In a recent conversation with Variety India, Saif recalled a piece of advice that changed his perspective on acting. According to the actor, Shah Rukh once asked him who he considered his first audience while performing.
“Shah Rukh once asked me, ‘Who’s your first audience that you act for?’ I said, ‘I don’t know, just the camera.’ He said, ‘It’s the director. You act for him. People watch his movies because he’s the storyteller,’” Saif shared.
The insight left a lasting impression on Saif, highlighting the importance of trusting and collaborating with a director’s vision, as they are ultimately responsible for telling the story on screen.
Saif Ali Khan on Directing Films
Over the past few years, Saif has earned widespread acclaim for his performances across films and streaming projects. Despite his passion for cinema, the actor revealed that he has little interest in stepping behind the camera as a director.
When asked if he would ever consider directing a film, Saif quickly dismissed the idea.
“No, no, no. But I can create atmosphere at home. And I think atmosphere is a really important thing in movies. I like to have it at a dinner table, in a living room and in the spaces I create for myself. That’s not far off from doing it professionally,” he said.
About Kal Ho Naa Ho
Directed by Nikkhil Advani in his directorial debut, *Kal Ho Naa Ho* was released in 2003 and became both a critical and commercial success. Written by Karan Johar and Niranjan Iyengar and produced by Yash Johar under Dharma Productions, the film featured Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and Preity Zinta in lead roles.
The supporting cast included Jaya Bachchan, Sushma Seth, Reema Lagoo, Lillete Dubey, and Delnaaz Irani.
Set in New York City, the story follows Naina Catherine Kapur (Preity Zinta), a reserved young woman who gradually falls in love with her cheerful neighbour Aman Mathur (Shah Rukh Khan). However, Aman's terminal illness prevents him from pursuing his feelings, prompting him to encourage a relationship between Naina and her best friend, Rohit Patel (Saif Ali Khan). The emotional drama resonated deeply with audiences and went on to win two National Film Awards.
Saif Ali Khan’s Upcoming Projects
Saif Ali Khan was last seen in *Kartavya*, a crime drama directed by Pulkit and produced by Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan under the banner of Red Chillies Entertainment. The film also featured Rasika Dugal, Sanjay Mishra, and Saurabh Dwivedi in key roles.
Looking ahead, Saif is set to reunite with director Priyadarshan for *Haiwaan*, where he will share screen space with Akshay Kumar.
He will also star in *Hum Hindustani*, a Netflix period drama directed by Rahul Dholakia and inspired by true events. The film follows a team of officials who overcome extraordinary challenges to conduct India’s first general election in 1951–52. The project also stars Pratik Gandhi in a prominent role.
