{{Short description|Indian actor and film producer (born August 1970)}} {{Good article}} {{protection padlock|small=yes}} {{Use Indian English|date=August 2019}} {{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}} {{Infobox person | honorific_suffix = | image = Saif SG screening.jpg | caption = Khan in 2024 | birth_name = Sajid Ali Khan Pataudi | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1970|08|16}} | birth_place = New Delhi, India | occupation = {{hlist|Actor|producer}} | years_active = 1991–present | works = Full list | spouse = {{plainlist| * {{marriage|Amrita Singh|1991|2004|end=div}} * {{marriage|Kareena Kapoor|2012}} }} | children = 4, including Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan | mother = Sharmila Tagore | father = Mansoor Ali Khan | family = Pataudi family | awards = Full list | honours = Padma Shri (2010) | title = }}

'''Saif Ali Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi''' (born '''Sajid Ali Khan Pataudi'''; 16 August 1970)<ref>{{cite news|title=Saif-Kareena wedding: Saif gets married as Sajid Ali Khan|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Saif-Kareena-wedding-Saif-gets-married-as-Sajid-Ali-Khan/articleshow/16835439.cms|date=16 October 2012|access-date=18 October 2012|work=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909165613/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Saif-Kareena-wedding-Saif-gets-married-as-Sajid-Ali-Khan/articleshow/16835439.cms|archive-date=9 September 2016}}</ref> is an Indian actor and film producer who primarily works in Hindi films. The titular head of the Pataudi family since 2011, he is the son of actress Sharmila Tagore and cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2011-11-01 |title=Saif Ali Khan is now the 10th Nawab of Pataudi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Saif-Ali-Khan-is-now-the-10th-Nawab-of-Pataudi/articleshow/10562215.cms |access-date=2025-01-17 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> Khan has won several awards, including a National Film Award and seven Filmfare Awards, and received the Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Aamir, Rahman to receive Padma Bhushan; Padma Shree for Rekha, Saif|website=Bollywood Hungama|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/award/filmfare-award/2010-2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100128214849/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2010/01/25/13696/index.html|archive-date=28 January 2010|date=25 January 2010|url-status=live|access-date=1 October 2011}}</ref>

Khan made his acting debut in ''Parampara'' (1993),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Web |first=Statesman |date=2025-03-12 |title=Saif Ali Khan time-travels! Shoots at his debut film spot after 32 years! |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/bollywood/saif-ali-khan-time-travels-shoots-at-his-debut-film-spot-after-32-years-1503407310.html |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=The Statesman |language=en}}</ref> and had success in the multi-starrers ''Yeh Dillagi'' (1994), ''Main Khiladi Tu Anari'' (1994), ''Kachche Dhaage'' (1999) and ''Hum Saath-Saath Hain'' (1999). In the 2000s, he gained praise and won multiple awards for his roles in the romantic comedies ''Dil Chahta Hai'' (2001) and ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'' (2003), and had success as a solo male star in the romances ''Hum Tum'' (2004), ''Parineeta'', ''Salaam Namaste'' (both 2005) and ''Ta Ra Rum Pum'' (2007).

Khan also earned critical acclaim for playing a manipulative businessman in ''Ek Hasina Thi'' (2004),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parashar |first=Shivam |date=2021-01-13 |title=Omkara to Tandav, what makes Saif Ali Khan the only Khan unafraid to take risks |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/omkara-to-tandav-what-makes-saif-ali-khan-the-only-khan-unafraid-to-take-risks-1758663-2021-01-13 |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> an apprentice in the English film ''Being Cyrus'' (2006) and the Iago character in ''Omkara'' (2006). He had further commercial success in the action thrillers ''Race'' (2008) and ''Race 2'' (2013), and the romantic comedies ''Love Aaj Kal'' (2009) and ''Cocktail'' (2012). Between another string of under-performing ventures, Khan was appreciated for headlining Netflix's first original Indian series ''Sacred Games'' (2018–2019)<ref>{{Cite news |last=Jha |first=Jayanti |date=2018-07-08 |title=Saif Ali Khan Shines in Netflix's 'Sacred Games' And Aren't We Glad to Have Him Back |url=https://livewire.thewire.in/livewire/sacred-games-netflix-saif-ali-khan/ |access-date=2025-12-14 |work=LiveWire |publisher=The Wire |location=India |language=en-US}}</ref> and had his highest-grossing releases in the action films ''Tanhaji'' (2020) and ''Devara: Part 1'' (2024).

Khan has been noted for his roles in a range of film genres—from crime dramas to action thrillers and comic romances. In addition to his film career, Khan is a frequent television presenter and stage performer, endorses various brands and products, and owns the production companies Illuminati Films and Black Knight Films.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-10-03 |title=Saif Ali Khan sets up production company Black Knight Films, to produce Nitin Kakkar's Jawani Janeman |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/saif-ali-khan-sets-up-production-company-black-knight-films-to-produce-nitin-kakkars-jawani-janeman-5306411.html |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20210306104544/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/saif-ali-khan-sets-up-production-company-black-knight-films-to-produce-nitin-kakkars-jawani-janeman-5306411.html |archive-date=2021-03-06 |access-date=2025-12-04 |work=Firstpost |language=en-US}}</ref> Khan was married to his first wife, Amrita Singh, for thirteen years, after which he married actress Kareena Kapoor. He has four children—two with Singh and two with Kapoor.

== Early life and family == {{See also|Pataudi family}} Khan was born on 16 August 1970 in New Delhi, India to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, a former captain of the India national cricket team, and his wife Sharmila Tagore, a film actress.<ref name="legacy" />{{r|rmajor}} Khan's father, who was the son of the last ruling Nawab of the princely state of Pataudi during the British Raj, received a privy purse from the government of India under terms worked out in the political integration of India, and was allowed to use the title Nawab of Pataudi until 1971 when the title was abolished. Following Mansoor Ali Khan's death in 2011, a symbolic pagri ceremony was held in the village of Pataudi, Haryana to "crown" Khan as the "tenth Nawab of Pataudi", which Khan attended to please the sentiments of the villagers, who wanted him to continue a family tradition.{{efn|name=nawab|Official recognition of titles was ended by the Government of India in 1971.<ref name="nawab">{{cite news|title=Saif Ali Khan is now the 10th Nawab of Pataudi|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Saif-Ali-Khan-is-now-the-10th-Nawab-of-Pataudi/articleshow/10562215.cms|access-date=1 November 2011|work=The Times of India|date=1 November 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111102034403/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Saif-Ali-Khan-is-now-the-10th-Nawab-of-Pataudi/articleshow/10562215.cms|archive-date=2 November 2011}}</ref>}} Khan has two younger sisters, jewellery designer Saba Ali Khan and actress Soha Ali Khan.

He is the paternal grandson of Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, who played for the Indian cricket team in England in 1946, and Sajida Sultan, the Nawab Begum of Bhopal. Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal was his great-grandfather, and the cricketer Saad Bin Jung is his first cousin.<ref name="legacy" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/assam-ulfa-opposes-award-to-sharmila-tagore/20130514.htm|title=Assam: ULFA opposes award to Sharmila Tagore|first=K.|last=Anurag|website=Rediff}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Mangaokar, Shalvi|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/i-am-very-proud-of-my-bengali-heritage-saif-ali-khan/story-mAWZhuq7LofadF2XAsaebJ.html|title=I am very proud of my Bengali heritage: Saif Ali Khan|date=11 November 2013|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=30 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913233823/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/i-am-very-proud-of-my-bengali-heritage-saif-ali-khan/story-mAWZhuq7LofadF2XAsaebJ.html|archive-date=13 September 2016}}</ref> He is also the great-grandnephew of Nawab Begum of Bhopal Abida Sultan, the great-grandnephew of Major-General Sher Ali Khan Pataudi who served as the Chief of General Staff of the Pakistan Army, the grandnephew of Shahryar Khan (diplomat and former Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board) and Ashiq Hussain Qureshi (Pakistani cricketer), his paternal uncle Major-General Isfandiyar Ali Khan Pataudi (son of Sher Ali Khan Pataudi), has served as the Deputy Director General of Pakistan's ISI.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Swarup, Shubhangi |date=29 January 2011 |title=The Kingdom of Khan |url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/art-culture/the-kingdom-of-khan |url-status=live |journal=OPEN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402073310/http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/art-culture/the-kingdom-of-khan |archive-date=2 April 2016 |access-date=24 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=প্রতিবেদন |first=নিজস্ব |title=কাকা-ভাই ভারতীয় ক্রিকেট দলের অধিনায়ক, ভাইপো বলি তারকা, এই পটৌডি ছিলেন আইএসআই কর্তা |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/photogallery/things-to-know-about-former-isi-official-isfandiyar-ali-khan-pataudi-one-of-the-distant-uncles-of-saif-ali-khan-dgtl-photogallery/cid/1425650 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240925224343/https://www.anandabazar.com/photogallery/things-to-know-about-former-isi-official-isfandiyar-ali-khan-pataudi-one-of-the-distant-uncles-of-saif-ali-khan-dgtl-photogallery/cid/1425650 |archive-date=25 September 2024 |access-date=2025-02-01 |language=bn |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-02-26 |title=Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi's cousin in running for next Pak ISI chief |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/world/pakistan/story/pak-isi-chief-major-general-isfandiyar-ali-khan-pataudi-94286-2012-02-25 |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-08-25 |title=Saif Ali Khan on Phantom, uncle Isfandiyar: My uncle is in equal trouble for having relatives in India |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/saif-ali-khan-on-phantom-uncle-isfandiyar-my-uncle-is-in-equal-trouble-for-having-relatives-in-india-290076-2015-08-25 |access-date=2024-10-13 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> He has also a family connection with Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib, as both Ghalib and Khan's paternal great-grandfather married daughters of the Nawab of Loharu.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Dubey |first1=Bharti |last2=Mankermi |first2=Shivani |date=23 July 2023 |title=ETimes BFFs: Did you know Saif Ali Khan's Pataudi family has an inter-relation with great Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib? |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/etimes-bffs-did-you-know-saif-ali-khans-pataudi-family-has-an-inter-relation-with-great-urdu-poet-mirza-ghalib/articleshow/102051129.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250208214831/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/etimes-bffs-did-you-know-saif-ali-khans-pataudi-family-has-an-inter-relation-with-great-urdu-poet-mirza-ghalib/articleshow/102051129.cms |archive-date=8 February 2025 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

Speaking about his childhood, Khan said that he was exposed to a "life beyond movies",<ref>{{cite journal|author=Kandpal, Kathika|title=All men must marry much younger women|url=http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/all-men-must-marry-much-younger-women-5136.html|access-date=29 July 2016|journal=Filmfare|date=13 January 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809104335/http://www.filmfare.com/interviews/all-men-must-marry-much-younger-women-5136.html|archive-date=9 August 2016}}</ref> and his mother described him as someone who was "not an easy child [...] He was impulsive [and] spontaneous."<ref>{{cite web|author=Saran, Sathya|title=Sharmila on Saif: He is not like Tiger at all|url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/sharmila-on-saif-he-was-not-an-easy-child-329173.html|access-date=29 July 2016|publisher=Firstpost|date=1 June 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714211946/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/sharmila-on-saif-he-was-not-an-easy-child-329173.html|archive-date=14 July 2016}}</ref> Saif grew up a Muslim.<ref name="rmajor">{{Cite web |title='Religion played a major role in my upbringing' |url=https://sabrangindia.in/interview/religion-played-major-role-my-upbringing |date=1 August 1998}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}}<ref>[https://tribune.com.pk/story/2319353/i-know-there-is-a-higher-power-but-i-cant-say-for-sure-what-that-is-saif-ali-khan "I Know There Is a Higher Power, but I Can't Say for Sure What That Is: Saif Ali Khan"] (9 September 2021). ''The Express Tribune''. Retrieved 20 June 2023.</ref> As a child, he recalls fond memories of watching his father playing cricket in the garden and has emphasized that his father's education and background had a lasting impression on how family life was conducted.<ref>{{cite news|title=My father was the last of his kind: Saif Ali Khan|date=8 November 2011|access-date=30 July 2016|author=Chaturvedi, Anshul|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/My-father-was-the-last-of-his-kind-Saif-Ali-Khan/articleshow/10641093.cms|work=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219173432/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/My-father-was-the-last-of-his-kind-Saif-Ali-Khan/articleshow/10641093.cms|archive-date=19 February 2018}}</ref> Khan studied at The Lawrence School, Sanawar in Himachal Pradesh, and was later sent to Lockers Park School in Hertfordshire at the age of nine.<ref name="legacy">{{cite news|author=Bhattacharya, Roshmila|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130421/jsp/7days/story_16809262.jsp|title='I've inherited his legacy of goodwill, but... he is a difficult role model to follow'|date=21 April 2013|work=The Telegraph|access-date=28 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818084008/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1130421/jsp/7days/story_16809262.jsp|archive-date=18 August 2016}}</ref> He next enrolled at Winchester College and explained that "I did not take advantage of my tenure [there]. My classmates went on to Oxford and Cambridge, but I was not academically inclined. When I applied myself, which was not often, I stood first. I should have studied harder."<ref name="legacy" />

After graduating from the boarding school, Khan returned to India and worked for an advertising firm in Delhi for two months.<ref name="chameleon">{{cite news|author=Bamzai, Kaveree|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-and-the-arts/story/20060807-bollywood-star-saif-ali-khan-shows-his-range-in-omkara-784869-2006-08-06|title=Urban chameleon|date=7 August 2006|work=India Today|access-date=9 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805104328/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bollywood-star-saif-ali-khan-shows-his-range-in-omkara/1/190876.html|archive-date=5 August 2016}}</ref> He later appeared in a television commercial for ''Gwalior Suiting'' upon the insistence of a family friend, and was subsequently cast by director Anand Mahindroo. The project eventually got cancelled but Khan relocated to Mumbai to pursue a career in film; he recalls, "Finally I had some direction and focus. I remember [...] feeling so excited that I could go to Mumbai, stay in my own place and enjoy the adventure of starting my own career."<ref name="chameleon" />

== Personal life and career == {{See also|Saif Ali Khan filmography}}

=== First marriage, early roles, and breakthrough (1991–2000) === In 1991, Khan was cast as the male lead in Rahul Rawail's romantic drama ''Bekhudi'' (1992) alongside debutante Kajol. After completing the first shooting schedule of the film, he was considered to be unprofessional by Rawail, and was replaced by Kamal Sadanah.<ref name="Playing Saif">{{cite news|title=Playing Saif|date=24 May 2008|access-date=21 July 2009|author=Bose, Derek|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080524/saturday/main1.htm|work=The Tribune|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024100955/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080524/saturday/main1.htm|archive-date=24 October 2012}}</ref> While filming ''Bekhudi'', Khan met actress Amrita Singh whom he married in October 1991.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Saif-Ali-Khan-Amrita-Singh-Kajol-Rahul-Rawail-Kareena-Kapoor-Khan/articleshow/24590195.cms|title=Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh's first date|date=27 October 2013|work=The Times of India|access-date=29 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123233429/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Saif-Ali-Khan-Amrita-Singh-Kajol-Rahul-Rawail-Kareena-Kapoor-Khan/articleshow/24590195.cms|archive-date=23 January 2016}}</ref> Singh gave birth to their daughter Sara in 1995, and to their son Ibrahim in 2001. The couple separated in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|author=Singh, Aparna|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/saif-ali-khans-daughter-sara-graduates-from-columbia-university-is-she-ready-to-be-part-of-bollywood-324421-2016-05-19|title=Saif Ali Khan's daughter Sara graduates from Columbia University|date=19 May 2016|work=India Today|access-date=29 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818061834/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/saif-ali-khans-daughter-sara-graduates-from-columbia-university-is-she-ready-to-be-part-of-bollywood/1/672012.html|archive-date=18 August 2016}}</ref>

In 1993, Khan made his acting debut with Yash Chopra's ''Parampara''. The film, which tells the story of two estranged brothers (played by Aamir Khan and Khan), failed to find a wide audience.<ref name="Saif BO" /> The same year, he appeared opposite Mamta Kulkarni and Shilpa Shirodkar in the box office Hit ''Aashiq Awara'' and Average Grosser ''Pehchaan''.<ref name="Saif BO">{{cite web|title=Saif Ali Khan filmography|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/saifalikhan.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061205061911/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/saifalikhan.htm|archive-date=5 December 2006 |publisher=Box Office India|access-date=26 January 2007}}</ref> For his performance in the former, Khan earned the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut at the 39th Filmfare Awards.<ref name="Awards" />

Following an appearance in the successful ''Imtihaan'' (1994) with Raveena Tandon and Sunny Deol,<ref name="BO 1994">{{cite web|title=Box Office Results 1994|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1994.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206183759/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/1994.htm|archive-date=6 December 2006|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=26 January 2007}}</ref> Khan paired up with Akshay Kumar for his next two releases— Yash Raj Films' hit romantic comedy-drama ''Yeh Dillagi'' and the action film ''Main Khiladi Tu Anari''. The former was an unofficial remake of the 1954 Hollywood film ''Sabrina'', and depicted a love triangle between a chauffeur's daughter (played by Kajol) and the two sons of her father's employers (played by Kumar and Khan).<ref>{{harv|McNally|2010|p=216}}</ref> ''Main Khiladi Tu Anari'' (the second film in the ''Khiladi'' series) featured Khan as an aspiring actor, and emerged as the fifth highest-grossing film of the year.<ref name="BO 1994" /> ''Bollywood Hungama'' reported that the success of both films proved a breakthrough for Khan, and his performance in ''Main Khiladi Tu Anari'' fetched him his first nomination for the Best Supporting Actor at the Filmfare Awards.<ref name="BO 1994" /><ref name="Journey">{{cite web|author=Tuteja, Joginder|date=17 March 2012|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/3188/|title=Exploring the two decade journey of Saif Ali Khan – Part I|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=22 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160812233730/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/3188/|archive-date=12 August 2016}}</ref> ''The Indian Express'' singled out his performances in both films, noting his comic timing in the latter kept the audience "in splits whenever he appears on screen".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mannath |first1=Malini |title=Racy despite holes in script |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pWFlAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA6 |access-date=31 October 2020 |work=The Indian Express |date=30 September 1994 |language=en}}</ref> Khan's next two releases of the year, the dramas ''Yaar Gaddar'' and ''Aao Pyaar Karen'', were unsuccessful. His career observed a steady decline through the 1990s; all nine films he starred in{{mdash}}''Surakshaa'' (1995), ''Ek Tha Raja'' (1996), ''Bambai Ka Babu'' (1996), ''Tu Chor Main Sipahi'' (1996), ''Dil Tera Diwana'' (1996), ''Hameshaa'' (1997), ''Udaan'' (1997), ''Keemat: They Are Back'' (1998) and ''Humse Badhkar Kaun'' (1998){{mdash}}were commercially Average Grossers and some unsuccessful.<ref name="Saif BO" /> During this time, critics perceived his career to be over.<ref name="Playing Saif" /><ref name="Journey" />

[[File:Saif and Salman at Mukti concert.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=Salman Khan in a conversation with Saif|Pictured with co-actor Salman at an event for World Aids Day in 2007, with whom he co-starred in the ensemble drama ''Hum Saath-Saath Hain'' (1999){{mdash}}Khan's biggest commercial success of the decade.]]

After four consecutive years of poorly-received films, Khan's career prospects began to improve in 1999; he appeared in four films: ''Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan'', ''Kachche Dhaage'', ''Aarzoo'', and ''Hum Saath-Saath Hain''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Raheja, Dinesh|title=Saif: Bollywood's rising star|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/dinesh/20050912.htm|date=12 September 2006|work=Rediff.com|access-date=22 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910184540/http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/dinesh/20050912.htm|archive-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> The romantic comedy ''Yeh Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan'' (alongside Twinkle Khanna) and the romance ''Aarzoo'' (alongside Madhuri Dixit and Akshay Kumar) earned little at the box office, but the action-thriller ''Kachche Dhaage'' (a story about two estranged brothers becoming the target of a terrorist conspiracy) was Khan's first commercial success since ''Main Khiladi Tu Anari and Imtihan'' .<ref name="BO 1999">{{cite web|title=Top India Total Nett Gross 1999|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/year_gross_boxoffice/1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150828013058/http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/year_gross_boxoffice/1999|archive-date=28 August 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=22 July 2016}}</ref> Directed by Milan Luthria, the film was generally well received, but critics noted that Khan was overshadowed by co-actor Ajay Devgn.<ref>{{cite web|author=Verma, Sukanya|title=Birthday special: Unraveling Saif Ali Khan|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-birthday-special-unraveling-saif-ali-khan/20120816.htm|date=16 August 2012|work=Rediff.com|access-date=22 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910193620/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-birthday-special-unraveling-saif-ali-khan/20120816.htm|archive-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> The film, however, earned Khan his second Best Supporting Actor nomination at Filmfare.<ref name="Awards" /> Khan described his final release of the year, the Sooraj Barjatya-directed family drama ''Hum Saath-Saath Hain'', as a "morale-booster".<ref>{{cite news|title=These days Saif has a reason to smile|date=13 September 2001|access-date=22 July 2016|author=Grover, Gautam|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010913/main8.htm#1|work=The Tribune|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009163422/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010913/main8.htm#1|archive-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> The film featured an ensemble cast (Mohnish Behl, Tabu, Salman Khan, Sonali Bendre and Karisma Kapoor) and emerged as the highest-grossing film of the year, earning over {{INRConvert|800|m}} worldwide.<ref name="BO 1999" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Top Worldwide Grossers 1999|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/year_world_total/1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905031700/http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/year_world_total/1999|archive-date=5 September 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=22 July 2016}}</ref> During the filming of ''Hum Saath-Saath Hain'', Khan was charged with poaching two blackbucks in Kankani along with co-stars Salman, Tabu, Bendre and Neelam Kothari.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sessions court confirms five-year imprisonment for Salman Khan|date=25 August 2007|url=http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/25/stories/2007082557720100.htm|access-date=17 September 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140418162947/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/25/stories/2007082557720100.htm|archive-date=18 April 2014|work=The Hindu|url-status=dead}}</ref> That year, he also appeared briefly in the David Dhawan-directed comedy ''Biwi No.1'', a box office hit.<ref name="BO 1999" />

The drama ''Kya Kehna'' by director Kundan Shah was Khan's only release of 2000, in which he played the casanova Rahul Modi. Co-starring alongside Preity Zinta and Chandrachur Singh, Khan compared the portrayal of his character with his own evolving maturity as a father.<ref>{{cite news|title=My tapori days are over|date=1 March 2001|access-date=23 July 2016|author=Sehgal, Nutan|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010301/main8.htm#3|work=The Tribune|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120709054723/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010301/main8.htm#3|archive-date=9 July 2012}}</ref> The film addressed themes of single parenthood and teenage pregnancy, and emerged as a sleeper hit.<ref>{{cite web|title=Releases 2000|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101155214/http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2000|archive-date=1 November 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=23 July 2016}}</ref> ''The Indian Express'' believed Khan "looks debauched enough to be the rogue he plays. He is the only dark aspect in a film that is sunny and bright even at its most tragic."<ref>{{cite news|author=Jain, Mimmy|title=Steering clear of cliches|url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/fe/daily/20000527/faf21002.html|date=27 May 2000|newspaper=The Indian Express|access-date=25 August 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309180926/http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/fe/daily/20000527/faf21002.html|archive-date=9 March 2016}}</ref>

=== Rise to prominence (2001–2004) === In 2001, Khan appeared in Eeshwar Nivas' box office flop ''Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega'',<ref name="BO 2001">{{cite web|title=Releases 2001|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101174005/http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2001|archive-date=1 November 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 July 2016}}</ref> (a film loosely inspired by the 1996 black comedy ''Fargo'').<ref>{{cite web|author=Vijayan, Vipin|title=Bollywood can't do without 'love'!|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jul/03slid3.htm|work=Rediff.com|date=3 July 2008|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910182858/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/jul/03slid3.htm|archive-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> Following this, he featured alongside Aamir Khan and Akshaye Khanna in Farhan Akhtar's coming-of-age comedy drama ''Dil Chahta Hai''. Depicting the contemporary routine life of Indian affluent youth, it is set in modern-day urban Mumbai and focuses on a major transitional period in the lives of three young friends.<ref>{{cite web|author=Arora, Pratiksha|title='It's the maddest unit I've worked with'|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/09pre2.htm|work=Rediff.com|date=9 August 2001|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080316111939/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/09pre2.htm|archive-date=16 March 2008}}</ref> Khan played Sameer Mulchandani, a "hopeless romantic", and was particularly drawn to the qualities of his character.<ref name="Saif">{{cite news|author=Kalla, Avinash|date=25 January 2004|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040125/spectrum/main6.htm|title=A Sa(i)f bet|work=The Tribune|access-date=2 October 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903192029/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2004/20040125/spectrum/main6.htm|archive-date=3 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title='Sameer is closest to me': Saif Ali Khan on his role in Dil Chahta Hai|url=http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/08dil2.htm|work=Rediff.com|date=8 August 2001|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910180508/http://www.rediff.com/entertai/2001/aug/08dil2.htm|archive-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> ''Dil Chahta Hai'' was very popular with critics and won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.<ref>{{cite news|date=26 July 2002|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Allah-has-been-kind-to-me-Tabu/articleshow/17191630.cms|title=Allah has been kind to me: Tabu|work=The Times of India|access-date=24 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010075536/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Allah-has-been-kind-to-me-Tabu/articleshow/17191630.cms|archive-date=10 October 2016}}</ref> The film performed well in big cities, but failed in rural areas, which was attributed by critics to the urban-oriented lifestyle it presented.<ref name="BO 2001" /><ref>{{harv|Chatterjee|Deenvi|Nihalani|2003|p=128}}</ref> The feature marked a significant turning point in Khan's career,<ref name="Playing Saif" /> earning him the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role and awards for Best Supporting Actor at the Screen, Zee Cine and International Indian Academy (IIFA) ceremonies.<ref name="Awards" /> Rediff.com wrote that Khan was able to rise above his "under-sketched character", and the critic Taran Adarsh described him as "excellent", arguing that it was his "career-best performance".<ref>{{cite web|author=Adarsh, Taran|title=Dil Chahta Hai Review|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/54493|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=6 August 2001|access-date=26 January 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116062501/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/54493|archive-date=16 January 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Menon, Sita|title=Trip on Dil Chahta Hai|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/10dil.htm|work=Rediff.com|date=10 August 2001|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151026005746/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2001/aug/10dil.htm|archive-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>

[[File:Audio Launch of Kal Ho Naa Ho.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Khan pictured with Preity Zinta and Shah Rukh Khan at an event for ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'' in 2003]]

Following appearances in two poorly-received films (''Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein'' (2001) and ''Na Tum Jaano Na Hum'' (2002),<ref name="BO 2001" /><ref>{{cite web|title=Releases 2002|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101184033/http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2002|archive-date=1 November 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 July 2016}}</ref> Khan played a photographer in the second chapter ("No Smoking") of Prawaal Raman's anthology ensemble thriller ''Darna Mana Hai'' (2003). The film failed to find a wide audience and earned little at the box office.<ref name="BO 2003">{{cite web|title=Releases 2003|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918185411/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2003|archive-date=18 September 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 July 2016}}</ref>

''Bollywood Hungama'' described his next film, the Nikhil Advani-directed romantic comedy-drama ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'' (2003), as a "landmark" in his career.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tuteja, Joginder|date=20 March 2012|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/3197/|title=Exploring the two decade journey of Saif Ali Khan – Part II|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813082848/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/3197/|archive-date=13 August 2016}}</ref> Set in New York City, it was written by Karan Johar and co-starred Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta. With a worldwide revenue of over {{INRConvert|860|m}}, the film was received favourably by critics and became India's biggest hit of the year.<ref name="Worldwide 2003">{{cite web|title=Top Worldwide Grossers 2003|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/year_world_total/2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905031710/http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/year_world_total/2003|archive-date=5 September 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 July 2016}}</ref> It also did well internationally and became the highest-grossing film of the year overseas.<ref name="Worldwide 2003" /> Khan was cast in the role of Rohit Patel{{mdash}}a carefree young man who falls in love with Zinta's character{{mdash}}after Advani had seen his performance in ''Dil Chahta Hai''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Verma, Sukanya|date=26 November 2003|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/26advani.htm|title=KHNH bigger than KMG? I hope!|work=Rediff.com|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214640/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2003/nov/26advani.htm|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> Writing for ''Outlook'', Komal Nahta described Khan as a "natural" and "extremely endearing", and Ram Kamal Mukherjee from ''Stardust'' opined that he was successful in displaying "a gamut of emotions".<ref>{{cite web|author=Nahta, Komal|date=8 December 2003|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/kal-ho-naa-ho/222273|title=Kal Ho Naa Ho|work=Outlook|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160407212514/http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/kal-ho-naa-ho/222273|archive-date=7 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Mukherjee, Ram Kamal|journal=Stardust|url=http://www.stardust.co.in/display_Standard.asp?section=reviews&subsection=&xml=December2003_reviews_standard50|title=Kal Ho Naa Ho|access-date=24 August 2016|archive-date=26 December 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031226072038/http://www.stardust.co.in/display_Standard.asp?section=reviews&subsection=&xml=December2003_reviews_standard50}}</ref> Khan garnered several awards for his performance, including his first Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor,<ref name="Awards" /> and expressed gratitude to Shah Rukh for teaching "me so much{{mdash}}mainly the responsibility of the main lead".<ref>{{cite news|author=Upala KBR|date=16 August 2015|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-birthday-special-saif-ali-khan-talks-about-his-favourite-roles-2114835|title=Birthday Special: Saif Ali Khan talks about his favourite roles|work=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160727124320/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-birthday-special-saif-ali-khan-talks-about-his-favourite-roles-2114835|archive-date=27 July 2016}}</ref> He explained that the film's success led to Yash Raj Films casting him in the 2004 romantic comedy ''Hum Tum''. At the end of the year, he appeared briefly as Cpt. Anuj Nayyar in J. P. Dutta's ensemble box office flop ''LOC Kargil''.<ref name="BO 2003" />

In an attempt to avoid typecasting and broaden his range as an actor, Khan starred as Karan Singh Rathod in the 2004 thriller ''Ek Hasina Thi'', a character he described as "a Charles Sobhraj-meets-James Bond kind of a guy".<ref name="Saif" /> The film (which marked the debut of Sriram Raghavan) tells the story of a young woman (played by Urmila Matondkar) who meets Khan's character and is subsequently arrested for having links with the underworld. When Khan was initially offered the project, he was unable to commit due to his busy schedule.<ref name="Saif" /> However, he agreed when Raghavan approached him for the second time, and in preparation for the role, exercised extensively for six months to achieve the physical attributes of his character.<ref name="Saif" /> Upon release, the film was positively received by critics, with Khan's performance earning praise. Film critic Anupama Chopra wrote that Khan gave "an accomplished performance", while ''The Deccan Herald'' opined that he was successful in "break[ing] out of the cool dude stereotype" and "hold[ing] his own in a movie that is completely Matondkar's."<ref>{{cite news|author=Chopra, Anupama|date=2 February 2004|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/your-week/story/20040202-film-review-ek-hasina-thi-starring-urmila-matondkar-saif-ali-khan-790626-2004-02-01|title=Patchy brilliance|work=India Today|access-date=22 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818111533/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/film-review-ek-hasina-thi-starring-urmila-matondkar-saif-ali-khan/1/196666.html|archive-date=18 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=K, Kavitha|date=18 January 2004|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/jan182004/mr1.asp|title=Ek Hasina Thi – Hindi|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=2 October 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902084830/http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/jan182004/mr1.asp|archive-date=2 September 2013}}</ref> For his performance, Khan received nominations at the Screen, Zee Cine and IIFA ceremonies.<ref name="Awards" />

[[File:Saif at 52nd National Award.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=Saif Ali Khan receiving award from A. P. J. Abdul Kalam|Pictured with Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam (left) at the 52nd National Film Awards in 2005 where Khan won the Best Actor award for ''Hum Tum'']]

For his next release, Khan starred opposite Rani Mukerji in Kunal Kohli's ''Hum Tum'', a romantic comedy about two headstrong individuals meeting at different stages of their lives. He was cast in the role of Karan Kapoor (a young cartoonist and womanizer) after Aamir Khan was unable to do the film; Kohli said, "I realised that the role needed a younger man [...] someone who could present a more youthful picture. Saif has this unique quality, he can play a 21-year old as well as a 29-year old and was ideal for [the film]."<ref name="Saif arrives">{{cite news|author=Gangadhar, V.|date=25 June 2004|url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/06/25/stories/2004062501120100.htm|title=Saif arrives|work=The Hindu|access-date=22 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091005160618/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/06/25/stories/2004062501120100.htm|archive-date=5 October 2009}}</ref> With worldwide revenue of {{INRConvert|426|m}}, the film proved one of the biggest commercial successes of the year<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Worldwide Grossers 2004|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/year_world_total/2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905031715/http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/year_world_total/2004#.V5BMJpOAOko|archive-date=5 September 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 July 2016}}</ref> and Khan's first success in which he played the sole male lead.<ref name="Saif arrives" /> ''Rediff.com'' wrote of his performance: "Saif reprises his urbane self from ''Dil Chahta Hai'' and ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'', peppering it with occasional fits of introspection and angst, and marking himself as an actor whose time has come."<ref>{{cite web|author=Nanda, Tanmaya K|date=29 May 2004|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/may/29hum.htm|title=Hum Tum: a casting coup!|work=Rediff.com|access-date=2 October 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015000444/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2004/may/29hum.htm|archive-date=15 October 2012}}</ref> He won the Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Comic Role, in addition to his first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor, and was conferred the National Film Award for Best Actor at the 52nd National Film Awards amid much controversy.<ref name="Awards" /><ref name="NFA" /> It marked the beginning of his work with Yash Raj Films, one of the largest production houses in Bollywood.<ref>{{cite news|author=Naval-Shetye, Aakanksha|date=25 October 2012|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-yash-chopra-saved-me-from-going-extinct-saif-ali-khan-1755953|title=Yash Chopra saved me from going extinct: Saif Ali Khan|work=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=22 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161122192316/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-yash-chopra-saved-me-from-going-extinct-saif-ali-khan-1755953|archive-date=22 November 2016}}</ref> In 2004, Khan began dating model Rosa Catalano; they separated three years later.<ref>{{cite news|author=Jha, Subhash K|date=3 July 2008|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/marriage-announcement-very-soon-saif-ali-khan/story-m8WQ2lj4xsVMHRQ0w8chEP.html|title=Marriage announcement very soon: Saif Ali Khan|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=22 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913170604/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/marriage-announcement-very-soon-saif-ali-khan/story-m8WQ2lj4xsVMHRQ0w8chEP.html|archive-date=13 September 2016}}</ref>

=== Established actor and film production (2005–2010) === In 2005, Rediff.com published that Khan had established himself as a leading actor in Hindi cinema with starring roles in the romantic drama ''Parineeta'' and the comedy-drama ''Salaam Namaste''.<ref name="rediff05">{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/yearend/2005/dec/22yend2.htm|title=Ten best Bollywood actors of 2005|author=Kulkarni, Ronjita|date=22 December 2005|work=Rediff.com|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009181037/http://www.rediff.com/yearend/2005/dec/22yend2.htm|archive-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> An adaptation of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay's 1914 Bengali novella by the same name, ''Parineeta'' was directed by Pradeep Sarkar, and narrated the love story of an idealist (Lalita, played by Vidya Balan) and a musician (Shekhar, played by Khan), the son of a capitalist businessman.<ref name="Parineeta">{{cite journal|author=Elley, Derek|date=7 February 2006|url=https://variety.com/2006/film/markets-festivals/parineeta-1200518683/|title=Parineeta:Film Review|journal=Variety|access-date=2 October 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112182837/http://variety.com/2006/film/markets-festivals/parineeta-1200518683/|archive-date=12 January 2016}}</ref> Although the film's producer, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, considered Khan too inexperienced for the part, he was persuaded by Sarkar who felt that Khan was perfect for the role.<ref>{{cite web|author=IndiaFM News Bureau|date=7 June 2005|url=http://indiafm.com/features/2005/6/7/16/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060322234519/http://indiafm.com/features/2005/6/7/16/index.html|archive-date=22 March 2006|title="Small people with big egos, not for me!" – Vidhu Vinod Chopra|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=26 August 2016}}</ref> The film garnered critical acclaim upon release and Khan's portrayal earned him his second nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actor.<ref name="Awards" /> Derek Elley from ''Variety'' wrote, "Khan, who has gradually been developing away from light comedy, again shows smarts as a substantial actor."<ref name="Parineeta" /> Siddharth Anand's ''Salaam Namaste'' became the first Indian feature to be filmed entirely in Australia<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/Film/Bollywood-on-Bourke-Street/2005/05/12/1115843307939.html|title=Bollywood on Bourke Street|author=Phillips, Mark|date=13 May 2005|work=The Age|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123192457/http://www.theage.com.au/news/Film/Bollywood-on-Bourke-Street/2005/05/12/1115843307939.html|archive-date=23 January 2016}}</ref> and went on to become the year's highest-grossing Bollywood production outside of India with worldwide ticket sales of {{INRConvert|572|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Worldwide Grossers 2005|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Collections/world_total/2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822061014/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Collections/world_total/2005#.V48I5pOAOko|archive-date=22 August 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 July 2016}}</ref> The film tells the story of a contemporary cohabiting Indian couple (Khan and Preity Zinta), and their subsequent struggle with an unexpected pregnancy. Khan played the role of Nikhil Arora, a single modern young man who leaves India to make his own life in Melbourne. The critic Taran Adarsh praised Khan for delivering his third successive performance<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/65071|title=Salaam Namaste: Movie Review|author=Adarsh, Taran|date=16 September 2005|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130910063426/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/criticreview/id/65071|archive-date=10 September 2013}}</ref> and Khalid Mohamed noted that he "rescues several untidily written scenes with his neat wit and that flustered [...] facial expression."<ref>{{cite news|author=Mohamed, Khalid|date=11 September 2005|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_year-of-live-in-dangerously_1608|title=Year of live-in dangerously|work=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=2 October 2011|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005044841/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_year-of-live-in-dangerously_1608|archive-date=5 October 2012}}</ref>

[[File:Saif at Omkara press conference.jpg|thumb|upright=0.65|alt=Saif looking away from the camera|Khan at an event for ''Omkara'' in 2006]]

He next played the protagonist in the English language art film, ''Being Cyrus'' (2006), co-starring alongside Naseeruddin Shah and Dimple Kapadia. Directed by debutant Homi Adajania, the psychological drama revolves around a dysfunctional Parsi family with whom Khan's character moves. The film received predominantly positive reviews, and Khan was particularly praised.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joshi, Poonam|date=19 March 2006|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2006/03/24/being_cyrus_2006_review.shtml|title=Being Cyrus (2006)|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=26 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930095542/http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2006/03/24/being_cyrus_2006_review.shtml|archive-date=30 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2006/dec/19yrsl6.htm|title=The Year That Was: 2006|date=19 December 2006|work=Rediff.com|access-date=26 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009151055/http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2006/dec/19yrsl6.htm|archive-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> Later in the year, he portrayed the character of Iago in ''Omkara'', the Indian adaptation of William Shakespeare's ''Othello''. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the film is a tragedy of sexual jealousy set against the backdrop of the political system in Uttar Pradesh.<ref name="Omkara">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2006/05/omkara_preview.shtml|title=Omkara|access-date=2 October 2011|author=Gajjar, Manish|date=May 2006|publisher=BBC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111074642/http://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/films/bollywood/2006/05/omkara_preview.shtml|archive-date=11 November 2011}}</ref> The film premiered at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival and was selected for screening at the Cairo International Film Festival.<ref name="Omkara" /><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061206/asp/nation/story_7101465.asp|title=Omkara puzzle here, prize there|access-date=2 October 2011|author=Roy, Amit|date=6 December 2006|work=The Telegraph|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024102206/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1061206/asp/nation/story_7101465.asp|archive-date=24 October 2012}}</ref> ''Omkara'' was received positively by critics, and Khan went on to receive widespread critical acclaim and accolades, earning the awards for Best Performance in a Negative Role at the Filmfare, Screen, Zee Cine and IIFA ceremonies; his performance was later included in the 2010 issue of the "Top 80 Iconic Performances" by ''Filmfare''.<ref name="Awards" /><ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.filmfare.com/articles/80-iconic-performances-510-955.html|title=Filmfare&nbsp;– 80 Iconic Performances 5/10|access-date=2 October 2011|journal=Filmfare|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407062344/http://filmfare.com/articles/80-iconic-performances-510-955.html|archive-date=7 April 2011}}</ref> ''Variety'' described it as a "powerhouse performance" and wrote that "[i]t is Khan's film through and through, in a performance of rugged, contained malevolence which trades on his previous screen persona as a likable best friend as well as his stint as the manipulative outsider in ''Being Cyrus''. It is smart casting, superbly realized."<ref>{{cite journal|author=Elley, Derek|date=1 August 2006|url=https://variety.com/2006/film/reviews/omkara-1200514443/|title=Omkara:Film Review|journal=Variety|access-date=17 October 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731211812/http://variety.com/2006/film/reviews/omkara-1200514443/|archive-date=31 July 2013}}</ref>

By 2007, Khan was keen on branching out into film production to "explore various genres of commercial and intellectually stimulating cinema".<ref name="Producer">{{cite news|author=Venkatesh, Jyothi|date=9 February 2007|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-saif-turns-producer-1078981|title=Saif turns producer|work=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012024949/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-saif-turns-producer-1078981|archive-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> The critical success of ''Being Cyrus'' led him to create Illuminati Films and partner up with producer Dinesh Vijan, someone whom he shared a "like-minded perspective and ideology [...] with regard to cinema".<ref name="Producer" /> Khan next reunited with producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra in the 2007 epic drama ''Eklavya: The Royal Guard'' alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Boman Irani, Sharmila Tagore, and Vidya Balan. Set in the state of Rajasthan during the early years of Indian independence, the movie revolves around a jealous and ungrateful ruler and his ailing wife. Although the film did not succeed at the box office,<ref>{{cite web|title=Releases 2007|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918193003/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2007#.V4-zzZOAOko|archive-date=18 September 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 July 2016}}</ref> it was chosen as India's official entry to the Oscars.<ref>{{cite news|title=Eklavya sent to Oscars|author=Dasgupta, Priyanka|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Eklavya-sent-to-Oscars/articleshow/2402423.cms|access-date=20 July 2016|date=26 September 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930075552/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-09-26/news-interviews/27996379_1_eklavya-official-entry-oscar-entry|archive-date=30 September 2013|work=The Times of India|url-status=live}}</ref> BBC Online described the film as a "cinematic experience" and praised Khan's growth as an actor, particular noting his scene with Bachchan's character.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joshi, Poonam|date=1 February 2007|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2007/02/16/eklavya_2007_review.shtml|title=Eklavya (The Royal Guard) (2007)|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=26 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070828085212/http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2007/02/16/eklavya_2007_review.shtml|archive-date=28 August 2007}}</ref> Following an appearance in the poorly-received action-comedy ''Nehlle Pe Dehlla'' (a production that had been delayed since 2001),<ref>{{cite web|author=IndiaFM News Bureau|date=25 September 2006|url=http://www.indiafm.com/news/2006/09/25/7925/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006220326/http://www.indiafm.com/news/2006/09/25/7925/index.html|archive-date=6 October 2008|title=Nehle Pe Dehla out this November|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=3 October 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Adarsh, Taran|date=2 March 2007|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7311/index.html|title=Nehlle Pe Dehlla: Movie Review|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090926050927/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/review/7311/index.html|archive-date=26 September 2009|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=3 October 2011}}</ref> Khan featured opposite Rani Mukerji in the 2007 family drama ''Ta Ra Rum Pum''. Directed by Siddharth Anand, it received mixed reviews from critics, but earned over {{INRConvert|690|m}} in India and abroad.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top Worldwide Grossers 2007|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Collections/world_total/2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822064703/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Collections/world_total/2007#.V48OvZOAOko|archive-date=22 August 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=20 July 2016}}</ref> Writing for ''Hindustan Times'', Khalid Mohamed praised Khan for displaying a new maturity,<ref>{{cite news|author=Mohamed, Khalid|work=Hindustan Times|title=Review: Ta Ra Rum Pum|date=27 April 2007|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/review-ta-ra-rum-pum/story-O29AD6AiGjTGMGbm4iPlMN.html|access-date=20 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031100821/http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/review-ta-ra-rum-pum/story-O29AD6AiGjTGMGbm4iPlMN.html|archive-date=31 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> but Rajeev Masand thought that neither he nor Mukerji "are able to make much of an impression because their characters are so unidimensional and boring."<ref>{{cite web|author=Masand, Rajeev|publisher=RajeevMasand.com|title=Movie Review: Ta Ra Rum Pum|date=27 April 2007|url=http://www.rajeevmasand.com/uncategorized/masands-verdict-tara-rum-pum/|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101920/http://www.rajeevmasand.com/uncategorized/masands-verdict-tara-rum-pum/|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref>

Khan achieved further success in 2008, starring in the Abbas–Mustan thriller ''Race'' with an ensemble cast including Anil Kapoor, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Katrina Kaif and Sameera Reddy. The feature was loosely adapted from the 1998 American film ''Goodbye Lover'',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080420/TV/tv-times00008.html|title=Race|date=20 April 2008|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=20 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009151126/http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080420/TV/tv-times00008.html|archive-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> and became one of the year's biggest box office hits, earning {{INRConvert|1.03|b}} worldwide.<ref name="Worldwide gross" /> CNN-IBN's Rajeev Masand found Khan to be a standout among the ensemble, adding that he has "the least dialogue, but the one who makes the best impression".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajeevmasand.com/uncategorized/masands-verdict-race-is-a-pacy-thriller/|title=Masand's Verdict: Race is a pacy thriller|access-date=3 October 2011|author=Masand, Rajeev|date=24 March 2008|publisher=RajeevMasand.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422233713/http://www.rajeevmasand.com/uncategorized/masands-verdict-race-is-a-pacy-thriller/|archive-date=22 April 2016}}</ref> This was followed by three projects produced by Yash Raj Films: the action-thriller ''Tashan'', the fantasy comedy-drama ''Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic'', and the animated film ''Roadside Romeo'', all of which were unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|title=Releases 2008|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101160906/http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2008|archive-date=1 November 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=19 July 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Saif and Deepika at LAK first look.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|alt=Deepika and Saif pose for the camera|Khan with co-actor Deepika Padukone at an event for ''Love Aaj Kal'' in 2009; it was the first film to release under his production company Illuminati Films.<ref>{{cite news|date=11 June 2009|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/saif-turns-producer-with-love-aaj-kal/474819/|title=Saif turns producer with 'Love Aaj Kal'|work=The Indian Express|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011200252/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/saif-turns-producer-with-love-aaj-kal/474819/|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

In 2009, Khan appeared in the romantic drama ''Sanam Teri Kasam'', a production that had been delayed since 2000. The film garnered negative reviews and poor box office returns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Releases 2009|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101160622/http://boxofficeindia.com/Years/years_detail/2009|archive-date=1 November 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=23 July 2016}}</ref> Khan's role was small, and not well received.<ref>{{cite news|work=The Times of India|title=Sanam Teri Kasam Movie Review|date=22 May 2009|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Sanam-Teri-Kasam/movie-review/4567000.cms|access-date=23 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219173433/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/Sanam-Teri-Kasam/movie-review/4567000.cms|archive-date=19 February 2018}}</ref> He next starred in his company's first project: ''Love Aaj Kal'' (2009), a romantic comedy-drama from the writer-director Imtiaz Ali. Featured opposite Deepika Padukone, the film documented the changing value of relationships among the youth, and Khan played dual roles{{mdash}}the younger version of Rishi Kapoor's character (Veer Singh) and Jai Vardhan Singh, an ambitious architect. ''Love Aaj Kal'' received highly positive reviews from critics and became one of the highest-grossing films of the year, earning over {{INRConvert|1|b}} worldwide.<ref name="Worldwide gross">{{cite web|title=Top Worldwide Grossers All Time|url=http://www.boxofficeindia.com/Collections/world_total#.VbC_lvmSiYA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150919181138/http://boxofficeindia.com/Collections/world_total#.VqnmS_l97IU|archive-date=19 September 2015|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=19 July 2016}}</ref> Gaurav Malani of ''The Economic Times'' described his performance as "refreshing natural" and "outstanding".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2009-12-12/news/27662031_1_love-aaj-kal-love-story-saif-ali-khan|title=Love Aaj Kal: Movie Review|author=Malani, Gaurav|date=12 December 2009|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2 October 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}} At the 55th Filmfare Awards, ''Love Aaj Kal'' was nominated for Best Film and Khan received his fourth nomination for Best Actor.<ref name="Awards" />

He then starred in the thriller ''Kurbaan'' alongside Kareena Kapoor, Vivek Oberoi and Dia Mirza. Produced by Dharma Productions, the film marked the directorial debut of Rensil D'Silva and featured Khan in the role of a terrorist. Upon release, ''Kurbaan'' was received favourably by critics and Khan's performance was critically acclaimed. A review in ''The Telegraph'' praised his "easy transition from a charming lover to a heartless man on a deadly mission."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091121/jsp/entertainment/story_11765691.jsp|title=Sacrifice, not a simple word|author=Roy, Priyanka|date=21 November 2009|work=The Telegraph|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818115706/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091121/jsp/entertainment/story_11765691.jsp|archive-date=18 August 2016}}</ref>

=== Career fluctuations and second marriage (2011–2015) === In 2011, he appeared in Prakash Jha's multi-starrer drama ''Aarakshan''. Set in the city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, the film deals with the policy of caste-based reservations in government jobs and educational institutions.<ref name="Ban">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Aarakshan-banned-in-UP-AP-Punjab/articleshow/9572642.cms|title='Aarakshan' banned in UP, AP, Punjab|date=12 August 2011|work=The Times of India|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010075540/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Aarakshan-banned-in-UP-AP-Punjab/articleshow/9572642.cms|archive-date=10 October 2016}}</ref> Khan portrayed Deepak Kumar, a rebellious student who joins the mafia. To prepare for the role, Khan was required to take acting workshops along with the rest of the cast.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2011/06/02/7548/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607202233/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2011/06/02/7548/index.html|archive-date=7 June 2011|title=Saif becomes Prakash Jha's new blue eyed boy after Ajay?|author=Tuteja, Joginder|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=2 October 2011}}</ref> Prior to its release, the film was banned from release in select cities across India due to its controversial subject.<ref name="Ban" /> While the film received a mixed critical reaction, his performance was generally well received.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2011/08/13/7815/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018201109/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2011/08/13/7815/index.html|archive-date=18 October 2011|title=Subhash K. Jha speaks about Aarakshan|author=Jha, Subhash K|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=2 October 2011}}</ref> The following year, Khan produced both of his own films. For his first release, he collaborated once again with director Sriram Raghavan, as the protagonist in the action thriller ''Agent Vinod''. Khan described it as his "most ambitious project",<ref>{{cite news|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/11776/bollywood-tightens-its-purse-strings/|title=Bollywood tightens its purse strings|agency=Reuters|date=9 May 2010|work=The Express Tribune|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817091342/http://tribune.com.pk/story/11776/bollywood-tightens-its-purse-strings/|archive-date=17 August 2016}}</ref> but the film opened to mixed reviews and eventually under-performed at the box office grossing {{INRConvert|400|m}} in India on a budget of {{INRConvert|620|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-bollywoods-ten-biggest-flops-of-2012/20121227.htm|title=Bollywood's Ten Biggest Flops of 2012|author=N, Patcy|date=27 December 2012|work=Rediff.com|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317185348/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-bollywoods-ten-biggest-flops-of-2012/20121227.htm|archive-date=17 March 2016}}</ref>

In his next release, Homi Adajania's romantic comedy-drama ''Cocktail'', he featured as software engineer Gautam Kapoor. Set in London, the film follows Kapoor's relationship with two temperamentally different women: an impulsive party girl (Veronica, played by Padukone) and a submissive girl next door (Meera, played by Diana Penty). Khan described the project as "a love story with a modern sensibility and treatment", and agreed to produce and feature in the film after his role was declined by Imran Khan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/news/type/view/id/1263381|title=Imran out; Saif and Deepika in Homi Adajania's next|date=13 December 2010|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304072153/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/moviemicro/news/type/view/id/1263381|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> Critics were divided in their opinion of the film,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/critics-verdict-cocktail-works-but-in-bits/story-cFNQiVGyPXFUTKmsSUSBEN.html|title=Critics verdict: Cocktail works, but in bits|work=Hindustan Times|date=13 July 2013|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304122353/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/critics-verdict-cocktail-works-but-in-bits/story-cFNQiVGyPXFUTKmsSUSBEN.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> but it emerged a financial success grossing over {{INRConvert|1.2|b}} worldwide.<ref name="Worldwide gross" /> Gaurav Malani of ''The Times of India'' described Khan's performance as "effortless" and noted that he was in his "comfort zone".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Cocktail-Movie-Review/articleshow/14862832.cms|title=Cocktail: Movie Review|author=Malani, Gaurav|date=13 July 2012|work=The Times of India|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010075553/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Cocktail-Movie-Review/articleshow/14862832.cms|archive-date=10 October 2016}}</ref>

[[File:Saif & Kareena marriage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|alt=Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor pose for the camera|Khan with his wife Kareena at their registry marriage ceremony in 2012]] On 16 October 2012, Khan married actress Kareena Kapoor after a five-year courtship in a private ceremony in Bandra, Mumbai. A reception was later held at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Lutyens Bungalow Zone in Mumbai and Delhi respectively. The couple have two sons, Taimur born in 2016 and Jeh born in 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121017/jsp/frontpage/story_16099644.jsp|title=Sajid beats Saif to the altar – After civil marriage, a suspense at play|access-date=22 July 2015|date=16 October 2012|work=The Telegraph|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219182545/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1121017/jsp/frontpage/story_16099644.jsp|archive-date=19 February 2014}}</ref>

The following year, Khan collaborated with Padukone for the fourth time (alongside Anil Kapoor, John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandez and Ameesha Patel) in Abbas–Mustan's ''Race 2'' (2013), an ensemble action thriller that served as a sequel to ''Race'' (2008). The film received predominantly negative reviews from critics,<ref>{{cite news|title=Critics report: Race 2 not worth it|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/critics-report-race-2-not-worth-it/story-QhSKezAX1YGfNcpJEyKCTJ.html|access-date=19 July 2016|work=Hindustan Times|date=25 January 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304081019/http://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/critics-report-race-2-not-worth-it/story-QhSKezAX1YGfNcpJEyKCTJ.html|archive-date=4 March 2016}}</ref> but with a total collection of {{INRConvert|1.62|b}}, it proved to be a commercial success.<ref name="Worldwide gross" /> He was next cast as Boris, a "Russian mafia don",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2013/may/09why-go-goa-gone-could-be-saifs-tropic-thunder.htm|title=Why Go Goa Gone could be Saif's Tropic Thunder|author=Sen, Raja|date=9 May 2013|work=Rediff.com|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910184444/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2013/may/09why-go-goa-gone-could-be-saifs-tropic-thunder.htm|archive-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> in Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K.'s ''Go Goa Gone'' (described as "India's first zom-com")<ref name="GGG review">{{cite web|url=http://www.rajeevmasand.com/reviews/our-films/zombie-high/|title=Zombie High|author=Masand, Rajeev|date=10 May 2013|publisher=RajeevMasand.com|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822101857/http://www.rajeevmasand.com/reviews/our-films/zombie-high/|archive-date=22 August 2016}}</ref> alongside Kunal Khemu and Vir Das. Khan, who bleached his hair for the film, was particularly drawn to the project for its novel concept and its "action, comedy and violence".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120728/jsp/entertainment/story_15780773.jsp|title=Saif's success|author=Upadhyay, Karishma|date=28 July 2012|work=The Telegraph|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818111305/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1120728/jsp/entertainment/story_15780773.jsp|archive-date=18 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-happy-to-take-a-backseat-in-go-goa-gone-saif-ali-khan-1830237|title=Happy to take a backseat in 'Go Goa Gone': Saif Ali Khan|date=3 May 2013|work=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030005126/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-happy-to-take-a-backseat-in-go-goa-gone-saif-ali-khan-1830237|archive-date=30 October 2016}}</ref> The critic Rajeev Masand described the film as "a winning cocktail of laugh-out-loud dialogue and well-timed performances by the three leads", and in particular noted Khan's scene with Khemu's character.<ref name="GGG review" /> His final release of the year was ''Bullett Raja'', a crime drama directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, and co-starring Jimmy Shergill and Sonakshi Sinha. Khan explained that he found it challenging to play the role of Raja Mishra (a common man who turns into a gangster) and "totally relied" on Dhulia's guidance.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131201/spectrum/main9.htm|title=From Chhote Nawab to Raja|date=1 December 2013|work=Sunday Tribune|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819212401/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131201/spectrum/main9.htm|archive-date=19 August 2016}}</ref> ''Bullett Raja'' earned little at the box office and received predominantly negative reviews. Writing for Firstpost, Mihir Fadnavis found Khan to be "miscast" and described his performance as "farcial".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/fans-of-dhulia-saif-weep-bullett-raja-is-a-disaster-1257333.html|title=Fans of Dhulia, Saif, weep: Bullett Raja is a disaster|author=Fadnavis, Mihir|date=30 November 2013|publisher=Firstpost|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913091611/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/fans-of-dhulia-saif-weep-bullett-raja-is-a-disaster-1257333.html|archive-date=13 September 2016}}</ref>

In an interview with ''The Times of India'', Khan explained that he regretted starring in Sajid Khan's 2014 comedy ''Humshakals''.<ref name="Humshakals">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Saif-Ali-Khan-Humshakals-was-a-mistake/articleshow/38590378.cms|title=Saif Ali Khan: Humshakals was a mistake|author=Pathak, Ankur|date=18 July 2014|work=The Times of India|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822125658/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Saif-Ali-Khan-Humshakals-was-a-mistake/articleshow/38590378.cms|archive-date=22 August 2016}}</ref> Co-starring with an ensemble cast (Ritesh Deshmukh, Ram Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Tamannaah and Esha Gupta), Khan portrayed three different characters in an attempt to "expand my market" and step out of his comfort zone.<ref name="Humshakals" /> ''The Hindustan Times'' described it as a "dim-witted comedy" and criticised Khan for being "the worst thing about [the film]."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-saif-ali-khan-is-the-worst-thing-about-humshakals/story-ARgTQStO9YSB5UBHi4SIcN.html|title=Movie review: Saif Ali Khan is the worst thing about Humshakals|author=Kaushal, Sweta|date=21 June 2014|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913233032/http://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/movie-review-saif-ali-khan-is-the-worst-thing-about-humshakals/story-ARgTQStO9YSB5UBHi4SIcN.html|archive-date=13 September 2016}}</ref> He next produced and featured in ''Happy Ending'' (2014), a romantic comedy directed by Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D.K. NDTV's Saibal Chatterjee found Khan's character (a struggling writer) to be "a breezy rejig of his ''Hum Tum'' and ''Salaam Namaste'' persona of a decade ago", and noted that "the many collegiate hook-ups and break-ups he pulls off in ''Happy Ending'' do not look completely at odds with the film's purpose."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/happy-ending-movie-review-1060|title=Happy Ending Movie Review|author=Chatterjee, Saibal|date=21 November 2014|publisher=NDTV|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816014804/http://movies.ndtv.com/movie-reviews/happy-ending-movie-review-1060|archive-date=16 August 2016}}</ref> ''Humshakals'' proved to be a commercial disaster and ''Happy Ending'' underperformed at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/7584/|title=Why is Saif Ali Khan in unsafe waters today?|author=Vijayakar, Rajiv|date=2 December 2014|website=Bollywood Hungama|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813003040/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/movies/features/type/view/id/7584/|archive-date=13 August 2016}}</ref>

Following a brief appearance in the comedy ''Dolly Ki Doli'' (2015), he appeared alongside Kaif in Kabir Khan's counter-terrorism drama ''Phantom'' (2015). Based on the book ''Mumbai Avengers'' by Hussain Zaidi, the film is a retelling of the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.<ref name="Phantom">{{cite news|url=http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/bollywood/phantom-a-controversial-territory-for-katrina-kaif-saif-ali-khan|title=Phantom, a controversial territory for Katrina Kaif, Saif Ali Khan|author=Dani, Arti|date=27 August 2015|work=Khaleej Times|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809150238/http://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/bollywood/phantom-a-controversial-territory-for-katrina-kaif-saif-ali-khan|archive-date=9 August 2016}}</ref> Khan was cast as Cpt. Daniyal Khan, a former soldier hired by the RAW agency. ''Phantom'' generated controversy when the Central Board of Film Censors deemed that the film represented Pakistan in a negative light and banned the film from being released there.<ref name="Phantom" /> A review in ''The Hollywood Reporter'' noted that Khan was "well cast" and "believable" in his role,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/phantom-film-review-818583|title='Phantom': Film Review|author=Tsering, Lisa|date=31 August 2015|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009184126/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/phantom-film-review-818583|archive-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> and Rachit Gupta of ''Filmfare'' described his performance as "a heady mix of bravado and restrained intensity [which] works in parts only."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmfare.com/reviews/movie-review-phantom-10343.html|title=Movie Review: Phantom|author=Gupta, Rachit|date=27 August 2015|publisher=Filmfare|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428182846/http://www.filmfare.com/reviews/movie-review-phantom-10343.html|archive-date=28 April 2016}}</ref> Although Khan was pleased with the film's performance, ''Phantom'' was generally perceived to be a box-office failure grossing {{INRConvert|844|m}} worldwide on a budget of {{INRConvert|720|m}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-the-sajid-nadiadwala-kabir-khan-combo-in-phantom-paid-off-says-saif-ali-khan-2121570|title=The Sajid Nadiadwala-Kabir Khan combo in 'Phantom' paid off, says Saif Ali Khan|author=Upala KBR|date=4 September 2015|work=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=19 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012013321/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-the-sajid-nadiadwala-kabir-khan-combo-in-phantom-paid-off-says-saif-ali-khan-2121570|archive-date=12 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Phantom|url=http://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2979|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=28 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910205237/http://boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=2979|archive-date=10 September 2016}}</ref>

=== Commercial setbacks and professional expansion (2016–2022) === [[File:Saif at Chef event.jpg|thumb|left|upright|alt=Saif poses for the camera|Khan at an event for ''Chef'' in 2017]]

During his year-long absence from the screen, Khan actively looked to play different parts, saying: "These are smarter movies, the interaction with them is deeply rewarding...&nbsp;I think I am finally beginning to understand my sense of style as an actor. I am developing my craft, understanding what acting and communication is."<ref name="bandra">{{cite news|author=Joshi, Namrata|title='I want to shoot an entire film in Bandra': Saif Ali Khan|url=http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/i-want-to-shoot-an-entire-film-in-bandra/article19797556.ece|access-date=7 October 2017|work=The Hindu|date=4 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004194044/http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/i-want-to-shoot-an-entire-film-in-bandra/article19797556.ece|archive-date=4 October 2017}}</ref> He found such a role in his second collaboration with director Vishal Bhardwaj, ''Rangoon'' (2017), an epic romance set during World War II. Cast alongside Shahid Kapoor and Kangana Ranaut, Khan drew inspiration from the mannerisms of his grandfather and the character Darth Vader to portray filmmaker Rustom "Rusi" Billimoria.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/saif-ali-khan-grandfather-iftikhar-ali-khan-pataudi-stylist-rangoon-rusi-billimoria-bollywood-news/18007155|title=Saif Ali Khan: My father was stylish, but my granddad was impeccably dressed|author=Shiware, Shweta|date=19 February 2017|work=Mid Day|access-date=13 March 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313125704/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/saif-ali-khan-grandfather-iftikhar-ali-khan-pataudi-stylist-rangoon-rusi-billimoria-bollywood-news/18007155|archive-date=13 March 2017}}</ref> Rajeev Masand termed the film "overlong, indulgent to the point of exhaustion", but praised Khan for "imbu[ing] Russi with the swagger and the arrogance of an aristocrat from the forties".<ref>{{cite web|author=Masand, Rajeev|title=Rangoon Movie Review: It's Overlong, Indulgent to the Point of Exhaustion|url=http://www.news18.com/news/movies/rangoon-movie-review-its-overlong-indulgent-to-the-point-of-exhaustion-1352927.html|access-date=13 March 2017|website=News18|date=26 February 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228192711/http://www.news18.com/news/movies/rangoon-movie-review-its-overlong-indulgent-to-the-point-of-exhaustion-1352927.html|archive-date=28 February 2017}}</ref>

He next starred as the protagonist (Roshan Kalra) in 2017 comedy-drama ''Chef'' (an official adaptation of the 2014 film of the same name) from the director Raja Krishna Menon.<ref name="bandra" /> Khan was pleased to work with Menon, and identified with the film due to its "modern, slightly unorthodox take on relationships".<ref name="bandra" /> He drew upon several real-life experiences for his character, and trained at the JW Marriott Hotels in Mumbai in preparation.<ref name="bandra" /> The film received generally positive reviews, with several commentators declaring that it was Khan's best performance to that point.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saif Ali Khan Garners Praises From Critics For His Brilliant Performance In 'Chef'|url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/saif-ali-khan-garners-praises-from-critics-for-his-brilliant-performance-in-chef/18641182|access-date=22 October 2017|work=Mid Day|date=9 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023063627/http://www.mid-day.com/articles/saif-ali-khan-garners-praises-from-critics-for-his-brilliant-performance-in-chef/18641182|archive-date=23 October 2017}}</ref> Anupama Chopra wrote: "Khan get[s] his groove back...&nbsp;[He] doesn't play Roshan as a hero having a bad day. He gives us a flawed, fumbling man who is trying to repair the broken chords of his life."<ref>{{cite web|author=Chopra, Anupama|title=Chef Movie Review|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/article/chef-movie-review-anupama-chopra|access-date=7 October 2017|publisher=Film Companion|date=6 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008072512/http://www.filmcompanion.in/article/chef-movie-review-anupama-chopra|archive-date=8 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> As with his last few releases, ''Rangoon'' and ''Chef'' earned little at the box office, leading trade analysts to question his commercial appeal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kangana and Saif's brand endorsements take a hit after recent box office failures|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/131017/failures-at-box-office-affect-saif-and-kanganas-brands.html|access-date=22 October 2017|work=Deccan Chronicle|date=13 October 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021060144/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/bollywood/131017/failures-at-box-office-affect-saif-and-kanganas-brands.html|archive-date=21 October 2017}}</ref>

Following an appearance in the poorly-received 2018 black comedy ''Kaalakaandi'' directed by Akshat Verma, Khan appeared as Inspector Sartaj Singh in India's first Netflix original series, the crime thriller ''Sacred Games'', based on Vikram Chandra's novel of the same name.<ref>{{cite web|last=Laha Roy|first=Tasmayee|title=Flop streak continues: Saif Ali Khan's recent films have been 'Kaalakaandi' for his career|url=http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/flop-streak-continues-saif-ali-khans-recent-films-are-kaalakaandi-for-his-career-2483671.html|access-date=15 January 2018|publisher=Moneycontrol.com|date=19 February 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116092727/http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/flop-streak-continues-saif-ali-khans-recent-films-are-kaalakaandi-for-his-career-2483671.html|archive-date=16 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/sacred-games-how-india-s-first-netflix-original-came-together/story-qDGceqq9SR4jStYluu1vhM.html|author=Choudhary, Vidhi|title=Sacred Games: How India's first Netflix original came together|date=7 July 2018|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715181326/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/sacred-games-how-india-s-first-netflix-original-came-together/story-qDGceqq9SR4jStYluu1vhM.html|archive-date=15 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Cast alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Radhika Apte, Khan was drawn by the opportunity to be part of a "creative zone, devoid of certain pressures and constraints that one would associate with the kind of films we normally do."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://scroll.in/reel/886789/there-is-a-fear-that-someone-would-just-skip-this-saif-ali-khan-on-netflix-series-sacred-games|author=Pal, Chandrima|title='There was a fear that someone would just skip this': Saif Ali Khan on Netflix series 'Sacred Games'|date=17 July 2018|work=Scroll.in|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718063632/https://scroll.in/reel/886789/there-is-a-fear-that-someone-would-just-skip-this-saif-ali-khan-on-netflix-series-sacred-games|archive-date=18 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The show received high critical acclaim;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/sacred-games-first-netflix-original-from-india-reviews-rotten-tomatoes-2018-7|author=Lynch, John|title=Netflix's first original series from India, 'Sacred Games,' is an addictive crime thriller with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes|date=9 July 2018|work=Business Insider|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726071835/https://www.businessinsider.com/sacred-games-first-netflix-original-from-india-reviews-rotten-tomatoes-2018-7|archive-date=26 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/sacred_games/s01/|title=SACRED GAMES: SEASON 1 (2018)|publisher=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726172404/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/sacred_games/s01|archive-date=26 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Ankur Pathak of ''HuffPost'' called it "a sure-shot winner" and took note of Khan's "stellar performance, one that [he] chews on slowly as he disappears into the broken persona of a tormented cop."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2018/07/09/sacred-games-review-india-finally-has-a-prestige-tv-drama-to-call-its-own_a_23477897/|author=Pathak, Ankur|title='Sacred Games' Review: India Finally Has A Prestige TV Drama To Call Its Own|date=10 July 2018|work=HuffPost|access-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716140626/https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2018/07/09/sacred-games-review-india-finally-has-a-prestige-tv-drama-to-call-its-own_a_23477897/|archive-date=16 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In his next release, he starred as the businessman Skakun Kothari in Gauravv Chawla's ''Baazaar'', a drama set against the backdrop of Mumbai's stock exchange market. Khan worked with Chawla to provide off-screen inputs, and was attracted to the idea of playing the antagonist, describing it as "a devious character" from the Indian epic poetry ''Mahabharata''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/saif-ali-khan-talks-about-his-character-in-his-new-release-baazaar-1376576-2018-10-27|author=Saxena, Manjari|title=Saif Ali Khan talks about his character in his new release Baazaar|date=27 October 2018|work=India Today|access-date=9 May 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011200253/https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/saif-ali-khan-talks-about-his-character-in-his-new-release-baazaar-1376576-2018-10-27|url-status=live}}</ref> The critic Udita Jhunjhunwala of ''Mint'' commended Khan for "blending the right amount of wickedness with willfulness", but Namrata Joshi found him to be "stiff [and] stern ... to communicate a rather facetious sense of menace."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/8fIVgtJx6GDzeQoTQuoBII/Movie-review-Baazaar.html|author=Jhunjhunwala, Udita|title=Movie review: Baazaar|date=25 October 2018|work=Mint|access-date=9 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505162058/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/8fIVgtJx6GDzeQoTQuoBII/Movie-review-Baazaar.html|archive-date=5 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/baazaar-review-collapse-at-dalal-street/article25336974.ece|author=Joshi, Namrata|title='Baazaar' review: Collapse at Dalal Street|date=26 October 2018|work=Mint|access-date=9 May 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011200253/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/baazaar-review-collapse-at-dalal-street/article25336974.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Baazaar'' was a box-office failure grossing {{INRConvert|399|m}} worldwide on a budget of {{INRConvert|340|m}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Baazaar|url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=5526|publisher=Box Office India|access-date=9 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501115811/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/movie.php?movieid=5526|archive-date=1 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Ajay Devgn & Saif Ali Khan at Tanhaji event.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|alt=Ajay and Saif pose together for the camera|Pictured with co-actor Ajay Devgn at an event for ''Tanhaji'' in 2020. It marked their second collaboration and the film emerged as Khan's highest-grossing release.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/ajay-devgns-tanhaji-heads-for-rs-200-cr-mark-after-smashing-weekend-becomes-saif-ali-khans-highest-grossing-film/articleshow/73432762.cms|title=Ajay Devgn's 'Tanhaji' heads for Rs 200 cr-mark after smashing weekend, becomes Saif Ali Khan's highest-grossing film|date=20 January 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011200253/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/ajay-devgns-tanhaji-heads-for-rs-200-cr-mark-after-smashing-weekend-becomes-saif-ali-khans-highest-grossing-film/articleshow/73432762.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>]]

Khan's desire to choose films based upon artistic merit rather than commercial appeal led him to feature as the protagonist in the 2019 action-drama ''Laal Kaptaan''.<ref name="wildwolf">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/bollywood/saif-ali-khan-on-playing-a-wild-wolf-in-friday-film-laal-kaptaan/cid/1712153|author=Upadhyay, Karishma|title=Saif Ali Khan on playing a 'wild wolf' in Friday film Laal Kaptaan|date=18 October 2019|work=The Telegraph|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017171207/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/bollywood/saif-ali-khan-on-playing-a-wild-wolf-in-friday-film-laal-kaptaan/cid/1712153|archive-date=17 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Directed by Navdeep Singh, it is set in the 18th century and tells the story of a sadhu (Khan) who goes on a killing spree with the intention of exacting revenge upon a subedar. Filming in the barren landscape of rural Rajasthan proved physically daunting for Khan, and in preparation for the role he learned sword-fighting and horse-riding, and worked with a dialect coach to speak in a Rajasthani accent. He described it as "the hardest thing I have done so far", and considered the opportunity a critical learning experience that helped him personally and professionally;<ref name="wildwolf" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/saif-ali-khan-on-his-challenging-role-in-laal-kaptaan-it-was-the-hardest-thing-ive-ever-done-so-far-7507261.html|author=Sinha, Seema|title=Saif Ali Khan on his challenging role in Laal Kaptaan: 'It was the hardest thing I've ever done so far'|date=17 October 2019|work=Firstpost|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207220952/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bollywood/saif-ali-khan-on-his-challenging-role-in-laal-kaptaan-it-was-the-hardest-thing-ive-ever-done-so-far-7507261.html|archive-date=7 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> however, it failed at the box office.<ref>{{cite web|title=Box Office: Ghost, Laal Kaptaan flop|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/box-office-ghost-laal-kaptaan-flop/20191022.htm|access-date=10 May 2020|work=Rediff.com|date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023142133/https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/box-office-ghost-laal-kaptaan-flop/20191022.htm|archive-date=23 October 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Huffington Post'' praised Khan's decision to choose "morally ambiguous roles", but noted that he was "too wooden, bereft of any allure or mystery."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/laal-kaptaan-movie-review_in_5da8611de4b0b24e75de13c5|author=Pathak, Ankur|title='Laal Kaptaan' Movie Review: Saif Ali Khan's Revenge Saga Is Awfully Dull|date=17 October 2011|work=HuffPost|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105200128/https://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/laal-kaptaan-movie-review_in_5da8611de4b0b24e75de13c5|archive-date=5 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

Khan began the new decade with a starring role in 2020's ''Tanhaji'', a historical drama directed by Om Raut. Set in the 17th century, it revolves around the attempt by a Maratha warrior (played by Devgn) to recapture the Kondhana fortress from a Rajput fort keeper (played by Khan). He was attracted to the idea of starring in a "larger-than-life" film and felt challenged by Raut's insistence on overplaying his character; he explained that the process left him "very enriched" and he was pleased with the collaboration.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/saif-ali-khan-on-reunting-with-ajay-devgn-on-tanhaji-hes-one-of-the-most-confident-and-generous-actors-today-7869751.html|author=Sinha, Seema|title=Saif Ali Khan on reunting with Ajay Devgn on Tanhaji: He's one of the most confident and generous actors today|date=7 January 2020|work=Firstpost|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200107174043/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/saif-ali-khan-on-reunting-with-ajay-devgn-on-tanhaji-hes-one-of-the-most-confident-and-generous-actors-today-7869751.html|archive-date=7 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Tanhaji'' was acclaimed by critics and emerged as a major commercial success, grossing over {{INRConvert|3.67|b}} worldwide.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-victory-of-tanhaji/articleshow/73194952.cms|title=The victory of Tanhaji|date=8 May 2020|work=Mumbai Mirror|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112090313/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/the-victory-of-tanhaji/articleshow/73194952.cms|archive-date=12 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Box Office: Tanhaji is the highest grosser of 2020 at the worldwide box office so far with approx. 367 crores|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-tanhaji-highest-grosser-2020-worldwide-box-office-far-approx-367-crores/|access-date=10 May 2020|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=1 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200420185259/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/box-office-tanhaji-highest-grosser-2020-worldwide-box-office-far-approx-367-crores/|archive-date=20 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Reviewing the film for Film Companion, Anupama Chopra found Khan's performance to be the film's prime asset, and credited him for playing "the exaggerated evil with a cheeky panache."<ref>{{cite web|author=Chopra, Anupama|title=Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior Movie Review – An Action Movie Rolled Into An Amar Chitra Katha Comic|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-movie-review-an-action-movie-rolled-into-an-amar-chitra-katha-comic|access-date=10 May 2020|publisher=Film Companion|date=10 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407033717/https://www.filmcompanion.in/reviews/tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-movie-review-an-action-movie-rolled-into-an-amar-chitra-katha-comic|archive-date=7 April 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Hindustan Times'' opined that Khan had delivered his best performance to date, noting his "moments of mirth with his sinister laugh amid killing people."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-movie-review-ajay-devgn-s-classic-century-saif-ali-khan-goes-bad-in-style/story-q2rRPCQkpzDK3XiFpUo2EL.html|author=Kukreja, Monika Rawal|title=Tanhaji The Unsung Warrior movie review: Ajay Devgn's classic century, Saif Ali Khan goes bad in style|date=10 January 2020|work=Hindustan Times|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206091540/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/tanhaji-the-unsung-warrior-movie-review-ajay-devgn-s-classic-century-saif-ali-khan-goes-bad-in-style/story-q2rRPCQkpzDK3XiFpUo2EL.html|archive-date=6 February 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Tanhaji'' earned Khan his second Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor. His next release of the year was ''Jawaani Jaaneman'', a comedy-drama about the life of a bachelor (played by Khan) who discovers that he has a daughter (played by Alaya Furniturewala). The feature was produced under his new company, Black Knight Films, and received generally positive reviews.<ref>{{cite web|title=Saif Ali Khan launches his new banner Black Knight Films, signs director Nitin Kakkar|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/saif-ali-khan-launches-new-banner-black-knight-films-signs-director-nitin-kakkar/|access-date=4 October 2018|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=3 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004133702/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/bollywood/saif-ali-khan-launches-new-banner-black-knight-films-signs-director-nitin-kakkar/|archive-date=4 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Kunal Guha of ''Mumbai Mirror'' found that the film allowed Khan to "slip into a familiar-yet-age appropriate avatar in a refreshing coming-of-age story."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-review/jawaani-jaaneman-movie-review-playing-saif/articleshow/73783921.cms|author=Guha, Kunal|title=Jawaani Jaaneman movie review: This Saif Ali Khan, Alaya F and Tabu-starrer does not have a dull moment|date=31 January 2020|work=Mumbai Mirror|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304154257/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-review/jawaani-jaaneman-movie-review-playing-saif/articleshow/73783921.cms|archive-date=4 March 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2021, Khan first appeared as a politician in Amazon Prime Video's drama series ''Tandav'' created and directed by Ali Abbas Zafar.<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 December 2020|title=Tandav teaser: Saif leads the multi-player game of power and politics|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/tandav-teaser-saif-ali-khan-leads-the-multi-player-game-of-power-and-politics-7108331/|access-date=17 December 2020|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> The show opened amid protests and police complaints against its makers for allegedly insulting Hindu deities and hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gettleman |first1=Jeffrey |last2=Raj |first2=Suhasini |author1-link=Jeffrey Gettleman |author2-link=Suhasini Raj |title=Amazon Web Drama Draws the Wrath of India's Hindu Nationalists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/18/business/india-amazon-tandav.html |access-date=17 April 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=18 January 2021 |archive-date=7 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707115602/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/18/business/india-amazon-tandav.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Dutta|2022|p=155}} following which Zafar cut several scenes and issued an apology.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Raj |first1=Suhasini |last2=Gettleman |first2=Jeffrey |title=Director of Amazon India Drama Cuts Scenes Amid Outcry From Hindu Nationalists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/22/business/india-amazon-tandav.html |access-date=17 April 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=22 January 2021 |archive-date=28 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128203228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/22/business/india-amazon-tandav.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Critical reception was mixed.<ref>{{cite news | access-date=16 January 2021 | archive-date=16 January 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116030316/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tandav-review-a-lackadaisical-attempt-at-portraying-indias-diverse-polity/article33580234.ece | first1=Sayan | last1=Ghosh | url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/tandav-review-a-lackadaisical-attempt-at-portraying-indias-diverse-polity/article33580234.ece | title=''Tandav'' review: A lackadaisical attempt at portraying India's diverse polity | url-status=live | work=The Hindu | date=15 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | access-date=17 April 2023 | archive-date=15 January 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115124146/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/tandav-review-dimple-kapadia-saif-ali-khans-web-series-dances-to-a-facile-bollywood-beat-2-stars-out-of-5-2352860 | first1=Saibal | last1=Chatterjee | url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/tandav-review-dimple-kapadia-saif-ali-khans-web-series-dances-to-a-facile-bollywood-beat-2-stars-out-of-5-2352860 | title=''Tandav'' Review: Dimple Kapadia, Saif Ali Khan's Web-Series Dances to a Facile Bollywood Beat | publisher=NDTV | date=15 January 2021 | url-status=live}}</ref> Khan then starred in the crime comedy ''Bunty Aur Babli 2'' opposite Mukerji, and the horror comedy ''Bhoot Police'' alongside Arjun Kapoor.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://m.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/bhoot-police-poster-kareena-kapoor-shares-first-look-at-saif-ali-khan-s-horror-comedy-says-new-normal-is-paranormal/story-DraZ60FwqNARTiJH5fYtNN_amp.html|title=Bhoot Police poster: Kareena Kapoor shares first look at Saif Ali Khan's horror comedy, says 'new normal is paranormal'|date=4 November 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=23 February 2021|archive-date=18 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118173427/https://m.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/bhoot-police-poster-kareena-kapoor-shares-first-look-at-saif-ali-khan-s-horror-comedy-says-new-normal-is-paranormal/story-DraZ60FwqNARTiJH5fYtNN_amp.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji reunite after 11 years for Bunty Aur Babli 2|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/saif-ali-khan-and-rani-mukerji-reunite-after-11-years-for-bunty-aur-babli-2-1629539-2019-12-19|work=India Today|date=19 December 2019|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219075555/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/saif-ali-khan-and-rani-mukerji-reunite-after-11-years-for-bunty-aur-babli-2-1629539-2019-12-19|archive-date=19 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, he collaborated with Hrithik Roshan on the action film ''Vikram Vedha'', a remake of the 2017 Tamil film. Saibal Chatterjee wrote that he "inhabits the character of the tough cop with conviction and exudes the external toughness that defines the man and his mission".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chatterjee |first=Saibal |date=September 30, 2022 |title=Vikram Vedha Review: Hrithik Roshan And Saif Ali Khan Deliver Standout Performances |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/vikram-vedha-review-hrithik-roshan-and-saif-ali-khan-deliver-standout-performances-3-stars-3390754 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930044115/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/vikram-vedha-review-hrithik-roshan-and-saif-ali-khan-deliver-standout-performances-3-stars-3390754 |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=January 9, 2024 |website=NDTV}}</ref>

=== Telugu cinema and stabbing incident (2023–present) === Khan began 2023 by playing the villainous Lankesh in the mythological film ''Adipurush'', inspired by the Hindu epic ''Ramayana'', starring Prabhas as the heroic Raghava. It was filmed simultaneously in Hindi and Telugu. Budgeted at {{INRconvert|500-700|c}}, it is one of the most expensive Indian films.{{citation needed|date=October 2025}} It received negative reactions from both critics and audiences, and emerged as a box office bomb.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-06-24 |title=Adipurush: Why audiences turned against this Bollywood epic |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-65980227 |access-date=2024-08-09 |work=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref> In the following year, Khan had his second Telugu film release in the action film ''Devara: Part 1'', starring N. T. Rama Rao Jr.. Avinash Ramachandran of ''The Indian Express'' bemoaned that his performance suffered due to poor writing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/devara-movie-review-jr-ntr-anchors-this-action-drama-burdened-by-the-allure-of-a-sequel-9591098/|title=Devara Movie Review: Jr NTR anchors this action drama burdened by the allure of a sequel|website=The Indian Express|date=27 September 2024 |access-date=27 September 2024|archive-date=29 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929141021/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/devara-movie-review-jr-ntr-anchors-this-action-drama-burdened-by-the-allure-of-a-sequel-9591098/|url-status=live}}</ref> With a gross of over {{INRConvert|5|b|year=2024}}, it emerged as the highest-grossing film of his career.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=Devara: Part 1 Box Office: Jr. NTR starrer storms past Rs. 521+ crores worldwide :Bollywood Box Office |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/box-office-special-features/devara-part-1-box-office-jr-ntr-starrer-storms-past-rs-521-crores-worldwide/ |access-date=2024-11-16 |website=Bollywood Hungama}}</ref>

On 16 January 2025, Khan was stabbed multiple times during an attempted robbery inside his Mumbai residence. He was admitted to Lilavati Hospital for surgery.<ref>{{cite web|last=Farooque|first=Neyaz|title=Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan stabbed at his Mumbai home|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0lrg2nrdvo|website=BBC|date=16 January 2024|access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref> He sustained major injuries on his neck, back and waist. A neurosurgery was conducted on his spinal cord, where a piece of the knife was lodged which led to leaking spinal fluid.<ref>{{cite web|title=Actor Saif Ali Khan injured after being attacked in Mumbai home, taken to hospital|url=https://scroll.in/latest/1077997/actor-saif-ali-khan-injured-after-being-attacked-in-mumbai-home-taken-to-hospital|website=Scroll.in|date=16 January 2024|access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Whittock|first=Jesse|title=Bollywood Star Saif Ali Khan Stabbed In Knife Attack At His Home|url=https://deadline.com/2025/01/saif-ali-khan-stabbed-knife-attack-1236258330/|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=16 January 2024|access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref> Hospital representatives reported that Khan was stable after surgery.<ref>{{cite news|last=Ramachandran|first=Naman|title=Bollywood Star Saif Ali Khan Stabbed Multiple Times in Mumbai Home Invasion Attack|url=https://variety.com/2025/film/news/saif-ali-khan-stabbed-1236275567/|work=Variety|date=16 January 2024|access-date=16 January 2024}}</ref> He was discharged after five days.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/bollywood-actor-saif-ali-khan-discharged-from-lilavati-hospital/article69122946.ece|title=Actor Saif Ali Khan discharged from Lilavati hospital after five days|work=The Hindu|date=21 January 2025|access-date=21 January 2025}}</ref> Using CCTV footage, Mumbai Police arrested Mohammad Shariful Islam Shahzad, a 30-year-old Bangladeshi national, as the culprit.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/how-mumbai-police-cracked-saif-ali-khan-stabbing-case-using-facial-recognition-cctv-101738308920777.html |title=How Mumbai police cracked Saif Ali Khan stabbing case using facial recognition |author=Chaudhari, Kanchan V. |date=31 January 2025 |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=Hindustan Times}}</ref> In March 2025, Mohammad Shariful Islam appealed for bail in the case, claiming that he was falsely implicated by the police.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-29 |title=Bangladeshi national arrested in Saif Ali Khan stabbing case claims 'false implication' |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/bangladeshi-national-arrested-in-saif-ali-khan-stabbing-case-claims-false-implicationnbspnbsp/3792781/ |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref>

Following no release in 2024, Khan played a jewel thief in the 2025 Netflix action thriller ''Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins'', alongside Nikita Dutta and Jaideep Ahlawat.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/netflix-2025-india-content-slate-films-series-1236125713/ |title=Netflix Unveils 2025 India Content Slate: New Films and Series Announced |author=Brzeski, Patrick |date=3 February 2025 |access-date=4 February 2025 |work=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Saif Ali Khan and Jaideep Ahlawat's 'Jewel Thief' gets 2 new dance numbers | url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/saif-ali-khan-jaideep-ahlawat-jewel-thief-kookie-gulati-dance-songs-23429937 | website=Mid-day | date=15 November 2024}}</ref> Sukanya Verma criticised Khan's role but was appreciative of his "momentary banter" with Ahlawat.<ref>{{cite web |last=Verma |first=Sukanya |title=Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins Review: This Vault's Empty! |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/jewel-thief-the-heist-begins-review/20250425.htm |website=Rediff |date=25 April 2025 |accessdate=28 April 2025}}</ref>

== Off-screen work == [[File:SRK & SAK at Filmfare08.jpg|thumb|right|alt=Shah Rukh and Saif posing|Khan co-hosted the Filmfare Awards five times with Shah Rukh Khan: 2003, 2004, 2008, 2010 and 2013. He also co-hosted once with Sonali Bendre in 2005.<ref>{{cite news|author=Dixit, Rekha & Wallia, Kaajal|title=Devdas sweeps Filmfare Awards|date=21 February 2003|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Devdas-sweeps-Filmfare-Awards/articleshow/38197713.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=12 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161007183658/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Devdas-sweeps-Filmfare-Awards/articleshow/38197713.cms|archive-date=7 October 2016}}<br />{{cite news|author=Rajadhyaksha, Radha & Ansari, Shabana|title=Rani reigns, Shah rules at 50th Filmfare Awards|date=26 February 2005|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Rani-reigns-Shah-rules-at-50th-Filmfare-Awards/articleshow/1034001.cms|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=12 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010075533/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Rani-reigns-Shah-rules-at-50th-Filmfare-Awards/articleshow/1034001.cms|archive-date=10 October 2016}}<br />{{cite news|title=Shah Rukh Khan to host Filmfare Awards once again!|date=11 January 2016|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-shah-rukh-khan-to-host-filmfare-awards-once-again-2164581|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=11 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012023434/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-shah-rukh-khan-to-host-filmfare-awards-once-again-2164581|archive-date=12 October 2016}}<br />{{cite news|title="3 Idiots" shines at 55th Filmfare Awards|date=2 March 2010|url=http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-128253|newspaper=The Daily Star|access-date=11 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813051925/http://www.thedailystar.net/news-detail-128253|archive-date=13 August 2016}}</ref>]]

=== Tours and ceremonies === Alongside his acting career, Khan has participated in several concert tours and televised award ceremonies. He performed in his first concert tour, ''Temptations 2004'', with actors Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Preity Zinta, Arjun Rampal and Priyanka Chopra. Showcased in over 22&nbsp;countries across the world, it became Bollywood's most prominent international concert to that point.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bollywood's Day Out...|date=2 December 2004|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-12-02/news-interviews/27157774_1_bernard-weber-new-list-aishwarya-rai|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060630201708/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-943930,prtpage-1.cms|archive-date=30 June 2006|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=11 August 2016}}</ref> In 2006, he was part of the ''Heat 2006'' world tour along with Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta, Sushmita Sen and Celina Jaitley.<ref>{{cite web|title=Akshay Kumar & Preity Zinta in Bollywood New York Shows for Aron Govil Productions|date=10 March 2006|url=http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=9273|publisher=Business Wire India|access-date=16 March 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060323185651/http://www.businesswireindia.com/PressRelease.asp?b2mid=9273|archive-date=23 March 2006}}</ref> He later performed along with several other Bollywood personalities at the closing ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.<ref>{{cite news|author=Ruhani, Faheem|title=Ash, Saif, Rani & Lara to rock the Commonwealth Games|date=21 February 2006|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-ash-saif-rani-lara-to-rock-the-commonwealth-games-1014127|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=11 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024212451/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-ash-saif-rani-lara-to-rock-the-commonwealth-games-1014127|archive-date=24 October 2016}}</ref>

=== Music === In December 2005, Khan performed alongside the band Parikrama at the Mittal Gardens in New Delhi, and later reunited with them and Strings of Pakistan for ''The Royal Stag Mega Music Concert'' (a four-city concert tour) two years later, Khan playing the guitar during these performances.<ref>{{cite news |date=19 January 2008 |title=Saif, guitar in hand, Bebo in tow |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080119/jsp/calcutta/story_8800174.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822210539/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080119/jsp/calcutta/story_8800174.jsp |archive-date=22 August 2016 |access-date=12 August 2016 |newspaper=The Telegraph}}</ref>

=== Philanthropy === Since October 2011, Khan has taken over the responsibility of managing his father's eye hospital, and has also made public appearances to support various other charitable causes.<ref name="nawab" /> In February 2005, Khan and several other Bollywood actors participated in the 2005 HELP! Telethon Concert to raise money for the victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bollywood unites to present caring face|work=The Telegraph|date=8 February 2007|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050208/asp/nation/story_4351693.asp|access-date=21 February 2005|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118103831/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050208/asp/nation/story_4351693.asp|archive-date=18 January 2012}}</ref> He took part in a charity cricket match organised by IIFA at Headingley Cricket Ground in West Yorkshire, England in 2007, and later hosted an event organised by the award ceremony to help raise funds for various charities in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stars to participate in charity cricket match at IIFA|website=Bollywood Hungama|date=31 May 2007|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebritymicro/news/type/view/id/6331/newsid/1176519|access-date=11 August 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818152429/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebritymicro/news/type/view/id/6331/newsid/1176519|archive-date=18 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Banerjee, Soumyadipta|title=Saif Ali Khan to host musical for charity|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis|date=1 June 2011|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-saif-ali-khan-to-host-musical-for-charity-1549891|access-date=11 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012021924/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-saif-ali-khan-to-host-musical-for-charity-1549891|archive-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> In November 2008, Khan performed in a concert to raise money for the victims of the 2008 Bihar flood and in September 2013, he attended a charity dinner organised by the Venu Eye Institute, donating two of his personal belongings to help raise funds for cataract operations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Passionate rockstar Saif plays the guitar till his fingers get cut!|date=5 November 2008|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/passionate-rockstar-saif-plays-the-guitar-till-his-fingers-get-cut_15084.html|work=Zee News|access-date=12 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011093213/http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/celebrity/passionate-rockstar-saif-plays-the-guitar-till-his-fingers-get-cut_15084.html|archive-date=11 October 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=A family event with Jeffrey Archer for Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor|date=18 September 2013|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-a-family-event-with-jeffrey-archer-for-saif-ali-khan-and-kareena-kapoor-1890440|newspaper=Daily News and Analysis|access-date=11 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012030454/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-a-family-event-with-jeffrey-archer-for-saif-ali-khan-and-kareena-kapoor-1890440|archive-date=12 October 2016}}</ref> Later that year, he spent time with underprivileged kids during the filming of ''Bullett Raja''.<ref>{{cite news|author=Bollywood Hungama News Network|title=Saif Ali Khan spends time with underprivileged kids on 'Bullett Raja' sets|work=The Indian Express|date=7 November 2013|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/bollywood/news/a601984/saif-ali-khan-i-am-thrilled-to-be-the-brand-ambassador-of-ogq/|access-date=11 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910132853/http://www.digitalspy.com/bollywood/news/a601984/saif-ali-khan-i-am-thrilled-to-be-the-brand-ambassador-of-ogq/|archive-date=10 September 2016}}</ref> In October 2014, Khan was appointed as an ambassador for Olympic Gold Quest and donated {{INRConvert|2|m}} to help raise funds for the training of athletes.<ref>{{cite web|author=Joshi, Priya|title=Saif Ali Khan: 'I am thrilled to be the brand ambassador of OGQ'|work=Digital Spy|date=8 October 2014|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/saif-ali-khan-spends-time-with-underprivileged-kids-on-bullett-raja-sets/1191965/|access-date=11 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219173432/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/saif-ali-khan-spends-time-with-underprivileged-kids-on-bullett-raja-sets/1191965/|archive-date=19 February 2018}}</ref>

== In the media == [[File:Saif at pagri ceremony.jpg|thumb|upright=1|left|alt=Saif Ali Khan looking away from the camera|Khan at his pagri ceremony in October 2011 where he was anointed as the head of the Pataudi family.]] In an interview with Rajeev Masand, Khan described himself as "a very private person".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rajeevmasand.com/uncategorized/i-am-no-superstar-saif-ali-khan/|title=I am no superstar: Saif Ali Khan|author=Masand, Rajeev|year=2014|publisher=RajeevMasand.com|access-date=11 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915191730/http://www.rajeevmasand.com/uncategorized/i-am-no-superstar-saif-ali-khan/|archive-date=15 September 2016}}</ref> The journalist Roshmila Bhattacharya added, "Unlike most actors, his interests are not limited to box office collections and workout routines. [He] can converse on anything, from philosophy to politics, from sports to books and music."<ref name="legacy" /> ''Filmfare'' wrote that earlier in his career, Khan gained a reputation for being arrogant, but later matured into "one of showbiz's biggest and most respected stars."<ref>{{cite journal|author=Gupta, Rachit|title=Sultan of swing: Saif Ali Khan|url=http://www.filmfare.com/features/sultan-of-swing-saif-ali-khan-5048-14.html|access-date=30 July 2016|journal=Filmfare|date=31 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809122221/http://www.filmfare.com/features/sultan-of-swing-saif-ali-khan-5048-14.html|archive-date=9 August 2016}}</ref> During his career, he has played roles in both high-profile mainstream productions and lesser-publicised films by independent filmmakers, and he has appeared in a range of film genres, although he has found a niche playing roles in romantic comedies.<ref name="chameleon" /><ref name="safe">{{cite journal|author=Pereira, Priyanka|title=Don't Play It Safe, Saif|url=http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/art-culture/don-t-play-it-safe-saif#all|access-date=11 August 2016|journal=OPEN|date=28 November 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920004700/http://www.openthemagazine.com/article/art-culture/don-t-play-it-safe-saif#all|archive-date=20 September 2016}}</ref> ''The Tribune'' wrote that his roles in ''Dil Chahta Hai'' (2001), ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'' (2003), ''Hum Tum'' (2004), ''Salaam Namaste'' (2005), ''Love Aaj Kal'' (2009) and ''Cocktail'' (2012) were "essentially endearing pretty boys", and the success of these films established him as the "poster boy for romantic comedies".<ref>{{cite news|title=Star Track: Age is just a number|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140404/ttlife1.htm|date=4 April 2014|access-date=30 July 2016|work=The Tribune|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009162928/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140404/ttlife1.htm|archive-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> Beth Watkins explains the typical role Khan played in romantic comedies and its appeal: <blockquote>"Perhaps related is his finesse for playing petulant, arrogant, almost insufferable young men in need of reform, which, this being Bollywood, they can easily achieve through the love of a good woman. Does his real-life golden status—with literature, cinema, cricket and royalty in his lineage—make him exceptionally effective at coming across as spoiled?"<ref>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/03/26/bollywood-journal-agent-vinod-and-the-genius-of-saif-ali-khan/|title=Bollywood Journal: 'Agent Vinod' and the Genius of Saif Ali Khan|access-date=11 August 2016|author=Watkins, Beth|date=26 March 2012|work=The Wall Street Journal|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009181340/http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/03/26/bollywood-journal-agent-vinod-and-the-genius-of-saif-ali-khan/|archive-date=9 October 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref></blockquote>

One of the highest-paid actors in Bollywood,<ref>{{cite news|title=B-town's highest paid actors|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/entertainment/photo/b-town-highest-paid-actors-369625-2013-04-22|access-date=11 August 2016|work=India Today|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821124406/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/gallery/b-town-highest-paid-actors/7/9157.html|archive-date=21 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The evolution of Saif Ali Khan|url=http://www.thegulfindian.com/the-evolution-of-saif-ali-khan/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821183457/http://www.thegulfindian.com/the-evolution-of-saif-ali-khan/|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 August 2016|date=22 August 2015|access-date=11 August 2016|work=Gulf News}}</ref> Khan is considered among the most popular and high-profile celebrities in India.<ref name="birthday">{{cite news|author=Sen, Mriganka|title=Happy Birthday Saif: 5 reasons why Saif Ali Khan is the Nawab of Bollywood|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/happy-birthday-saif-5-reasons-why-saif-ali-khan-is-the-nawab-of-bollywood-288566-2015-08-16|date=16 August 2015|access-date=11 August 2016|work=India Today|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821122426/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/happy-birthday-saif-5-reasons-why-saif-ali-khan-is-the-nawab-of-bollywood/1/458959.html|archive-date=21 August 2016}}</ref> He is known to commit heavily to each role and believes in "staying on a sharp learning curve".<ref name="safe" /> This commitment, combined with his busy schedule and heavy smoking, resulted in a health scare in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bollywood's Saif must stop smoking – worried mum |date=21 February 2007 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/film-india-actor-smoking-dc/bollywoods-saif-must-stop-smoking-worried-mum-idUSDEL32836420070221 |publisher=Reuters}}</ref>{{New archival link needed|date=April 2026}} Analysing his career, the journalist Shomini Sen noted that "[t]he actor was part of some major films in the early 1990s [...] yet critics wrote him of[f] due to lack of a screen presence and poor dialogue delivery."<ref name="risk taker">{{cite web|author=Sen, Shomini|title=Saif Ali Khan: The original risk taker in Bollywood|url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/saif-ali-khan-the-original-risk-taker-in-bollywood-652659.html|date=25 November 2013|access-date=11 August 2016|website=News18|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921135208/http://www.news18.com/news/india/saif-ali-khan-the-original-risk-taker-in-bollywood-652659.html|archive-date=21 September 2016}}</ref> Critics noted that ''Dil Chahta Hai'' marked a major turning point for Khan, and credited him for pioneering a movement in actors being part of "a new genre of films which was more urban";<ref name="risk taker" /> film historian Nasreen Munni Kabir stated that the film helped him find "his own style, combining great comic timing and a natural personality."<ref name="chameleon" /> Sen further explained that "his anglicized upbringing, which initially was a hindrance to his career, became his strongest point."<ref name="risk taker" /> Following his portrayal of a variety of character types in ''Ek Hasina Thi'' (2004), ''Parineeta'' (2005), ''Being Cyrus'' and ''Omkara'' (both 2006), Khan was noted for his versatility;<ref name="chameleon" /><ref name="birthday" /> ''India Today'' attributed his roles in these films to the establishment of a new image for leading actors in Bollywood, and ''The Tribune'' published that Khan had successfully "matured, both as an actor of substance and as a bankable star".<ref name="chameleon" /><ref name="Playing Saif" />

Starting in 2007, Khan's relationship with Kareena Kapoor became one of the country's most-reported celebrity stories, and they were listed amongst the top celebrity couple endorsers for brands and products worldwide.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/QDXQbBUI8346JsXpRAGChN/8216Saifeena8217-the-Rs6-crore-brand.html|title='Saifeena': the Rs6 crore brand|access-date=11 August 2016|author=Shah, Gouri|date=5 February 2009|work=Mint|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216000757/http://www.livemint.com/Consumer/QDXQbBUI8346JsXpRAGChN/8216Saifeena8217-the-Rs6-crore-brand.html|archive-date=16 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110316/jsp/entertainment/story_13719013.jsp|title=Power couples|access-date=11 August 2016|date=16 March 2011|work=The Telegraph|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012044423/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110316/jsp/entertainment/story_13719013.jsp|archive-date=12 October 2013}}</ref> In a blog published by ''The Wall Street Journal'', Rupa Subramanya described their marriage as India's "wedding and social event of the year".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/10/17/economics-journal-saifeena-wedding-follows-an-indian-trend/|title=Economics Journal: 'Saifeena' Wedding Follows a Trend|access-date=22 July 2016|author=Subramanya, Rupa|date=17 October 2012|work=The Wall Street Journal|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020010521/https://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/10/17/economics-journal-saifeena-wedding-follows-an-indian-trend/|archive-date=20 October 2012}}</ref> Kapoor gave birth to their son Taimur in December 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kareena-kapoor-khan-saif-ali-khan-are-happy-parents-now-kareena-delivers-baby-boy-4411736/|title=Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan blessed with a baby boy, name him Taimur|work=The Indian Express|date=20 December 2016|access-date=21 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220174500/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/kareena-kapoor-khan-saif-ali-khan-are-happy-parents-now-kareena-delivers-baby-boy-4411736/|archive-date=20 December 2016}}</ref> From 2012 to 2019, Khan was featured on ''Forbes India''{{'}}s "Celebrity 100", a list based on the income and popularity of India's celebrities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forbesindia.com/celebprofile2016/saif-ali-khan/1587/137|title=Saif Ali Khan|work=Forbes India|access-date=26 December 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226075024/http://www.forbesindia.com/celebprofile2016/saif-ali-khan/1587/137|archive-date=26 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2017-celebrity-100/1665/all|title=2017 Celebrity 100|work=Forbes India|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222162711/http://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2017-celebrity-100/1665/all|archive-date=22 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2018-celebrity-100/1735/all|title=2018 Celebrity 100|work=Forbes India|access-date=10 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210225537/http://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2018-celebrity-100/1735/all|archive-date=10 December 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbesindia.com/lists/2019-celebrity-100/1819/all|title=2019 Celebrity 100|work=Forbes India|access-date=10 May 2020}}</ref> He peaked at the fifteenth position in 2012 and 2014 with an estimated annual earning of {{INRConvert|642|m}} and {{INRConvert|629|m}} respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forbesindia.com/lists/2012-celebrity-100/1395/1|title=2012 Celebrity 100 List – Forbes India Magazine|work=Forbes India|access-date=30 July 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711071335/http://forbesindia.com/lists/2012-celebrity-100/1395/1|archive-date=11 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forbesindia.com/lists/2014-celebrity-100/1489/all|title=2014 Celebrity 100 List – Forbes India Magazine|work=Forbes India|access-date=30 July 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213062618/http://forbesindia.com/lists/2014-celebrity-100/1489/all|archive-date=13 December 2014}}</ref> In 2003, Khan placed fourth on Rediff's list of "Top Bollywood Male Stars".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.rediff.com/movies/2003/dec/18sld1.htm|title=Bollywood's Top 5, 2003: Saif Ali Khan|access-date=30 July 2016|author=Kulkarni, Ronjita|date=18 December 2003|work=Rediff.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816071203/http://m.rediff.com/movies/2003/dec/18sld1.htm|archive-date=16 August 2016}}</ref> He was later ranked second in 2005, sixth in 2006, and seventh in 2007.<ref name="rediff05" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/17sd6.htm|title=Readers' Picks: Top Bollywood Actors|access-date=30 July 2016|date=17 August 2006|work=Rediff.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910182805/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/aug/17sd6.htm|archive-date=10 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2007/dec/24yrpoweractors5.htm|title=The most powerful actors of 2007|access-date=30 July 2016|author=Sen, Raja|date=24 December 2007|work=Rediff.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009212337/http://specials.rediff.com/yearend/2007/dec/24yrpoweractors5.htm|archive-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> In March 2011, Khan placed fifth on Rediff's list of "Top 10 Actors of 2000–2010".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-how-these-actors-have-fared-in-the-last-decade/20110308.htm|title=How Bollywood's top actors have fared last decade|access-date=30 July 2016|author=Dedhia, Sonil|date=8 March 2011|work=Rediff.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009181055/http://www.rediff.com/movies/slide-show/slide-show-1-how-these-actors-have-fared-in-the-last-decade/20110308.htm|archive-date=9 October 2016}}</ref> He was ranked among the top 30 on ''The Times of India''{{'}}s listing of the "Most Desirable Men" from 2010 to 2015,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men-of-2010-The-Winners/articleshow/11778138.cms|title=Times 50 Most Desirable Men of 2010: The Winners|access-date=31 July 2016|date=9 January 2011|work=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510213330/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men-of-2010-The-Winners/articleshow/11778138.cms|archive-date=10 May 2016}}<br/>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men-of-2011-The-Winners/articleshow/11757172.cms|title=Times 50 Most Desirable Men of 2011: The Winners|access-date=31 July 2016|date=4 February 2012|work=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705192605/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men-of-2011-The-Winners/articleshow/11757172.cms|archive-date=5 July 2017|url-status=live}}<br/>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men-2014/articleshow/47071834.cms|title=Times 50 Most Desirable Men 2014|access-date=31 July 2016|author=Gupta, Priya|date=28 April 2015|work=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711070657/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Times-50-Most-Desirable-Men-2014/articleshow/47071834.cms|archive-date=11 July 2015}}<br/>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Ranveer-Singh-The-Most-Desirable-Man-of-2015/articleshow/52086520.cms|title=Ranveer Singh: The Most Desirable Man of 2015|access-date=31 July 2016|date=3 May 2016|work=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127055530/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Ranveer-Singh-The-Most-Desirable-Man-of-2015/articleshow/52086520.cms|archive-date=27 November 2016}}</ref> and has additionally featured in the UK magazine ''Eastern Eye''{{'}}s "World's Sexiest Asian Men" list in 2008, 2011 and 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/john-chosen-sexiest-asian-for-2008/397604/|title=John chosen 'sexiest Asian' for 2008|access-date=10 August 2016|date=12 December 2008|work=The Indian Express|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219173432/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/john-chosen-sexiest-asian-for-2008/397604/|archive-date=19 February 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ampnbspHrithik-Roshan-is-the-sexiest-Asian-manampnbsp/articleshow/10960835.cms|title=Hrithik Roshan is the sexiest Asian man|access-date=31 July 2016|author=Dubey, Bharti|date=3 December 2011|work=The Times of India|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629005822/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ampnbspHrithik-Roshan-is-the-sexiest-Asian-manampnbsp/articleshow/10960835.cms|archive-date=29 June 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/hrithik-roshan-crowned-sexiest-asian-man-556181.html|title=Hrithik Roshan crowned sexiest Asian man|access-date=31 July 2016|date=14 December 2012|publisher=Firstpost|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914033942/http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/hrithik-roshan-crowned-sexiest-asian-man-556181.html|archive-date=14 September 2016}}</ref> In 2010 and from 2012 to 2014, Khan was featured as one of the best-dressed male celebrities in the Indian edition of ''GQ'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://getahead.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/08/slide-show-1-glamour-poll-best-dressed-indian-men-of-2010.htm|title=Poll: Best-dressed Indian men of 2010!|access-date=28 August 2016|date=8 June 2010|work=Rediff.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304121359/http://getahead.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/jun/08/slide-show-1-glamour-poll-best-dressed-indian-men-of-2010.htm|archive-date=4 March 2017}}<br/>{{cite web|url=http://www.gqindia.com/content/bollywood%E2%80%99s-11-best-dressed-actors|title=Bollywood's 11 Best Dressed Actors|work=GQ|access-date=10 August 2016|author=Shah, Megha|date=15 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120519014758/http://www.gqindia.com/content/bollywood%E2%80%99s-11-best-dressed-actors|archive-date=19 May 2012}}<br/>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-glamour-images-best-dressed-indian-men-of-2013/20130611.htm|title=IMAGES: Best-dressed Indian men of 2013!|access-date=28 August 2016|date=11 June 2013|work=Rediff.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009074600/http://www.rediff.com/getahead/slide-show/slide-show-1-glamour-images-best-dressed-indian-men-of-2013/20130611.htm|archive-date=9 October 2016}}<br/>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/getahead/report/slide-show-1-glamour-gents-take-note-these-are-the-best-dressed-men-in-india/20140620.htm#1|title=Gents, take note! These are the best dressed men in India|access-date=10 August 2016|date=20 June 2014|work=Rediff.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910180556/http://www.rediff.com/getahead/report/slide-show-1-glamour-gents-take-note-these-are-the-best-dressed-men-in-india/20140620.htm#1|archive-date=10 September 2016}}</ref>

== Accolades == {{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Saif Ali Khan}}

Among Khan's film awards are a National Film Award for Best Actor and seven Filmfare Awards out of twelve nominations: Best Male Debut for ''Aashiq Awara'' (1993), Best Performance in a Comic Role for ''Dil Chahta Hai'' (2001) and ''Hum Tum'' (2004), Best Supporting Actor for ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'' (2003) and ''Tanhaji'' (2020), Best Performance in a Negative Role for ''Omkara'' (2006) and the "Moto Look of the Year" for ''Kal Ho Naa Ho'' (2003).<ref name="Awards">{{cite web|url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrities/awards/10928/index.html|title=Saif Ali Khan: Awards & Nominations|access-date=20 July 2016|website=Bollywood Hungama|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804150216/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/celebrities/awards/10928/index.html|archive-date=4 August 2011}}</ref><ref name="NFA">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Mom-serves-Saif-honour-on-platter/articleshow/1171281.cms|title=Mom serves Saif honour on platter|work=The Times of India|access-date=20 July 2016|date=14 July 2005|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010074008/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Mom-serves-Saif-honour-on-platter/articleshow/1171281.cms|archive-date=10 October 2016}}</ref>

== See also == * List of Indian film actors

== Footnotes == {{notelist}}

== References == {{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

== Bibliography == {{refbegin}} * {{cite book|last1=Chatterjee|first1=Saibal|last2=Deenvi|first2=Gulzar|author-link2=Gulzar|last3=Nihalani|first3=Govind|author-link3=Govind Nihalani|title=Encyclopaedia of Hindi Cinema|year=2003|publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica (India) Pvt. Ltd|isbn=81-7991-066-0}} * {{cite book |last1=Dutta |first1=Anmol |editor1-last=Samuel |editor1-first=Michael |editor2-last=Mitchell |editor2-first=Louisa |title=Streaming and Screen Culture in Asia-Pacific |date=15 October 2022 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-3-031-09374-6 |pages=145–160 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6_eVEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA155|chapter=Content Carnival? (Re)Viewing Representation, Indianness, and OTT Culture in India}} * {{cite book|last=McNally|first=Karen|title=Billy Wilder, Movie-Maker: Critical Essays on the Films|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LAOzV2hJri8C|date=16 December 2010|publisher=McFarland|isbn=978-0-7864-4211-9|access-date=23 October 2016|archive-date=30 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230105830/https://books.google.com/books?id=LAOzV2hJri8C|url-status=live}} {{refend}}

== External links == * {{IMDb name}} * {{Rotten Tomatoes}} * {{BH person}}

{{Saif Ali Khan}} {{Navboxes | title = Awards for Saif Ali Khan | list = {{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art}} {{NationalFilmAwardBestActor}} {{IIFAAwardBestSupportingActor}} {{IIFAAwardBestNegativeRole}} {{Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor}} {{FilmfareAwardBestVillain}} {{FilmfareAwardBestComedian}} {{FilmfareAwardBestMaleDebut}} {{ScreenAwardBestSupportingActor}} {{ScreenAwardBestActorNegativeRole}} {{ZeeCineAwardBestSupportingActorMale}} }} {{Tagore family}}

{{Subject bar |commons = yes |d = yes |portal1 = Biography |portal2 = Bollywood |portal3 = Films }}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Khan, Saif Ali}} Category:Saif Ali Khan Category:Hindi film producers Category:1970 births Category:Living people Category:Lawrence School, Sanawar alumni Category:Tagore family Category:Indian male film actors Category:Indian male voice actors Category:People educated at Lockers Park School Category:People educated at Winchester College Category:Male actors from Delhi Category:Filmfare Awards winners Category:Screen Awards winners Category:Best Actor National Film Award winners Category:International Indian Film Academy Awards winners Category:Zee Cine Awards winners Category:Male actors in Hindi cinema Category:Film producers from Mumbai Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in arts Category:20th-century Indian male actors Category:21st-century Indian male actors Category:Male actors from Mumbai Category:Film producers from Delhi Category:People from New Delhi Category:Indian male television actors Category:People from Delhi Category:Indian agnostics Category:Kapoor family Category:Indian people of Afghan descent Category:Indian people of Pashtun descent Category:People of Bengali descent