Basic Details
Saif Ali Khan, born Sajid Ali Khan Pataudi on August 16, 1970, in New Delhi, India, is a distinguished Indian actor and film producer. As the son of legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and acclaimed actress Sharmila Tagore, Saif inherited a rich legacy of sportsmanship and cinematic excellence. Educated at prestigious institutions like Lockers Park School and Winchester College in the UK, he initially faced challenges in establishing his acting career. However, his perseverance led to a successful and diverse filmography, earning him accolades and a prominent place in Bollywood. This biography delves into Saif Ali Khan’s life, exploring his royal lineage, acting career, personal life, and contributions beyond the silver screen
Physical Stats and More
- Height
5 feet 6 inches (1.7 meters)
- Weight
Approximately 75 kg
- Eye Colour
Brown
- Hair Colour
Black
Biography
Saif Ali Khan’s journey in Bollywood began with the film “Parampara” in 1993. Despite initial setbacks, he gained recognition with movies like “Main Khiladi Tu Anari” and “Yeh Dillagi” in 1994. His versatility shone through in films such as “Dil Chahta Hai” (2001), “Hum Tum” (2004), and “Omkara” (2006), showcasing his ability to portray a range of characters. In recent years, Saif embraced digital platforms, earning acclaim for his role in Netflix’s “Sacred Games” (2018–2019). His dedication to evolving as an actor has solidified his status in the industry.
Relationships & More
Career
Early Beginnings and Initial Struggles (1993–1999)
Saif Ali Khan made his acting debut with Yash Chopra’s Parampara in 1993. The same year, he starred in Aashiq Awara, which earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. Despite this early recognition, many of his subsequent films during the 1990s, such as Pehchaan (1993) and Imtihaan (1994), did not fare well commercially. However, his performances in multi-starrers like Yeh Dillagi and Main Khiladi Tu Anari (both 1994) were noted, with the latter earning him a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. By the end of the decade, films like Kachche Dhaage (1999) and Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999) helped re-establish his presence in Bollywood.
Rise to Prominence (2000–2006)
The early 2000s marked a turning point in Saif’s career. His role in Dil Chahta Hai (2001) was widely appreciated, earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Comedian. He continued to showcase his versatility with performances in Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Hum Tum (2004), and Parineeta (2005). His portrayal of Langda Tyagi in Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara (2006), an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello, was critically acclaimed and won him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain.
Commercial Success and Diverse Roles (2007–2013)
During this period, Saif starred in a mix of genres, from romantic comedies like Salaam Namaste (2005) and Love Aaj Kal (2009) to action thrillers like Race (2008) and its sequel Race 2 (2013). His performance in Love Aaj Kal was particularly noted for capturing the nuances of modern relationships.
Digital Ventures and Recent Projects (2018–Present)
Embracing the digital revolution, Saif took on the role of Sartaj Singh in Netflix’s Sacred Games (2018–2019), India’s first original series on the platform. His portrayal of a troubled police officer received widespread acclaim. He continued to explore diverse roles in films like Tanhaji (2020), where he played the antagonist Udaybhan Singh Rathore, and the upcoming Jewel Thief – The Robbery Begins (2025), set to release on Netflix.
Saif Ali Khan’s journey in the film industry reflects his commitment to evolving as an actor, taking on challenging roles across various genres. From romantic leads to complex antagonists, his filmography showcases a dynamic range that continues to captivate audiences.
Movies
See AllOther Details
- Hobbies
Reading, Traveling, Playing Guitar
- Favourite Actress
Sharmila Tagore
- Favourite Actors
Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar
- Favourite Movies
The Godfather, Sholay
- Favourite Dishes
Biryani, Kebabs
- Zodiac Sign
Leo
- Caste
Pathan
- Religion
Islam
Contributions Beyond Work
Beyond acting, Saif Ali Khan is involved in various philanthropic activities, supporting education and healthcare initiatives. He also promotes arts and culture through his production ventures and has been a part of campaigns advocating for children’s welfare.Beyond his acting career, Jagapathi Babu has been involved in philanthropic activities and has shown interest in producing meaningful content. His production of the documentary “Samudram” reflects his commitment to exploring diverse narratives and contributing to the film industry in various capacities.
The Legacy of Saif Ali Khan
Saif Ali Khan’s blend of royal heritage and cinematic talent has made him a unique figure in Bollywood. His ability to adapt and reinvent himself has kept him relevant across decades. As he continues to take on diverse roles and support meaningful causes, Saif’s legacy as the Nawab of Bollywood remains firmly established.
Other Facts:
- Education: Saif’s education at Lockers Park School and Winchester College in England provided a strong foundation before he ventured into acting.
- Married Life: His personal life has been in the limelight, especially his marriages to actresses Amrita Singh and later Kareena Kapoor. He is a father to four children, balancing his family life with a demanding career.
- Interesting Facts:
- Saif Ali Khan’s initial foray into Bollywood faced a hurdle when he was replaced in his debut film Bekhudi (1992) by director Rahul Rawail due to performance issues. This setback led him to make his official debut with Parampara in 1993.
- Born as Sajid Ali Khan Pataudi, Saif hails from the esteemed Pataudi family. Following the passing of his father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, in 2011, Saif became the 10th Nawab of Pataudi, a titular title with historical significance.
- In 2004, Saif received the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Hum Tum. Additionally, he was honored with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in 2010 for his contributions to the arts.
- Saif and his wife, Kareena Kapoor Khan, are avid dog lovers. They have two pet dogs named Elvis and Leo, with Leo being a pug named after Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
- After his father’s demise, Saif had to reclaim the Pataudi Palace, which had been leased to a hotel chain. He negotiated and paid a substantial amount to repossess his ancestral home, emphasizing his connection to his heritage.
- In January 2025, Saif was injured during a burglary at his Mumbai residence. He sustained stab wounds near his spine while confronting the intruder. After undergoing surgery, he recovered, and the assailant was later apprehended by the police.
- Saif Ali Khan’s initial foray into Bollywood faced a hurdle when he was replaced in his debut film Bekhudi (1992) by director Rahul Rawail due to performance issues. This setback led him to make his official debut with Parampara in 1993.