I don't agree with.

I appreciated his comments about giving credit to the previous government. He spoke about foreign investments and sanitation. He speaks with a lot of passion. He is the first person to make sense when he talks. He spoke positively about Pakistan, and that's never happened before.

I think it's time we had a working man and someone who could deliver.

You found him glamorous…

(Interrupts) I never said he was glamorous.

I think he is a paternal figure. Any civilised nation would go out and vote for a father figure. Out of all the guys contesting elections, he was like a father figure to me.

Did you have any apprehensions about him before he became prime minister?

Not realistically, but I discussed it with a lot of people.

I heard many people comparing him to Hitler and I found that ridiculous. 

Do you think he is the right man to lead India?

India thinks he is the right man and that is why he had a resounding victory. I hope and expect our country is guided to success.

There was news recently that Kareena and you bought the first edition of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book for your unborn child. Are you‘ll planning to start a family?

It’s a funny story.

Kareena said it was the first edition of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. I already owned the first edition but she bought me a nicer version of it.

She also gave me a book on Milton’s poem and Spencer’s Fairy Queen. It was really sweet of her to gift me these books.

She also bought me a book called Politically Correct Nursery Rhymes. Someone from the media thought we are having a baby and that’s why Kareena gifted me these books. But at the moment, we are not planning to start a family as we both are busy with work.

Five things you want to know about BULLETT RAJA Saif Ali Khan

While Bollywood's nawab actor Saif Ali Khan has surprised us time and again with his myriad characters and avatars in each of his films - sometimes by playing a lover boy or a comic character or a hotheaded baddie - in his upcoming film BULLETT RAJA, we will get to see him portray miscellaneous shades all in one character! It only goes to prove the multi-faceted side of Saif's character - Raja Mishra in the film. Here are five things you want to know about Saif in BULLETT RAJA.

Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor break up?

Zee Media Bureau/ Aparna Mudi

New Delhi: Things do go wrong in every marriage, but Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor fans have nothing to worry about. The couple are not going separate ways in real life.

The two broke up only on-screen for their upcoming movie, 'Happy Ending'. In a sequence, Kareena, who appears for a cameo shot, has shown Saif the finger in a cheeky manner.

A leading daily reported that although the scene was always in the script, roping in Kareena for the role was an impromptu 

decision taken by the director, Krishna DK. Interestingly, even Preity Zinta is supposed to be doing a cameo in the movie, however it is still uncertain what her role would be.

Ileana D'Cruz, who plays the female lead in the movie is also going to have her beau, Andrew Kneebone make a guest appearance. It sure would have been one interesting shoot with all the love on the sets.

Have a look - 'Happy Ending' movie stills

The film boasts of an ensemble cast of Saif Ali Khan, Ileana D'Cruz, Govinda, Ranvir Shorey and Kalki Koechlin. The movie is all set to hit the silverscreen on November 21, 2014.