'That was the mistake': Saif Ali Khan looks back at 'Cocktail' and 'Humshakals'

Saif Ali Khan has looked back at some of his career choices, including his decision to play Gautam in 'Cocktail' (2012). In a recent interview with Gulf News, the actor said he knew the role was not the most exciting part of the film but agreed to do it because he was also involved in producing the project.

The film, starring Saif alongside Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty, centred on the complicated relationship between Gautam, Veronica and Meera.

Saif says he did 'Cocktail' to get the film made

Saif admitted that taking on the male lead was primarily a practical decision rather than one driven by the character.

“I did the part because we were producing it, it was an inevitable mistake, 100 percent that was a mistake, and that was a slightly regressive script choice. Otherwise, it was a breezy fun entertainer,” Saif said.

He explained that he was aware that Veronica was the more interesting character but wanted to make sure the film moved forward.

“I didn’t do it for the role, I did it so the film could get made. You do things for various reasons. I knew fully well that the exciting role is the Veronica part but it’s one of those things you do anyway,” said the actor.

Saif, Dinesh Vijan and Andrew Heffernan were involved in producing the film.

'Humshakals' was another casting mistake, says Saif

Saif also reflected on his role in Sajid Khan's 'Humshakals' (2014), which featured him alongside Riteish Deshmukh and Ram Kapoor.

The actor said he felt he was not suited to the kind of comedy the film required.

“I personally think that I was a miscast in Humshakals because it’s not my thing,” he said.

“There were certain actors who could really pull that off and you need a kind of commitment and the ability to make people laugh on a very slightly different level, which perhaps I wasn’t able to convince myself to do or wasn’t just basically good enough in it,” Saif explained.

Saif says Akshay Kumar could have played the role

Saif also suggested that Akshay Kumar may have been better suited to the part.

“I think Sajid expected me to do that stuff…perhaps….like Akshay Kumar could have done it; that was the mistake but I stand by the movie, and I stand by him (Sajid), and of course, we have to all stand by our movies,” he said.

Saif is currently starring in Priyadarshan's 'Haiwaan', alongside Akshay Kumar, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher. The crime thriller, an official remake of Malayalam film 'Oppam' (2016), released in theatres on September 11.