Saif Ali Khan, currently in the spotlight for his drama ‘Kartavya’, has spoken candidly about the unsolicited, and at times deeply problematic, advice he received at the start of his career. The actor also talked about his fear of public ridicule as a newcomer, and the humility that has quietly defined his 35-year journey in Hindi cinema.
Saif Ali Khan reveals getting advice about hiding his marriage to Amrita Singh
Despite hailing from the illustrious Pataudi family, Saif Ali Khan’s entry into Bollywood was far from smooth. He was replaced from his launch film ‘Bekhudi’ after completing its first schedule, eventually debuting with ‘Parampara’ in 1993. Around the same time, he had married actress Amrita Singh, a fact a senior actor from an older generation advised him to conceal.In an interview with News18, he said, “I remember that there was a senior actor from a different generation who told me to not tell anyone that I’m married. I don’t know why he told me so. I think he was trying to say that it would’ve spoiled my image and fan following. It was the worst and most bizarre advice that someone ever gave me.”
Saif Ali Khan talks about how he did not want people to laugh at him during his initial days
Early in his career, Saif also had to contend with a filmmaker warning him against playing cops, suggesting he would make them look comical. That remark, combined with the general pressures of breaking into the industry, shaped his foundational drive. In the same interview, he revealed, “When I started work, my main ambition was not to be laughed at. My director had once told me, joote maarenge log, (people will beat you by shoes), and that when the film would be screened at Chandan, they may laugh at me and hate me and I’ll be out of work.“Saif Ali Khan further elaborated, “I’m sure that many actors, when they act for the first time, don’t want to look ridiculous and for people to laugh at them. That’s the standard.”He added that once the person crosses that phase, “you may want to become Mr Bachchan. But it starts on that note.”Saif shared that he was always humble and worked hard at his job. The actor even stated that he did make vows to maintain a certain religious approach to his work ethic so that it remains pure. He ended, saying, “That has always been the idea.”The actor is currently in the news for his latest OTT release, ‘Kartavya’. Backed by Shah Rukh Khan’s production house and directed by Pulkit, the movie also features Sanjay Mishra, Rasika Duggal, Manish Chaudhar, Saurabh Dwivedi, and Zakir Hussain. It started streaming on May 15, 2026.