Saif and Amrita - Still Married 1991-2004

Saif Ali Khan breaks his silence!

Saif Ali Khan wants to act. He wants to make a name as an artist and a star with mass appeal. He's already made enough money this year from endorsements and shows abroad that he can afford not to do a movie for the sake of money. His recent success with Hum Hum Saath Saath has given him the springboard from which he may once again make it to the top. His new film Kya Kehna, co-starring the adept Chandrachur Singh and the genial Preity Zinta, promises to entertain as well as educate. Armed with the love of his wife Amrita, his daughter Sara and highborn manners, Saif is determined to become a striver in the industry for the second time. Will he succeed?

How's life after Hum Saath Saath Hain?

Most interesting. Not much change in any direction, except perhaps mentally I'm more confident and have a focussed approach. Initially, I had a sense of humour in school that I carried onto films. But that's not enough any more, so I had to revamp myself completely in order to play a character on film that has mass appeal. The success of Hum Saath Saath Hain made me confident that I could play a 'lead romantic role' in this country. I was very happy when Sooraj Barjatya cast me; he pretty much has the industry at his disposal in terms of actors.

Originally titled Friends, your new movie Kya Kehna is about to be released. What is it about?

They shied away from English titles after the disaster of Jeans. Kya Kehna deals with the issue of pre-marital pregnancy. A young girl named Priya (Preity Zinta), who has strong values and correct behaviour, falls for this well spoken, intelligent loner. He has trouble with his mother; he doesn't respect his parents, their marriage and also the institution of marriage. She wants to go out with him, but he feels that it's not right for her to enter a relationship that has no possibility of ending in marriage. She pursues it even further, until he eventually sleeps with her. The trouble arises as she gets pregnant. She wants to marry him, but he flatly refuses. The film deals with what happens when she decides to have the baby on her own.
It was a commercial script being directed by a non-commercial director, I found it interesting. Kya Yehi Pyar Hai, I think, is a terrible title. The films should have been called Friends, as it was initially. But I think the reaction to Jeans has scared everyone. Now they must be saying, "Forget it, man. Let's stick to something safe and Hindi." When I heard about Chandrachur's exit and then his re-entry into the film, it made me think. I wasn't really insecure but I was relieved that it wasn't my neck on the chopping block.

How is Kundan Shah to work with?

Great! I don't know how much fun he is having because he seems very tense. Kundan Shah is a very intelligent person. He knows a lot about cinema and is so good at shaping characters on screen. My role could be loosely defined as a negative role, so I played it the obvious way. Which was wrong. Kundan came to me and said, "try saying it politely, you're a nice guy, it will carry more weight." By the time he was done, Kundan had carved out a three-dimensional character. I looked more real, like a regular guy who isn't perfect, but he's honest about it. He will invent a new formula for every scene and shies away from clich鳮 It's taken quite some time to finish, which audiences tend to sniff. It's the kind of movie where if women really like it, it could catch on.

Whatever happened to Loveria?

The shoot has been completed and dubbed. The problem is that there is no money to publicise the film, and now it's too old for anyone else to be interested in publicising it. A four-year-old movie like Loveria will probably never be released.

What other offers have you got? What are your plans for the future?

I've signed two movies and I'm thinking of signing a third film with Arjun Sublok. Before Hum Saath Saath Hain, I thought I needed to do a certain number of films every year in order to be in circulation. I don't believe that any more. I'm not in a hurry to sign on any films because they take time. I would like to make sure that the film is quality stuff before I agree to spend a year of my life working on it. You wouldn't mind it if you are 21-25, but I'm 28.

You have been going through a bad phase. How did you cope with it?

I have stopped playing the game of triple shifts. I'll do four films a year and spend the rest of my time getting to know my family, my daughter. Make friends with her, travel around the world, go fishing somewhere, live life a little. Nobody realises it, but if you are not careful, you end up becoming a commodity and start shuttling from one studio to the next, and that's it. Blink and your life's over. There's no one even to ask you the time of the day. So I've decided to work on my terms. These are the best years of my life and I am not going to fritter them away. I have to thank my parents for my upbringing because of which I can still talk with a certain amount of confidence, despite all the flops I have given.

When you're not busy working, what else occupies your time?

Well, I work out. Looking good is not so easy at my age. I want to be in a better physical shape. I have been working hard towards it. Changing your mindset is not easy. I'm not a sadhu. I like to stay up late. Sleeping early, exercise and a healthy diet is not really for me, but my career comes with a price - the cost of looking good.

How would you describe yourself as a parent?

I may have been a little wild at one time, but I've changed. Having Sara has changed me quite a bit. After I've shot all night, I'm chilling out in bed or watching TV late in the afternoon, Amrita beside me, when Sara walks in and tells me to walk down and play with her. I groan, "No, you come in." And then in a flash, I remember myself as a child mouthing the same lines, and instantly I jump up and run out with her. I don't want things to be the same. Sara's about 50 percent like me. The rest, she's like Amrita.

How has your marriage to Amrita changed you?

Anyone who meets my wife alone would probably never associate her with someone like me. She's not me at all. But living together, we have influenced each other's way of speaking and thinking and being. Sara has strengthened my faith in our relationship. She is the visual proof that it's ok to blend. Personally, I'm very happy today. And professionally, I'm willing to take one step at a time.

Do you have a message?

For the people who have watched my movies and liked them, I would like to thank them for their support and encouragement. I think in India particularly, being in the entertainment industry is not only a job but also a responsibility to work hard to try and entertain people. I promise not to do films for money or to just to stay busy, but to either to create art or something people enjoy watching.

Secret Marriages
27 Feb, 2008 04:13 am

It’s shocking to the point of being seemingly unbelievable, but it’s true.

Noted astro numerologist Bhavikk Sangghvi analyses that all the ‘secret marriages’ in Bollywood have had the No.4 and 8 in common i.e. be it the person’s date of birth, their marriage dates, vibrations of his / her name etc.

People or dates ruled by Uranus / Rahu ( No.4 ) are moody and unpredictable. They like to try out new adventures in their lives and eloping or getting married secretly is ‘their’ idea of showcasing their unconventional attitude towards life ( so what if it’s a bad decision or even the whole marriage is a farce ).

Whereas people or dates ruled by Saturn / Shani ( No.8 ) go through their share of major ups and downs in life and the struggle part ( either professionally or personally ) just never seems to end.

Take a look at famous Bollywood couples who have fallen victim to the SMS ( Secret Marriage Syndrome ) :-

1) Shammi Kapoor had a quiet temple affair at Banganga with Geeta Bali in 1955. The former ( born on 21st Oct. 1931 ) is a Libran partly ruled by No.8.

2) Kishore Kumar secretly married Madhubala in 1960. Kishoreda was a No.4 person in numerology born on 4th Aug. 1929 whereas Madhubala ( 14th Feb. 1933 ) was an Aquarian ( all Aquarians are commonly ruled by No.8 ).

3) In 1980, Dilip Kumar ( 11th Dec. 1922 ) secretly married Asma. Dilip Kumar is indirectly ruled by No.4 since his destiny number adds up to No.1 ( 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 + 1 + 9 + 2 + 2 = 19 = 1 + 9 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1 ). ( Nos.1 and 4 always go hand in hand ).

4) Sanjay Khan ( 3rd Jan. 1941 ) secretly married Zeenat Aman in the same year (1980) Sanjay too is indirectly ruled by No.4 since his destiny number also add up to No.1 ( 3 + 1 + 1 + 9 + 4 + 1 = 19 = 1 + 9 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1 ). On the other hand, Zeenat is doubly ruled by No.1 ( and hence No.4 ) since her fate and destiny number both add up to No.1. ( 19th Nov. 1951 i.e. 1 + 9 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 9 + 5 + 1 = 28 = 2 + 8 = 1 + 0 = 1 ).

5) Not to be left behind, Hema Malini also secretly married Dharmendra in 1980. The latter is a No.8 ( 8th Dec. 1935 ) person in numerology while the former is partly ruled by No.8 being a Libran ( 16th Oct. 1948 ).

6) Raj Babber ( 23rd June 1952 ) secretly married Smita Patil ( 17th Oct. 1955 ) in 1985. While the latter was both ways ruled by Saturn ( No.8 ) being born on the 17th and also a Libran partly ruled by No.8 ), Raj is indirectly ruled by No.4 since his destiny number adds up to No.1 ( 2 + 3 + 6 + 1 + 9 + 5 + 2 = 28 = 2 + 8 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1 ). ( 1 – 4 factor )

7) Jayaprada went through a secret wedding ceremony with the much married producer Srikant Nahta at a hotel in Mumbai on 22nd June, 1986. This day was primarily ruled by No.4 ( 2 + 2 = 4 ). Also her date of birth adds up to No.8 ( 3rd Apr. 1954 = 3 + 4 + 1 + 9 + 5 + 4 = 26 = 2 + 6 = 8 ).

8) Padmini Kolhapure went through a 1 am ceremony with producer Pradeep Sharma on 13th Aug. 1986. This day too belonged to Rahu ( 1 + 3 = 4 ).

9) In 1986, even the perfectionist Aamir Khan could not resist the SMS temptation. In this case, the actor’s name adds up to No.22 ( 2 + 2 = 4 ).

10) Our very own ‘Chi-Chi’ secretly married Sunita, sister of his maternal aunt at their kuluguru’s math in 1987. Govinda is a cusp born between the two sun signs – Sagittarius and Capricorn ( 21st Dec. 1963 ). All Capricorns are commonly ruled by No.8.

11) The versatile Kamal Haasan secretly married actress Sarika in 1988. Once again, Kamal’s destiny number adds up to No.1 ( 7th Nov. 1954 = 7 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 9 + 5 + 4 = 28 = 2 + 8 = 10 = 1 + 0 = 1 ) making him indirectly ruled by No.4 ( 1 – 4 factor )

12) A struggling actor then, Saif Ali Khan & Amrita Singh’s secret marriage was solemnised by a ‘maulvi’ in 1991. While Amrita is an Aquarian ruled by No.8 ( 9th Feb. 1958 ), Saif is a Leo ( 16th Aug. 1970 ) ruled by No.1 and hence indirectly ruled by No.4. ( 1 – 4 factor )

13) Sridevi too, married Boney Kapoor in a clandestine way before he could legally desert his first wife. Sri is directly ruled by No.4 ( 13th Aug. 1959 ) and also indirectly, being a Leo ruled by No.1. ( 1 – 4 factor )

14 ) Last but not the least, Sanjay Dutt in his 49th year ( 4 + 9 = 13 = 1 + 3 = 4 ) secretly married his girlfriend of two years, Manyata last week. Sanju is also a Leo ( 29th July, 1959 ) indirectly ruled by No.4. ( 1 – 4 factor ).

At this rate, the ‘secret marriage syndrome’ ( SMS ) is here to stay !

Saif and Amrita - Divorce in process 2004

I can't forget Amrita, kids: Saif

Rumours swirl around the Amrita Singh-Saif Ali Khan marriage. Saif's philandering ways have allegedly taken a toll on the marriage, he has moved out, plans to move in with his Italian girlfriend -- but this is all mere speculation. No confirmation has come forth from the parties concerned. Till now.

TOI finally touched base with Saif. Since the news about his estranged marriage came out, Saif has been in London, evading the media and friends. "I don't know how such a personal thing became public. Maybe some common friends leaked it. It's very unnerving for me," he says.

The news has affected him very badly. "It's very upsetting for me. I am shattered. I've tremendous respect for Amrita. And how can I forget my kids?"

So what's he trying to say? Is a reconciliation on the cards? "But, obviously. I am trying to sort out everything day by day. We will get back together," he says, sounding hassled.

There have been reports of him seeing an Italian woman. "I am not talking about my personal life. It's nobody's business. At this point, anything I say will be misconstrued. Moreover, I think whatever is happening is too personal for me to discuss in public. But Dingy and I are surely working towards getting back. We've been there for each other and my family is important to me," he says.

Are they still in touch? "Of course I am in touch with Amrita. I call her everyday. Look, whatever happens, happens for the best! But I am very fond of Amrita -- I love her too much!"

Amrita Singh, these days, is taking solace in her kids Sarah and Ibrahim. A close friend says that Amrita is devastated and has completely shut herself off from most of the world.

She understandably refuses to take any calls that remind her of the pain and hurt. She keeps herself busy taking her children for speech therapy classes, and spending as much time with them at home.

Amrita hardly parties, but now, says the friend, that she is trying to go out and mingle with close friends. All efforts to reach her have been in vain.

An amicable talaq! - 2004

Last week a much celebrated film couple officially and finally parted ways but, surprisingly, without many tears, recriminations, admonitions and the heartache that normally accompanies such tragic events. Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh were, reportedly, formally divorced in a sombre talaq (their marriage had been solemnised in a Nikaahnaama) ceremony at the Lokhandwala home they once shared. In the presence of a few freinds to act as witnesses and some family members, the couple mutually parted ways, after a brief trial period of trying to work things out. Apparently they were talking, laughing and even sharing an odd joke or two through the solemn and sad ritual. And that's the best possible news for their children, who will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds with their parents. So while Saif will continue with his rising film career, Amrita plans to throw herself into work with a vengeance, to ease the transition. We wish them a great future.

Legal Eagle
[20 Feb 2007]
Taking Sides in the Amrita-Saif split


I have known Amrita long before she married Saif. After their marriage, Saif became very close to me. We met often and so it was a shock when suddenly I learnt that all was not well in the marriage. Whenever we met, they seemed very much in love. The bombshell came when Amrita told me, ‘Listen, this guy’s cheating on me.’ Neither of them wanted it to be messy because the children were involved. Of course, Saif was in a predicament because I was close to Amrita prior to their marriage so he had to go to another lawyer. But even that lawyer happened to be a close friend and associate, Kranti Sathe. Neither took a difficult stance so it was one of the easiest and most amicable divorce settlements that I have come across. Thankfully, Saif and Amrita sorted out the cheating factor between themselves before they came to me. They just said that they could not live with each other and opted for a divorce by mutual consent. The alimony was accepted and so was the permanent maintenance of the children.

There were phrases when Amrita would say, ‘He wants to come and meet the children. What should I do?’ I told her that he’s the father she would have to allow him. Earlier she would not want to be at home when he came but later they started meeting on a friendly basis. Even today they go to the parent-teacher meetings together.

Recently, when Saif’s car was taken in by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), I handled his case and my son went with him for the interrogation. It must have been difficult for Saif to come back to the lawyer of his wife. Even when Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi was caught in the poaching case, Sharmila Tagore called me from Delhi.

All About Saif and Amrita - After Divorce

'I am an old chapter in Saif’s life now’

Amrita breaks her silence
10 Oct 2007, 0000 hrs IST,TNN

Contrary to reports, Amrita Singh and Saif Ali Khan are not getting back. Amrita breaks her silence, and rubbishes rumours about her getting back with ex-husband Saif.

In her characteristic firebrand style, Amrita says, “Let’s clarify this once and for all. I am fed up of this loose talk. Just because Saif and I were spotted at few places, does not imply that we will once again be husband and wife. Yes, we went to Salman and Sanju’s house but they are our common friends. We both have known them for a long time.”

She explains her current equation with Saif. “Saif is the father of our kids. He is family. But I have no plans to stay with him again. I am an old chapter in Saif's life.”

Amrita refrains from speaking about Saif’s alleged affairs with Yana Gupta, Bipasha Basu and Kareena Kapoor. “Saif’s personal life is not my territory now. I don’t question him on that. He is free to do what he wants. We don’t talk about these things when we meet. So why should I even think about it, leave aside comment on it?” Amrita demands to know.

For the initiated: Since the past few weeks, the buzz doing the rounds is that Amrita and Saif have decided to get back together. It was even being said that Saif’s split with his Italian girlfriend Rozza Catalano was due to bonding with Amrita all over again.

Amrita and Saif were spotted coming out from Salman Khan’s house. Few days later, they were seen dining together at a suburban restaurant and taking their kids for a swim at a suburban five-star hotel. Recently, they went to Sanjay Dutt’s house too. These outings led to speculation that they have kissed and made up.

Saif is my past...(March 12, 2007)

Amrita Singh reacts to rumours that Khan’s break-up with Italian girlfriend Rosa Catalano was because of their ‘renewed’ friendship

When a much-in-the-news couple breaks up, a lot is made of their parting and the blame game begins. Everyone, from the former partner to the family and sometimes even close friends, is to blame.

So when Saif Ali Khan and his girlfriend of two years Rosa Catalano decided to part ways, ex-wife Amrita Singh, his family and even Rosa’s budding television career were put in the dock.

‘Not my business’

However, Amrita Singh refutes that she has anything to do with the break-up. What’s more, she’s angry about certain sections of the press alluding to a patch-up between her and her former husband. “Saif is my past. What he does is not my business or concern,” is all she is willing to say.

But a source close to Saif puts things in perspective. “Amrita has not visited Saif since he returned home (he recently suffered from a heart condition), though she did go to see him at the hospital with the kids (Sara and Ebrahim).

Even though they remain in touch, stories about him and Amrita getting back together are not true. Saif is extremely focussed on his career.

He had some great releases last year and won several awards for his performance in Omkara. He’s also in the process of signing new films and has just launched his production company, Illuminati Films, with producer Dinesh Vijan.

As you can see, there’s really no time for a personal life. At present, he is concentrating on getting back to work.”

‘I respect Amrita’

On Sunday night’s episode of Koffee with Karan, Saif spoke at length about his marriage and split with Amrita, telling Karan Johar, “I have matured because of all kinds of non-settling thoughts, experiences, paranoias, and being judged and accepted. It has made me tougher.

I was extremely well taken care of. Now I must do things like running a home, which is something I have never done.

I am getting there. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Amrita. I’d really like us to be friends one day.”

But Amrita refuses to comment on Saif’s statement. She says bluntly, “I have said what I have to. Now please keep me out of this.”

Meanwhile, the source says Saif and Rosa’s parting was amicable. “It’s pointless to blame other people for the break-up. Only they know what really went wrong.

Rosa has gone back to Switzerland, but there was no bitterness or acrimony between them. Saif and she are sensible, mature individuals and want different things in life.

They were in a relationship for over two years, so naturally, it will take some time for them to recover and get back on their feet,” says the source.

It is expected that Rosa will return to India in a few weeks time, as she was getting ready to launch a glamourous career here before the unexpected break-up.

There have been talks about her anchoring a fashion-based television show for a while now, and sources say pretty much everything has been put in place.

Saif and his ex-Amrita Singh visit Sanjay Dutt together (Aug 27th 2007)

First the heart issue and then, a break-up with girlfriend Rosa; this is apparently led to Saif getting close to his ex-wife Amrita Singh and we were surprised to see the duo visit Sanjay Dutt together.

Saif drove in his Lexus with ex-wife Amrita and daughter Sara seated in the back to visit Munnabhai. On the way out, their daughter Sara insisted on seeing Sanjay Dutt’s red Ferrari in the garage. While Sara admired the Ferrari, Amrita and Saif stood there joking; they behaved like any normal couple.

Saif also got the door for Amrita on their way out. After stories of Bipasha going back to John, there were rumors of Dia helping Saif get over his drinking habit and was playing nurse to his ailing heart but, now with Saif getting close to his ex-Amrita, we are not sure for how long Dia’s ‘pyaar ka Dia’ will be lit for Saif.

Checkout pictures of friends and family, who greeted Sanjay Dutt after he returned to Mumbai in his chartered flight from Yerwada Jail in Pune upon approval of his bail plea.

Will Saif Ali Khan get back with former wife Amrita Singh? (April 10, 2007)

Saif Ali Khan and his new home raise possibilities of his getting back with former wife Amrita Singh.

10 April 2007(Sawf News) - Saif Ali Khan and his new home raise possibilities of his getting back with former wife Amrita Singh.

Karan Johar recently decided to move into a new home on the seafront of Bandra to be near his buddy SRK. It is now being reported that Saif Ali Khan, recovering from his recent illness, has also chosen to move to the same location but for (Thankfully!) a different reason.

Saif wants to 'own' his home and move from his rented flat in Andheri to a new pad in Bandra.

"It will be quiet and lonesome - I have no one to go home to any more because I am single," says Saif, "I do miss companionship and romance in my life but my new home is open and planned for the eventual companion who will come into my life. I am enjoying a new serenity in life because intense love - which too has its place in life - makes one selfish. One wants to get home quickly after work and even hang up when one's mum calls. I want to enjoy the love that surrounds me now and my single status, because I can give 100 per cent to the many films I am doing this year."

Saif was recently seen dancing away for big bucks (with Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif, Sonu Nigam, Sushmita Sen and Akshay Kumar), at the Vaswani family wedding in Dubai. Vaswanis are Kenyan billionaires and have many friends in Bollywood.

However, some friends say that Saif's conversations these days are heavily peppered with praises of Amrita Singh, his former wife, who he thinks is a great actress. Is he working quietly towards getting back with her and the children?

Meanwhile, on another front, Rosa, his ex-girlfriend, is back in Mumbai, ready to enter the glamour world with her debut as an anchor for designers Shane and Falguni Peacock's television show on fashion and style! The story gets edgy every day!

SAIF: NO PLAN TO MARRY AGAIN

Saif Ali Khan son of former captain of Indian cricket team Mansoor Ali Khan and famous star Sharmila Tagore, is now a successful actor. However, he has traveled a long way in his profession. Director Rahul Rawel gave his 'Bekhudi' to Saif but the latter lost it because of his carelessness. But Saif turned serious and improved his acting skill in his every film. Thus he proved his talent in 'Dil Chahta Hai'. From here his career's graph soared to new heights that prompted several directors to make offers to him in plenty. Saif has given so many hit movie like 'Hum Tum' opposite Rani Mukherjee, 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' with Salman, Sonali Bendre, Karisma Kapoor, Tabu, Mohnish Behl and Neelam, 'Kal Ho Naa Ho' with Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta besides 'Ek Hassina Thi' opposite Rani Mukherjee and 'LoC', 'Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega' and many others. However, the success in career brought misfortune in his family life. He divorced his wife another famous actress Amrita Singh. Recently we met with Saif and discussed about his personal life during our chat.

Excerpts of the chat:

Is it true that you have divorced your wife Amrita Singh?

Yes, this is true. I have divorced her. However, it's tough for me to say that this is a right or a wrong step. I am happy that we have not parted from each other on a bitter memory. I give respect to her; she is mother of my children. Since we differ from each other, we couldn't live together any more. Now, every thing is fine. I am satisfied that Amrita and my children are economically strong. I have changed my residence, and given our bungalow to Amrita.

Tell us something about your children?

Amrita is mother and warden of my children. They are in joint custody. I can see them whenever I want. This is a serious topic and I don't want my children to read something wrong about this. They are intelligent, and understand these things better. My daughter Sara has understood the situation very well.

What about Amrita?

We have spent 13 years together, and I respect her very much. She is a good actress and she does whatever she enjoys. I think she doesn't need to work now.

What happened between both of you that led to a divorce?

Many things are responsible for it. Yet, we tried our level best to improve our relations, but I regret to say that we failed. I am happy that we separated without any bitterness. I don't want to hurt anybody's feelings so I wouldn't say much more about it.

Has any other woman entered your life? Would you tell us about her?

I had met with her only about three months ago. This is not a secret though, Amrita also knows about her. I never hide anything from people; I don't want to hurt any body.

Would you marry again?

No, I have no such idea in my mind.



TIME TO DISCO

Everything’s new in Saif Ali Khan’s life. New interests, new modelling assignments and new-found fame. So he sees no reason to keep an old wife

In some high-tech, all-secure laboratory, men and women in white coats are no doubt doing all they can to get to the bottom of an old debate: does reel life influence real life, or is it the other way around? They should have just asked Saif Ali Khan.

Months before the buzz about his impending marital split reached a crescendo, the Hindi film hero was play-acting a script for a commercial — and settling the debate for once and for all that it was the reel life that called the shots. With a packet of potato chips in his hands and a glint in his eyes, old Saif hinted at what was to follow in his real life with words akin to: “Bet you can’t have just one!”

Those of you who think that he was referring not so much to a wafer as to a wife may be forgiven. For it now transpires that the actor — a hit of the new millennium — is seemingly following one of the golden rules of success: Climb new heights, dump old wife.

Earlier this week, gossip-wires hotted up when the couple’s friends — as anonymous as they were reportedly dear — said that 34-year-old Saif and his wife, Amrita, were separating.

For long years, as Saif — the eldest child of actor Sharmila Tagore and former cricketer, Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi — tried to squeeze his way into Bollywood, he and wife Amrita were a hit couple. Now, as a series of hits catapults Saif to the top, he is ready to leave his wife.

The story is ironic, for Saif’s parents have touched a record of sorts by making their marriage work in a world where partners are changed as often as socks. And in Mumbai’s film industry, even the younger Khans’ marriage was often referred to as one of those made-to-order gifts from heaven.

Legend has it that Amrita Singh — Dingy to friends — met Saif at a party and invited him home, urging him to bring his own bottle of Scotch. Saif came, bottle in hand, and later said: “I never left.”

But the senior Khans had been appalled when Saif, then just 21, announced that he was going to marry the daughter of an old Sanjay Gandhi crony, Rukshana Sultana. They did their best to dissuade him from taking what they thought was a rash step. But Saif did not budge.

This time, if the murmurs are to be believed, Saif’s parents have been trying to persuade him not to leave his wife and two children.

But Saif, the reports say, is adamant. And the film world, where three Khans — Shah Rukh, Aamir and Saif — were once synonyms for marital stability, is suitably heart-broken, Aamir having earlier flown the coop.

Simi Garewal, who interviewed the couple on her popular television show, told a newspaper: “I haven’t been in touch (with them) but I hope it’s just a phase and they get back together. It’s too early for an obit.”

Strangely, marital obituaries go hand-in-hand with professional paeans. After his eminently forgettable 1992 debut, Parampara, Saif was scornfully laughed off by cinema-goers and critics. But the last few years have seen the rise of Saif — both on the big screen and in television commercials.

A critic describes him as the multiplex star — a suave and urbane hero who gels well with a similar audience. Which is why, some argue, he essentially made his mark with the funky Farhan Akhtar film, Dil Chahta Hai. And while a popular second lead, he really came into his own with the 2004 hit, Hum Tum.

But Saif has always been a bit of a misfit in the industry. A Wykehamist — as old students of Winchester College in England like to call themselves — Saif has some out-of-the-Bollywood-box traits: he plays a mean guitar and did a fairly commendable sculpture of a lion for an international art exhibition in Singapore a few months ago. In interviews, he candidly speaks about being propositioned by a man when he was a teenager and flinging his pet cat from an upstairs window.

So far, it seemed that even in marriage, Saif had carved his own path. But that’s one myth gone bust. And it seems that the one who saw it coming was his son, Ibrahim.

Reports suggest that every time the three-year-old sees a man kissing a woman on the screen, he yells excitedly: That’s my dad!

We told you, reel life rules.

Amrita’s back in action

AT one time she was the toast of the celebrity world. The fresh-faced Amrita Singh had an eventful filmi career behind her and Saif Ali Khan for a husband.

Alas, times change. Amrita is back in news ever since her marriage with Saif came apart. But the doughty lady is taking charge of her life and getting back to acting which she had left abruptly at a time when she was destined to be No. 1.

Twenty years after she clocked her first big hit, Betaab opposite Sunny Deol, Amrita will soon be seen on the screen — the small one for the moment. She has been offered a pivotal role in a new Ektaa Kapoor soap.

Though some feel that this might be her way of cocking a snook at Saif who strongly disapproved of her acting, others say Amrita is a gritty lady and is making a serious comeback bid with the support of none other than her mother-in-law, Sharmila Tagore.

Koffee with Karan!

Men love him?women love him? kids love him? critics love him? cynics love him? everybody loves him! Versatility is now being touted as his latest virtue! This trendy nawab actually surprised audiences by getting a rural dialect pitch perfect in his recent big hit- Omkara! Karan?s first guest this week is a superstar, a fighter, a survivor, but most importantly? the actor ? Saif Ali Khan. His second guest is a member of Saif?s family and a representative of Gen-Next in Bollywood. An actress who has strongly made her presence felt in one of the most acclaimed films of 2006 ? Rang De Basanti - Soha Ali Khan! Meet the royal brother-sister duo in an exciting and heartwarming episode, this Sunday, March 11th at 9 p.m. only on Star One and Star World only on Koffee with Karan!

Karan: Do you get along with Rosa?
Soha: Yes! Again? I?ve only spent time when Bhai and her are together but I?ve spent some time with her and she?s very nice. And she?s a very kind and warm person and she?s a very good cook!
Karan: And that helps?
Soha: It always helps!
Karan: Was it difficult for you to make the transition from Amrita to Rosa? Was it difficult for you emotionally because you had to deal with two different people in the same time zone?
Saif: Tell her to shut up! Tell him? Let?s talk about Rang De Basanti?
Soha: Ok! I think he wants me to tell you that!
Karan: Ok! You can tell me to shut up?
Saif: No! No! Carry on?
Karan: Ok? we wont shut up then.. was it tough?
Soha: No! It wasn?t tough? I have a sort of independent relationship with most people? I think we?re quite a strange family as well. We all have our independent lives but we?re very close! I think I related to bhabhi as bhai?s wife at the same time as well as a person-to-person as I relate to her now so in that sense they?re 2 separate relationships!
Saif: And again? if you ask me? it becomes like a comparison.. and there is none.. between anybody? its wrong?wrong to compare and the times we had in the past?whatever it was.. its not right to discuss it too much on camera because some things are so private. There were great things? were great times? obviously if you choose to be married?

Karan: What is your take on the institution?
Soha: I still believe in it! I look forward to it! I see myself married at some point? I think it?s unfortunate at times. It?s a promise between 2 people and sometimes you?re unable to fulfill the promise. That?s always sad when that breaks but I think there?s lots going for it.
Saif: I think there?s a lot going for it as well. I don?t know if I said that?
Karan: Though I?m fairly cynical about the institution but that?s just me!
Karan: So is there anyone around?
Soha: No? not at the moment!
Karan: Your single?
Soha: Yes? single..
Karan: No Prince of Morocco?
Soha: No! That?s bizarre.
Karan: I read it somewhere that the Prince of Morocco proposed to you?
Soha: We should ask my parents that because they?ll know more than me. Sometimes proposals come that are filtered?
Karan: And they filtered this proposal? What were they thinking?
Soha: I need to ask my mother about it because there was some talk of a Moroccan connection?
Karan: Would you like your sister to marry the Prince of Morocco?
Saif: Nice summer holiday?
Karan: And that?s the only reason you would like her to marry him?
Saif: I don?t know.. What are these Morrocan?s like?
Soha: I went to Morocco with a blonde female friend of mine and over there you?re offered camels in place of women. So of course being blonde and blue-eyed she was offered 300 camels. The gentleman who we were with was offered 300 camels in place of her and 5 camels for me because I look typically Arabic.
Saif: Does this happen? Does the transaction go through?
Soha: Presumably! I don?t know where you would keep 300 camels though!
Karan: Certainly not in any of your homes for sure!

Karan: Your versatility is being most talked about especially post- Omkara!
Saif: Yeah! That was quite surprising!
Karan: You were surprised?
Saif: I was quite surprised that Vishal cast me? Actually I was on location in Jaipur and my mother told me something just a day before that ?You should do something Shakespearean? You should play Othello!? Just the next day Vishal Bhardwaj rang up and told me, ?I want to come to meet you.. I?m planning on making Othello! And I was like wow.. that?s some coincidence! He came down to Jaipur and he was like, ?Not to play Othello, to play Iago and naturally I had this paranoia? ?Dude.. you see something evil in me? Why??? He saw Dil Chahta Hai!
Karan: But there was no reflection of Langda tyagi in Dil Chahta Hai!
Saif: He liked Dil Chahta Hai! And said that, ?As an actor if you can do that, you can definitely do this!? But he said you have to completely change everything, which made me think that it would be better to go with someone who?s actually different! I would have to shave my head, which I have some kind of samsonian phobia about.
Karan: Were you actually hysterical you had to do that?
Saif: It was on Eid and I was sitting there and he said consider this auspicious day to qurbaan karo your baal!
Karan: Dramatic!

Karan: Were you insecure initially that you weren?t playing Omkara?
Saif: I asked him you know.. Why can?t I play Omkara? Or Othello? And he said, ?You know Othello?s got an underlying complex about his looks and I think you are really handsome!?
Karan: But I think that worked out well because that really turned out to be the performance of the film!
Saif: In a way that?s interesting and nice? I remember cinema from my point of view in Bombay. Change was not really encouraged? I mean if you had a hit with a particular hairstyle? even character names is something people still stick to!
Karan: They all start with R and sound very generic! So from Langda Tyagi as a character name and the character in mainstream cinema along with the trappings, generally with a big cast and everything? It was break through in that sense!
Saif: And I think things have changed! People like to watch new things. They judge actors. They don?t think you can only do certain type of roles. Like there is this massage boy.. Irshaad.. who comes home.. He?s like, ?Don?t you think now track badal jayega?? So I?m like, ?track badal jayega means what?? He?s like, ?No like people will only see you as a villain now!?
Karan: No! I would say there?s an archaic way of looking at things but you?ve been through the whole process.
Karan: Saif, when you came in.. you were criticized for being too western and no one really thought you will make it to the point you have! And now you are considered the first metrosexual hero that Indian cinema has to offer.
Saif: You better stop that because apparently it?s quite in after the Bond film to be rugged! So don?t call me metrosexy now!
Karan: We don?t know what the word really means!
Saif: is it Gay?
Karan: No its not! It?s definitely not gay!
Saif: Yeah! We know what it means.. I mean I do have a couple of creams in my bathroom that I like to use!
Karan: And do you go for a manicure or pedicure?
Saif: Once in a while! I feel having really ragged nails and split cuticles is no good! People judge people by their hands. I was told that! I look at hands quite a lot!
Karan: Oh dear! (Hiding hands)
Karan: Omkara and versatility of course the superstardom! Does it surprise you?
Saif: I won?t call it superstardom!
Karan: It is! I?m calling it that and I?m from the inner circles of the film fraternity so if I?m saying it.. it must be true!
Saif: You are the circle of the film fraternity!
Karan: No I?m not! You are viable commercially? your critics love you ? everyone loves you! I know I?m gushing right now but it?s all true!
Saif: I think I?ve been at it for sometime and I?ve learnt and grown. With all this also comes a sense of responsibility and this is my life! I?m really not capable of doing anything else as rewarding in every way- emotionally, financially. This is all I can do and I?m happy I can do it well! But its become more than getting happy.. getting a compliment or something? There?s a long way to go! There?s an entire life to take care of. This is my way of supporting myself and very seriously it?s my career? it?s what drives me! I?ve learnt that I need to do it and it?s very much a part of who I am?

Karan: Speaking of your life and your responsibilities? things have changed dramatically even in your personal life? I mean there were things which were different a few years back and now.. post your marital split, has life been difficult emotionally?
Saif: At times yes! When you?re in the public eye it is clich頴o say? you live under a microscope? it is disturbing and annoying at times being constantly discussed and you feel like defending yourself. At times you want to prove yourself that you?re a nice guy and didn?t mean to hurt anyone and again I?ve matured and I just shut up and try and be as nice as possible. I never claimed to say that I have all the answers in life. I just found myself in situations that were difficult to deal with and made my way? muddled my way through it trying not to upset anyone and unavoidably I suppose I did?

Karan: You think you handled the situation well personally?
Saif: No! I?m absolutely rubbish at handling situations well! Well ? is the stuff of history? Well is the stuff of men who do difficult things and have conversations and are clear and honest and I think psychologically it boils down to a simple thing of delaying gratification and I?m not very good at that .. I would prefer instant gratification. Yes.. I think I could have handled it better or more clearly- little more man-style opposed to boyish kind of ? Looking back I wouldn?t call it regret because I feel what has happened has happened for the best but yes, the way it happened its not very easy with so much media attention? At one time I felt most comfortable with waiters at restaurants because they smiled and acted normal and were happy to see me?

Karan: You feel they weren?t judging you?
Saif: Yeah! Then I realized? that?s a little silly!

Karan: Ok! We were talking about your marriage and what happened.. and you said you may not have handled it to the best of your ability!
Saif: But you know what happened in retrospect. Perhaps its easier to say but you know .. to sit down and do the right thing, say the right thing at the right time.. most of the people wait for catalysts to move them and when that happens sometimes it makes things difficult to be respectful or friendly and I think that?s really important. I really do owe a lot I believe? and I have a tremendous amount of respect for my ex-wife- Amrita and I would really like us to be friends one day?
Karan: What?s your current equation with her?
Saif: It?s still a little early or fresh..
Karan: Did you feel the fraternity? not just people by and large?because Amrita has been in the industry?
Saif: You know? completely aside from Amrita? what I did feel.. there?s many aspects that I felt. I think I did learn that marriage is a very serious institution. I think I was very young also? im not making excuses for myself but I was really 21! I really did not know what I know now! And that is that it is a very serious institution and society is built around it and if you have a lot of people walking around breaking that, it?s a threat to society so people look at you like..ok! I don?t know if you should be here? fortunately you are a star, you are doing well protects you..so I am actually thankful to the industry for protecting me.. but most if all I found that the strength and the survival came from myself! Because when I did walk into a room and I felt a certain amount of ostracized?what is it? Ultimately it didn?t matter?ultimately it actually didn?t matter because if you feel what you are doing is right! It?s a very big deal also because I cant imagine the effect this would have on Sarah and Ibrahim. I just pray and will make every effort possible. One thing is there? Sarah did say to me, ?You spend more quality time with me now.. than ever before?. I?m not saying that?s great and that everything?s fine but that is something special!

Karan: So you are being more of a father to them today!
Saif: Yes! There have been many catalysts! I think ultimately my being honest to myself has translated to being more courageous and honest as an actor.

Karan: Are you a better actor post your split?
Saif: I don?t know if its just age or if it?s a certain amount of mental maturity as a result of all kinds of non-settling thoughts, experiences and paranoia?s and being judged and accepted. But it makes you tougher? I was extremely well taken care of! And now I must? as a man? do that myself? which is something I?ve never done? like running a home! I?m getting there!

Karan: But you have someone with you now?
Saif: Yes I do!
Karan: You?re dating an Italian girl- Rosa!
Saif: Yes? That?s right!
Karan: And you?ve been out with her and it?s a relationship you?ve even gone on record and admitted to!
Saif: Yes? I mean? ofcourse!
Karan: Of course! You can?t deny something like that! So do you see a future there or you don?t want to say anything yet? You want to take life as it comes?
Saif: No! It?s not as casual as that! I think any relationship I get into would be because I see certain things in a person that I would be willing to go with. At the same time I don?t know if I can set a time limit or say tomorrow this will happen or that will happen. I hope things work out like a fairy tale but at the same time its not something I plan too much about? I do think about the future but I think perhaps, because of things I?ve been through myself?
Karan: I suppose you are just taking life as it comes?
Saif: Not as it comes but with a certain amount of expectation. I hope things work out? I really hope things work out?.
Karan: The equation with your kids and Rosa? Is that good?
Saif: Umm! Actually I think so! I was going to say Yes?!
Karan: But you do you think so?
Saif: because I always feel sort of awkward answering for other people. I mean there have been times ? my children have expressed a lot of happiness. Its so weird for me. I still can?t believe sometimes that I?m in this situation but I said that obviously, clearly Rosa is not your mother or mother-figure. Let?s not even go there? if you can just be a friend with no expectation or no horrific step-mother nightmare fantasy or anything like that? and lets see how it goes and I think the time we?ve spent together has actually been more positive? frankly than when ive been alone? whether its teaching Ibrahim skiing or celebrating a holiday or doing things together ? the energy has been very positive and extremely healthy and something that I think they enjoy. Beyond that?I don?t know!

Karan: Have you felt you?ve received a tremendous amount of support from your family? Be it your sisters, your parents vis-୶is Rosa and the situation. Have they been a big support to you?
Saif: I think they have been supportive!

Karan: Lets use a word that?s harsh? Do they ?approve??
Saif: That?s tough again! I would say they would approve of certain aspects of it and perhaps initially they wouldn?t have approved of the way things happened to me or said ?Great!?. Let me say it another way?Yes its important for me what they think and its important for me most of the time to be a good son or good person and if I got a call saying ?I don?t approve!? I would be?
Karan: Shattered?
Saif: No, not shattered but I would be like Oh no! But I think a situation like this.. if its possible for parents to respect a child? they?ve been respectful of that! They?ve always said .. as long as you are happy, we?re supportive! It?s also something to do with Rosa being with my parents and having her own equation with them.
Karan: Does she make an effort?
Saif: I don?t know if its an effort? I think its very natural.
Karan: Has she ever met Amrita?
Saif: I believe so? I introduced them to each other?
Karan: Was that at a party I was at? at Abhishek?s!
Saif: Yes you were standing there..
Karan: Was that the first time?
Saif: You were looking at us from the eyes at the back of your head?
Karan: Was I? That?s mean!
Saif: You were clearly looking there the whole time?
Karan: Was it awkward for you?
Saif: Well it wasn?t something I was? I knew it was inevitable. It was not something I was looking forward to massively or enjoying? I just thought if there?s any such thing as doing the right thing? I just did?
Karan: You introduced Rosa to her?
Saif: Yes!

Karan: I was actually talking to Saif about the support system he had and that time when he had the split because I know you were close to his ex-wife?
Soha: Ofcourse! I?ve lived with both of them? When I first moved to Bombay for over a year? I lived with them.
Karan: Was it tough on you when it happened?
Soha: Ofcourse! I mean it affects everybody. I was not staying there at that point of time when it happened. I?d moved out already but I was close to bhabhi? I?d stayed in her house? it was a stressful time for everyone? I had conversations with the both of them and it is hard but?
Karan: When you say ?was?? are things still the same today or have they changed?
Soha: Things have changed! I?m not as close to bhabhi as I was. We don?t see each other that much. We don?t talk as much which I think at times is inevitable but I think we were all essentially worried about the children more than anything? about Ibrahim and Sarah but they seem to be doing fine. I think kids these days are very grown up. They understand things. I think communication helps and I think they are being spoken to by everybody and they are doing well.

Karan: Have you seen Rang De Basanti, Saif?
Saif: I saw half of it!
Soha: The first half!
Saif: I?m very bad!
Karan: That?s awful. You haven?t seen your sister?s big film! And your comments on that?
Soha: Well? he did come for the premiere, which was very nice and supportive. He stayed for the first half. He had to go. I don?t know.. It has been a year though!
Karan: Theres something known as a DVD, Saif!
Soha: Yeah! Which he has many of! I?m sure you have good reason? What was that again?
Karan: What was the reason, Saif?
Saif: There?s actually no excuse! I just don?t watch that many movies!
Karan: And what compelled you to leave after the first half? I mean people just loved the film? didn?t you?
Saif: I had to attend a senior member of the film fraternity?s wedding!
Karan: Who was that?
Soha: Riddhima was getting married? Rishi Kapoor?s daughter?
Karan: So clearly Rishi Kapoor was more important than Rang De Basanti?
Saif: I?m sure he?l like that! But.. in my defence.. I?ve never seen Aradhna, Amar Prem. Ive seen Mausam. I?ve never seen Amma?s films.
Karan: How did you think things worked out for Saif? Did you think he would be where he is today?
Soha: Fifteen years ago? No!
Karan: What did you think he?d land up doing? Land up in an asylum?
Soha: I thought he?d be a guitarist in a small band?
Karan: Small band! She didn?t even think you?d be a successful rockstar.
Soha: I just remember him with long red hair coming back from university?from school..
Karan: And he was a ladies? man. Wasn?t he? There were many women?
Soha: There were some? yes!
Karan: I knew there was an older women fixation which finally worked out well in a sense and then not. There were also others he was linked with?
Soha: There were some.. I was very young and he used to baby-sit me in England. When I was 5, he used to take me to the pub which was not allowed and he would make me do ?adaab? to all his English friends. All the women found that very endearing. He would take my pocket money.. 5 pounds.. you took from me?
Karan: So there were women in his life and you saw all of that?
Soha: No! Not all of it! Some of it! I went to bed early! (Laughs)

Karan: Do you feel proud today?
Soha: Hugely! I?ve seen all his films!
Karan: Contrary to you!
Saif: In many cases that?s quite an achievement!
Soha: I haven?t seen all of them! Ive seen all the good ones and Im so proud of him and of what hes achieved. Ive spent more time with him in the last 3 years and now that Im also working in films I end up meeting him more often even if its on the set.

Karan: Tell us something about Saif that we don?t know? Is he scared of his father?
Soha: I think he has more respect and admiration for his father.. more than anyone on the planet?
Saif: fear is a bit dark?
Soha: fear is a bit dark.. I think when you respect someone you look up to them?
Karan: and with mum?
Soha: With Amma? It?s an easier friendship? an ability to talk more openly..

Karan: How did you think things worked out for Saif? Did you think he would be where he is today?
Soha: Fifteen years ago? No!
Karan: Do you feel proud of him today?
Soha: Hugely! I?ve seen all his films!
Karan: Contrary to you!
Saif: In many cases that?s quite an achievement!
Soha: I haven?t seen all of them! I?ve seen all the good ones and I?m so proud of him and of what he?s achieved. I?ve spent more time with him in the last 3 years and now that I?m also working in films I end up meeting him more often even if it?s on the set.

All About Sara and Ibrahim

Saif's son makes his debut in Tashan

We are told someone has stolen the thunder from Saif Ali Khan in Yash Raj's Tashan, and it's not another actor in the cast. Apparently, it's none other than his eight-year-old son Ebrahim, who makes his acting debut in the film!

Says a source, “Ebrahim recently shot for the film and he's a real rockstar. Everyone on the set loves him. He plays Saif's son in the film.”

Accompanying him to the shoot was none other than mommy Amrita Singh. “She's a doting mother and wanted to make sure everything went smoothly. In fact, she was present through the entire shoot and cheered and clapped for Ebrahim every time he gave a shot,” adds the source.

Talking about his acting debut, the source says, “Ebrahim looks really cool. He has Amrita's spunk and Saif's looks and is really good in front of the camera. In fact, he loves the attention. Saif keeps joking that his son might steal the limelight from him.”

When asked about Ebrahim's acting debut, Amrita says, “It's true. Ebrahim has done a role in Tashan. I was happy when they asked him to do it, and I'm looking forward to seeing him on the big screen.”

Apparently, Ebrahim was thrilled to have his mom and dad with him during the shoot. “Saif and Amrita sat in the van with him and made sure he was comfortable. He was happy that he got to spend time with both his parents together,” says the source.

Even though Ebrahim's character is under wraps, we're told he plays a really naughty child. “His role isn't too long, but it's important to the story. Also, his scenes with Saif are awesome. Ebrahim is definitely someone to watch out for in Tashan!”

Et tu ibrahim?

Saif Ali Khan and mobile phones have this off-on relationship. In fact, Saif's lost count of the combined number of instruments he and his wife have lost. As if matters were not bad enough, his beta Ibrahim joined the bandwagon when he playfully flung an expensive cellphone neat out of a window and watched it crash. When his parents asked him, the lil one owned up to his prank and asked innocently, "Oh, was that your phone?" Indulgent father that he is, Saif couldn't say much to sonny boy. But he's off hunting for a new phone all over again.

Khan Jr’s ‘Dost’ saga

A few days ago, Saif Ali Khan came to meet his kids Ibrahim and Sara at former wife Amrita Singh’s home.

But on this particular occasion, the doting dad was disappointed to find his son glued to the television, watching the Star One show Ghost Bana Dost. Ibrahim simply refused to be drawn away from the telly and spend time with his dad.

So amused was Saif by this incident, that he actually called up the production house requesting a CD of the show that his kids find so interesting!

Incidentally, the show is being produced by Milind
Soman’s production house, Face Off Entertainment. Now Soman knows that there he’s got at least one fan of the show in Khan Junior!

-midday

Mumbai Police Diwali Mela Annual Function 2007




It’s a kiddie funday
By: A hitList Correspondent

Amrita Singh believes in getting the kids started on the good deeds early on in life. And so, daughter Sara was handling a stall putting up handmade jewellery for sale in support of the Smile Foundation kids at a Fun Fair event at The Club, Andheri on Saturday evening.

Her son, Ibrahim, however, looked like a fish out of water.

Meanwhile, separated couple, Suchitra Krishnamoorthy and Shekhar Kapur were seen making small talk while not entertaining daughter Kaveri. Ek bachcha party after another this week. More the merrier, we say.

-MIDDAY




credit to http://www.asianoutlook.com/aoforum/ - VanK

GAMBAR















Saif ali khan with kids Ebrahim and daughter Sara at Cinemax






















Saif’s gift for son Ibrahim
9 Mar 2008

Wednesday was another hectic day for Saif Ali Khan. But amidst running from dubbing sessions to attending promotional events for Race, Saif managed to do something very special for son Ibrahim.

It happened to be Ibrahim’s birthday on Wednesday and Saif sneaked out of the promotional event and went straight to Ibrahim’s school, much to the surprise of his son and his friends. Saif then went to Kumar Taurani office with Ibrahim, where another promotional event was being held.

But before the event a special cake ordered by Taurani, made it’s way to the event. Ibrahim cut the cake and was seen hanging out at the event till Saif finished his work. Saif then cancelled all his work and went straight home with Ibrahim, while daughter Sarah joined them later

Pictures

Saif- Rosa Split Imminent?[10 Jan 2007]

The split between Saif Ali Khan and his girl friend Rosa is imminent as their fighting in public has increased to an extreme level after the return from Switzerland, where they had gone to celebrate New Year. Saif’s children Sara and Ibrahim were also with them, which may have fuelled the fight on various issues. It was there that something very serious happened between them and now after their return Saif has informed Karan Johar that the couple won’t come together to shoot for the KOFFEE WITH KARAN. Though the set was ready for shooting but it had to be cancelled as Karan wanted both of them on the show but Saif was prepared to come alone only. Though the couple was seen together at an award function on Saturday, they have become inaccessible to even their friends. As one of Saif friends confirms, ‘ It obviously points to the fact that they are having serious problems this time. He wants time alone to sort out in his own mind.’

It may be recalled that Saif Ali Khan was earlier married to Amrita Singh and have two children Sara and Ibrahim from that marriage. He is now divorced from Amrita Singh and Rosa is her new girl friend. However, according to sources the fights between Saif Ali Khan and Rosa are not new and earlier too there was a very serious fight between them and at that time she had to be hospitalized. But this time the problem seems to be more serious and according to his friends, ‘ It does not look like the relationship will last for too long.’

Amrita Singh

Vickey Lalwani, TWF, Bollywood Trade News Network

A marriage gone sour needn't be an end, but a beginning- just like it is for Amrita Singh, who is looking ahead for her comeback film SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA, which releases on May 25. Over a hot cup of tea, Singh chatted with Vickey Lalwani at her Belscot bunglow in Lokhandwala.

How did SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA happen?

Sanjay Gupta sent me a script on one of the stories in his forthcoming film DUS KAHANIYAN. Two days later, he called me up to say that he would rather prefer if I played Vivek Oberoi's mother in SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA. I told him I had no issues because I always believe that an actor is determined by the age he/she portrays on screen. Haven't I played a heroine with Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan who are old enough to be my father? Bachchan and my dad were in college together (pauses). Then came a hitch.


What was the hitch?

Gupta said that he wanted me to play a rough ambitious Maharashtrian Aai from a lower middle class family. I asked him 'How would I look the part?'. He replied 'I see you in that'. I shot back 'But I don't see myself in that'.


Why couldn't you see yourself in that?

I am used to Western clothes and high heels. I couldn't see myself in cotton sarees and tied up rough hair. It's not a deglamourized role but in fact more than that. Plus, I had to speak with a Maharashtrian accent in a coarse and abusive language. I don't speak that way and I don't know Marathi.


And then?

Apoorva Lakhia (director) came home. That man is a charmer. Plus, he is intelligent. He sold the story to me in a jiffy (smiles). I enjoyed working with Lakhia. He was crystal clear about everything. He has treated the subject very well. He has brought out the interaction amongst all the characters and this was imperative in a multi-starrer like Shootout.


What is the ambition in you in Shootout?

I am the motivating factor for my son (Vivek who plays real life gangster Maya Dolas) going up the wrong path. If Maya Dolas became a criminal, it's because of his mother in real life. I even asked if she is alive and we go to see her, but these guys said 'No. Stay out of that zone.' This mother hero-worships her son basically because he saved her from her abusive husband by killing him, when he was a 9-year-old.


We heard, you beat up some actor in the film?

Oh yes, I have a scene where I beat up a machiwallah. It was not a cheat shot and I think I got into the character a bit too much. I hurt his hands and face (smiles). Lakhia called me up from the editing room and joked that he was blessed that he was not playing the machiwallah. All in all, I gelled very well with all the guys in the film and am very happy with my role and the film.


You play an ambitious mother in Shootout. How are you as a mother in real life?

I am not ambitious, for I wouldn't let my kids (Sara and Ibrahim) to become terrorists when they grow up (laughs).


What do Sara and Ibrahim want to become in life?

Ibrahim keeps changing his choices, but Sara is very clear in her head that she wants to become an actress.


Can you and Saif get back together again?

No.


Can you marry again in life?

Never. Why do I need a permanent man in my life now?

Saif Ali Khan

‘I went to a Muslim builder,' says Saif

21 Aug 2008, 0051 hrs IST, SUBHASH K JHA ,TNN

It's shocking, but true. When Saif Ali Khan thought of buying a new house, he made a conscious decision that he would not approach a Hindu housing society for fear of being rejected. That's a superstar of the country talking.

Our sources in the construction industry say that Saif did approach a few Hindu housing societies and was rejected –- despite being a superstar. Saif, however, says that he went straight to a Muslim builder to buy his dream house. "I know there are localities and building societies that won't sell real estate to anyone who's a Muslim. I went to a Muslim builder to avoid complications."

Saif insists that the problem of communal segregation is very real. "And it's not restricted to building societies in Mumbai, it's there in society in general. It's common knowledge that in certain areas of Juhu and Bandra land and houses are not sold to Muslims. I'm constantly surprised by how much religion matters to some people here. Perceptions of religion are always based on experience or fanaticism. Some elements have spoilt things for the entire community. That's the sad truth about Islam,” says the star who has bought a 4-BHK apartment in La Beau in Bandra.

Saif's dad is a Muslim, and mom a Hindu. "I've been brought up to believe in the oneness of God. In some places He is known as Jesus. In other places He is known as Bhagwan or Allah. And in some places He is known as Shah Rukh Khan."

Reacting to the extremist diktat that none of the Khans must act in Hindi films, Saif says, "I'd rather get shot than not do a shot! I'd have a tough time finding another job. There's nothing I can do apart from acting."

Others who’ve faced the heat

Muslim stars have always had problems while buying houses in certain areas between Andheri and Bandra. Emraan Hashmi, Arbaaz Ali Khan, Zeenat Aman, Sophie Chowdhury and Aamir Ali have been through this grind too.

Sophie Chowdhury house-hunted for over two years.There were times that she almost finalised the deal, but when she revealed her identity, the deal was cancelled.

Arbaaz Ali Khan was refused a house on Perry Cross Road in Bandra. Similarly, Zeenat Aman had to look for a flat for over three months before she could buy a house in Juhu. Ditto Emraan Hashmi. Aamir Ali's hunt for a house took over a year. He even filed a court case over this issue.


All is going on well in Saif Ali's life. Saif has come a long way. Life was not a bed of roses for this talented actor. He had his share of hard work and struggle. And today he is recognized as a fine actor. His solo hero film, Hum Tum, was a hit, and his latest, Pareenita, is doing very well in multiplexes. Professionally, Saif is at the pinnacle of success but on the personal front, the actor is still struggling. Even as he was struggling with his separation from wife Amrita Singh, his father Nawab Pautadi is in trouble with the law over a poaching incident. In this interview Saif talks about his personal problems and future planning.

Excerpts from an interview with SeasonsIndia correspondent Sanyukta.

Tell us something about Parineeta.
At the first instance when I heard the script the character fascinated me. Pradeep wanted to have me in the film though Vidhu was a bit skeptical if I could carry the role on my shoulders. My mother has always wanted me to do a Bengali film. Parineeta is for my mom. I finally got to tap the Bengali side of me.

How do you feel being associated with the film?
I am honoured. It was a great experience. My co-stars in the film very great. Especially Vidya has made the role come back to life. Pradeep as a director is very efficient. He is great and genuine visualizer. He is a perfectionist and has extracted the best from the team. I've learnt a lot from him I the process of the film. I look forward to work with him again.

It is being said that you left Amrita after the success of Hum Tum and for another woman. What do you have to say?
Its really not true. Why is it that my hard earned success is being taken against me? My leaving Amrita (Singh) was not overnight. It was on the cards for a long time, and another woman had nothing to do with it. When it (the separation) happened, it was like a very painful amputation. But it was also the best thing to do, given the circumstances. I'm at peace with Rosa (Saif's girl friend). I don't know what the future holds for us. But I feel whole and healthy.

How bad has the separation hit you?
I had to separate from Amrita because the relationship was over. Staying together was becoming suffocating and hurtful so we decided to split. It was a joint decision. My wife and I have gone our separate ways. I respect my wife's space. But what is more painful that I had to be away from my children. My son is such a chamcha of mine. He even does his hair like me; tries to walk and talk like me! While Sarah (his daughter) understands the situation, Ibrahim (his son) thinks I'm just out for a long shooting schedule. Once, he asked me very loudly in front of a hundred people, when I was coming back. I felt like sinking into the ground. I love my kids and I miss them so very much.

Why is it that you are being blamed for everything and that you are a terrible husband and father?
I don't have any answers for what has happened in my life. All I know is every penny I earn is for my children. I live for them. I'd die for them. I've my son Ibrahim's photograph in my wallet. Each time I look at it, I feel like crying. I'm not allowed to meet my children. They aren't allowed to come visit me, let alone stay with me. Why? Because there's a new woman in my life who'd influence my children against their mother? That's hogwash and Amrita knows it. Right now, my kids are growing up with Amrita's relatives and maidservants while she's out working in a television serial (Ekta Kapoor's Kkavyanjali). Why does she need to do that, when I'm willing to support my family?

What were the terms of the settlement?
I'm supposed to give Amrita Rs 5 crores, of which I've already given her approximately Rs 2.5 crore. I've promised her I'll pay up the rest of the money, even if I've to slog till I drop dead. Also, I'm paying Rs 1,00,000 per month until my son becomes 18. That was the post-breakup financial arrangements. This is actually ripping me off but I am willing to support them. They are my children and they need me. Whatever I've earned from doing ads, stage shows and films is for my children. I've no money. Our bungalow is for Amrita and the kids. Rosa and I stay in a two-room apartment. Still, I've never been more at peace with myself.

Are you happy with Rosa?
After a long time, I feel my self-worth has returned. I was suffocating in that relationship with Amrita. It isn't nice to be constantly reminded of how worthless you are and to have taunts and insults thrown at your mother and sister. There's a theory that whatever I am today is because Amrita took me by my finger and led me through it all. It's probably true. She has played a big hand in my growth as an actor and human being. But it's a blessing to be with a woman who has nothing to do with movies and who loves me for what I am. Rosa has always supported me and stood by me during the tough time. Because of her I I've regained my confidence.

Your Dad is mixed up in the poaching incident. What do you have to say?
As his son, I'm really concerned. If my father has done wrong, then I guess he must be punished. Let the law take its course. I am not in a position to comment on the matter. But I do know we don't want dad to ever see the inside of a jail, and we'd do everything in our power to make sure it doesn't happen. I must say he handled himself with great dignity. Though Amma was hysterical with anxiety, my dad sailed through the ordeal. He just surrendered at the police station in a simple kurta-pyjama. For a man who had never been anywhere near a police station, his calm was exemplary.

Tell us something about Salaam Namaste, your next Yash Raj film.
Well, the film is a romantic comedy. It's about two Indians who have left their houses to make a life on their own, and how they meet and how they tackle their own relationships and problems and overcome them without the help of their families. The film is directed by debutante Siddharth Anand. Preity Zinta is my co-star and the film also stars Arshad Warsi and John Abraham. It's a great film and the audience will love it.