In an exhilarating trip down memory lane, the Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan has been candid about the profound impact Shah Rukh Khan in his early career. Reflecting on their decade-long brotherhood, the “Hum Tum” actor hailed the “King” actor as a complete visionary who accurately predicted the mass visual effects (VFX) revolution in Indian cinema 25 years before it actually happened.
Saif Ali Khan opens for Shah Rukh Khan
Speaking to News18, Saif recalled an old interview of “King Uncle” where Shah Rukh spoke candidly about his aspirations.“There was an interview with Uncle King where he was asked what he wanted to do. He said he wants to be the first star and the biggest thing India has ever seen. That was the first time I heard something like that because we weren’t used to that kind of confidence,” he said.
Saif Ali Khan on working with Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Pehla Nasha’
Saif said that Shah Rukh’s self-belief remained constant as their careers progressed. The two actors shared screen space for the first time in ‘Pehla Nasha’, though they were working in different films at the time.“It’s always been like that. I remember meeting her then and then consistently. Then we did ‘Pehla Nasha’ where we shot a scene together. We were working with Venus at the same time when she did ‘Baazigar’ and I was doing ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ with them,” he added.“We did all these shows, the best shows he’s ever done on stage. During that time, one day, he called me and said that we didn’t tell everyone that the house is full. He had his reasons. But I’ve never received a call saying how successful a show is,” shares Saif.
Shah Rukh Khan’s early faith in VFX
Saif also revealed that Shah Rukh was passionately discussing the future of visual effects almost 25 years ago, long before it became the center of Indian cinema.“Honestly, I can write a speech about how special he has been and his passion for his work, but let me sum it up by saying that he has been a visionary,” Saif said.“At one point he was obsessed with VFX, but it wasn’t happening. He said it was going to be the biggest thing. And I kept saying, ‘You’re losing me.’This vision was realized through Red Chillies Entertainment and its renowned visual effects division.Saif credited Shah Rukh for guiding him at a crucial point in his journey as a leading actor.“We shot films like ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ at a time when New York was different. It was a very different time. It was a very era, and I saw everything up close. He taught me how to be the lead in a film when I was offered ‘Hum Tum’. I learned a lot from him, I mean a little,” he said.The two stars have teamed up for Kartavya, with Shah Rukh backing the project as a producer and Saif playing the lead role.
