Saif Ali Khan Draws Parallels Between Director Priyadarshan and His Late Father, Tiger Pataudi
As anticipation builds for the upcoming thriller Haiwaan, Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan has offered a rare, intimate look at his creative process and his deep respect for the film’s director, the legendary Priyadarshan. In a recent interview, the actor, who plays a visually impaired musician and martial arts coach in the film, compared the filmmaker’s demeanor and career journey to that of his father, the late cricketing icon Tiger Pataudi.
A Unique Comparison
In his conversation with Hindustan Times, Saif highlighted the uncanny similarities between the two men. "Priyadarshan is like Clint Eastwood: senior and calm," the actor remarked. "He reminds me of my dad. Both were cricketers, both lost an eye, yet they remained exceptional in their professional spaces."
Beyond their personal histories, Saif praised Priyadarshan’s disciplined approach to filmmaking. Known for his efficiency, the director reportedly operates with a "one-take" philosophy, forcing actors to make quick, decisive choices while ensuring the production wraps on time every single day.
Embracing the "Gen Z" Label
Though Saif Ali Khan famously avoids social media, he remains a consistent subject of viral content. From old, candid interview clips to humorous anecdotes, the internet frequently engages with the actor’s past and present persona. Reacting to recent memes that labeled him "Gen Z before Gen Z," the 54-year-old actor laughed off the scrutiny.
Addressing a viral clip in which netizens jokingly suggested he was "seeking his own blessings" at a movie poster, he explained, "It was a huge poster of myself, so I was just wishing the film and me good luck. I am childlike and a little mad." Acknowledging his 35-year tenure in the industry, he added, "I was a very different person at 21 or 22 years old when I made the statements that are going viral now."
Everything We Know About ‘Haiwaan’
Haiwaan marks the seventh on-screen collaboration between Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar, a pairing that has historically delivered high-energy performances. The film features a stellar ensemble cast, including Saiyami Kher, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Boman Irani, and Jisshu Sengupta.
The movie serves as an official Hindi remake of the acclaimed 2016 Malayalam suspense thriller Oppam, which originally starred Mohanlal. In a treat for fans, it is reported that the Malayalam icon may make a special cameo appearance in the Hindi version.
As fans await the official release, the buzz surrounding the film continues to grow. Saif Ali Khan is set to bring his unique intensity to the big screen when Haiwaan hits theaters on September 11, 2026.
