Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan, an Indian film actor and producer, was born into a remarkable lineage. His mother, Sharmila Tagore, is a well-known actress, while his late father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, was a celebrated cricket player. Khan's cinematic journey began with Yash Chopra's drama Parampara (1993), but it wasn't until the romantic drama Yeh Dillagi and action film Main Khiladi Tu Anari (both 1994) that he started making waves in Bollywood.

Throughout the 1990s, Khan faced some ups and downs in his career, with his biggest commercial success of the decade being the ensemble drama Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999). However, his fortunes changed for the better in the new millennium. He delivered remarkable performances in two ensemble comedy-dramas—Dil Chahta Hai (2001) and Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), which catapulted him into the limelight.

In 2004, Khan starred as the sole male lead in the romantic comedy Hum Tum, a role that earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor. This was followed by stellar performances in the drama Parineeta and the romantic comedy Salaam Namaste (both 2005), solidifying his position as one of Bollywood's leading men.

Khan went on to impress critics with his diverse range of roles, including an apprentice in the English film Being Cyrus (2006) and a character inspired by William Shakespeare's antagonist Iago in the crime film Omkara (2006). His portrayal of a terrorist in the 2009 thriller Kurbaan further showcased his acting versatility.

His career reached new heights with his roles in the 2008 thriller Race and its 2013 sequel, the 2009 romance Love Aaj Kal, and the 2012 romantic comedy Cocktail, all of which were significant commercial successes. These roles also helped redefine the concept of a Hindi film hero.

For his outstanding contributions to Indian cinema, Khan was awarded the Padma Shri—the fourth highest civilian award in India—in 2010. He has also won several accolades, including six Filmfare Awards and a National Film Award. In addition to being an accomplished actor, Saif is married to actress Kareena Kapoor and is the owner of production company Illuminati Films.

Throughout his career, Khan has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to different film genres—from crime dramas to thrillers and romantic comedies. His acting skills have been praised by critics and audiences alike, and he continues to captivate audiences with his performances today.