Saif Ali Khan's finest roles that changed the game
Aug 16, 2025
Saif Ali Khan is celebrating his 54th birthday today.
From intense villains to charming lovers and quirky oddballs, the actor has constantly reinvented himself on screen.
Credit: Instagram/Saif Ali Khan FP
Here's a look at some of his finest performances that showcase his incredible range.
Saif completely broke his chocolate-boy image to play the menacing, conniving Langda Tyagi in Vishal Bhardwaj's Omkara. It's one of his career-best performances and won him several awards.
Langda Tyagi – Omkara
As a troubled cop unraveling a web of crime and conspiracy, Saif brought intensity and emotional depth to this Netflix series. It marked his successful OTT debut and a new phase in his career.
Sartaj Singh – Sacred Games
In the period romance, Saif played Shekhar, a man torn between love and pride. His nuanced performance captured the contradictions of a flawed lover.
Shekhar - Parineeta
This romantic comedy won him a National Award. His character arc from a flirt to a mature partner was both relatable and entertaining.
Rohan – Hum Tum (2004)
Playing a charming yet sinister man, Saif shocked audiences with this gritty performance. The film helped transition him into darker, more serious roles.
Karan Singh Rathod – Ek Hasina Thi
India's first zombie comedy! Saif played a Russian mafioso-turned-zombie-hunter with blonde hair and a whacky accent—proving his flair for experimental and offbeat roles.
Boris – Go Goa Gone
In Imtiaz Ali's take on timeless love stories, Saif pulled off a double act with striking ease.
Jai/Veer - Love Aaj Kal
Saif's Gautam was flirty, funny, and conflicted, embodying the confusion of modern relationships. His chemistry with Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty drove the film.
Gautam - Cocktail
Perhaps his boldest experiment, it saw Saif in a neon wig, tripping through a night of chaos and self-discovery. He was quirky, fearless, and unlike anything mainstream.
Rileen - Kaalakaandi
Happy Birthday, Saif Ali Khan!
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