Saif Ali Khan. Pic/Instagra
Saif Ali Khan completes 3 decades in the industry in 2023 and over the years, he has chosen a variety of scripts to prove his range as an actor. Often called an 'underrated actor', he has over 50 films to his merit and he has rarely disappointed his fans. While Saif is ageing like a fine wine and has been choosing anti-hero scripts of late, one cannot ignore the fact that whenever he decided to play that manchild on-screen, people went crazy. He was adorable, charming and made a way into women's hearts almost instantly.
A manchild women loved to love, Saif made watching him on screen nothing less than an addiction. As he turns a year older tomorrow, let's take a look at some of the films in which he showed that cute side and stole the show.
Main Khiladi Tu Anari
Saif played the role of a superstar in Main Khiladi Tu Anari. Cementing his position as one of Bollywood's leading and bankable men, he excelled as Deepak, a romantic actor who is frustrated with being stereotyped. Flaunting those slightly long locks, chiselled jawline and street-smart clothes, he was the perfect manchild and yes, a lovable one.
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Hum Tum
Hum Tum showcased Saif in a completely new zone. The film started with the girl vs boy conflict and led to Saif and Rani Mukerji's seamless and effortless romance. The actor has played a quintessential manchild several times but Hum Tum remained special and continues to be evergreen.
Dil Chahta Hai
The 'OG Buoys' trip film left the female audience craving a Sid, Akash and Sam in their lives. Saif played Sameer, the heartthrob who made many skip a heartbeat when he asked, "Woh ladki hai kahaan?" The manchild-loving trip went for an overdrive.
Cocktail
Cocktail is one of the best films of Saif and there isn't a denial. Playing the role of a playboy, he has a 'no-strings-attached' relationship with Veronica (Deepika Padukone) but also falls in love with Meera (Diana Penty). Stuck in a love triangle, Saif plays around with multiple emotions to bring the character alive.
Love Aaj Kal
How many of us have thought it's better to be practical and choose career over emotions in our lives? Saif's character did the same here, and tried to make the 'correct' choice at every point. What he didn't understand was that he was more than the 'hasta-gaata' modern man and had a deeply sensitive side to himself. And that's what made him the adorable man-child in this film.
Salaam Namaste
Saif wouldn't mind if somebody ever hated his character Nick in Salaam Namaste for leaving a pregnant Ambar (Preity Zinta) alone. As much as it was problematic, his character got redemption by the end of the film.
Jawaani Jaaneman
A womaniser and party addict, that's how Saif's Jazz in Jawaani Jaaneman could be best described. His life changes when he meets his teenage pregnant daughter Tia (Alaya F). While the character is problematic, Saif made him look lovable and relatable.
