Saif Ali Khan talks about competition from within the film industry: 'You're just happy the other person's there...'

Time of India

20-05-2025

Saif Ali Khan shared that the concept of a 'hero' has evolved to include flawed, relatable characters, enhancing storytelling. He emphasized healthy competition on set, focusing on the film's success rather than rivalry. Saif also acknowledged natural insecurities and praised his 'Jewel Thief' co-star, Jaideep Ahlawat.
Saif Ali Khan
, who recently starred in
Jewel Thief
: The Heist Begins, talked about how the portrayal of a 'hero' has changed over the years, highlighting the shift in what viewers expect and how film narratives have evolved.
Evolution of the 'Hero' in Cinema
As reported in Bollywood Bubbles,
Saif
discussed the evolution of the concept of a 'hero.' He explained that while the idea of heroism hasn't completely changed, it has expanded to recognize heroic qualities even in flawed characters, which makes storytelling more interesting. Saif expressed his happiness about this shift, viewing it as a positive sign of growth in both character development and audience perception.
The Power of Layered Characters
The actor also highlighted that characters with multiple layers have a stronger ability to connect emotionally with the audience. He explained that since no one is perfect and everyone experiences both good and bad moments, capturing these complexities makes a character far more powerful and relatable. This approach contrasts with the traditional portrayal of flawless, almost angelic heroes commonly seen in Western cinema and earlier Indian films.
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However, he noted that this trend is now evolving towards more realistic and nuanced characters.
Impact of Human Flaws on Screen
He explained that when a hero experiences moments that are less than perfect, such as snapping at his son or displaying very human flaws, it has a much stronger emotional impact on the audience. These kinds of realistic portrayals are rare on screen, which makes them resonate on a deeper level.
He expressed his appreciation for this positive change in storytelling.
Saif on Competition in the Film Industry
Saif shared his thoughts on competition within the film industry. He believes that the primary focus should always be the success of the film, and in that sense, there is no rivalry on set because everyone is committed to contributing their best. At the same time, he recognizes that acting is naturally competitive, with characters often vying for prominence in the story.
However, Saif emphasized that this competition is healthy and constructive, rather than harmful or driven by insecurity.
Praising Co-Stars
He acknowledged that there have been times when he felt competitive or insecure, emphasizing that such emotions are natural since everyone is human and the profession can be challenging. However, he pointed out that, in most situations, the primary focus remains on the film itself, with competition centered around the importance of one's character. He also expressed appreciation for his 'Jewel Thief' co-star,
Jaideep Ahlawat
.
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