Saif Ali Khan on doing multi-starrers: When I started out, it was a question of survival

Saif Ali Khan Birthday 2023: When the actor spoke about why he did not mind doing ensemble films like 'Yeh Dillagi', 'Dil Chahta Hai', and 'Bhoot Police'

Saif Ali Khan made his Hindi film debut in 1993 with 'Parampara'. In the film, he played the fourth lead. Directed by Yash Chopra, the film starred Sunil Dutt, Vinod Khanna, Aamir Khan, Raveena Tandon, Ramya Krishnan, and Anupam Kher. The actor continued to be part of two-film heroes and ensembles like Yeh Dillagi'. 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari', 'Ek Tha Raja', 'Tu Chor Main Sipahi', 'Dil Chahta Hai', among others. While several actors aspire to do single-hero films, Saif Ali Khan did not give much thought to the same. 

In an interview with Mid-Day's Sit With Hitlist, a couple of years ago, Saif was asked about starring in ensemble films. "When I started out, it was a question of survival and being accepted and getting a job. It was not like I wanted to rule the universe," he said.  

"It is also your cinematic upbringing. It's like what you have been exposed to in life.  For me, I grew up watching a lot of these 'World War 2' kind of ensemble movies. I have seen movies where various actors doing different roles in a movie. In my head, there is nothing wrong with doing that," he added. 

"In a two-hero film, I was always quite happy to compete with the other guy. In my own head, at times I have thought that I am the coolest.  So in my head, I was like you might be the biggest star, but I am going to give you a run for your money. So there has been a competitive kind of streak," Saif said. 

When asked if the competitiveness is limited to just the sets or did it reach the editing room, the actor said he was never in that position. However, he laughed and said, "Once I cut Kunal Kemmu's scene. He got really upset and I totally understand. In Go Goa Gone, the second half was really long. I was the producer and I said cut this. He called me and said how could you do it and I said it is good for the movie."

On the work front, Saif Ali Khan was last seen in the film 'Adipurush' as Ravana. The actor will next be seen playing the antagonist in Jr NTR-starrer 'Devara'. The film also stars Janhvi Kapoor. 

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