Saif: "I am not as good as the Khans”

Actor Saif Ali Khan says he is not in competition with the three other Khans of Bollywood - Aamir, Shah Rukh and Salman. He is happy with the position he has in the industry and adds that he has "a long way to go".

"They have worked in iconic and more successful films. Aamir's debut movie Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak was a superhit, Salman's Maine Pyar Kiya was also a superhit, Shah Rukh's done equally good. I am really happy with the position where I am," Saif told reporters on Friday.

"I look forward to doing better films and rising up to that position, but they are senior to me and have worked in great films. They completely deserve the position they are in. I have a lot of respect for them," he said.

The actor was speaking at the Epicentre Auditorium in Apparel House, Gurgaon at the celebration of the Taj Enlighten Film Society, which has been validated as India's Largest Film Society by the Federation of Film Societies of India (FFSI).

"I think I do have a niche. I think I have the saleability, I have the ability to roll a project as a producer as well as the lead actor, which in itself is a substantially satisfying achievement. But am I satisfied with the depth of the niche? No, of course not. I want it to be much deeper, work harder. I have a long way to go. Work is in progress."

The actor is now busy with his first production venture spy thriller Agent Vinod, which also stars Kareena Kapoor in the lead.

"It is a very basic story. We are working hard on it and trying to take the action and the drama to another level," he said.

After Omkara, he is again in talks with filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj to star in his new film.

"I am looking forward to working with Vishal Bhardwaj. We are on the verge of finalising things," he added.

MORE HERE >>>

Who boycotted Saif and Kareena?

We know from personal experience that there are very few B'wood stars who are punctual. Most of them get away with being hours late for events, but not this time for Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.

It seems that when Bebo and Saif got to an event in Mumbai almost two hours later than they were supposed to, the media boycotted them. So what was the reason for this delay? Apparently, the couple were stuck in traffic. Surprising, considering that the event venue was just about half an hour away from their home. The organisers say that they kept updating the journos about this, but that didn't stop them from walking out anyway.

We hear Saif apologised to everyone, but we think he might have also learnt that you can't keep all the people waiting all the time!

MORE HERE >>>

Spotted: Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor, Sonali Bendre, Kirron Kher, Malaika Arrora Khan

Kal aaj aur kal! Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan at a special screening of Anjaana Anjaani at Bandra. Saif's kids Sara and Ibrahim were also present. PIC/ RAJU SHELAR

* Sonali Bendre on the sets of India's Got Talent carrying a copy of Tamil Pulp Fiction. We just love a girl who spends her time with her head buried in a good tome, rather than in her own self-obsessed derriere.

PS: And for those wondering if there is any stress between Ms Bendre and Kirron Kher over the disagreement over contestants, be assured there isn't. Sonali says, "Maybe it comes across like that, because of editing sometimes but we get along really well."

* Malaika Arora Khan, Arbaaz Khan and Amrita Arora Ladak celebrating the success of Dabangg at Bilal Amrohi's restaurant in Juhu. Bilal is the grandson of the late filmmaker Kamal Amrohi.

MORE HERE >>>

Saif, Kareena's night out

Saif Ali Khan along with girlfriend Kareena at a suburban theatre. The pair was here to watch Ranbir and Priyanka starrer Anjaana Anjaani.

The couple was accompanied by Saif's kids.

MORE HERE >>>

Kareena-Saif celebrate in Paris

Kareena Kapoor's ill on her birthday this year, but she didn't let that stop her from flying down to Paris to be with her man Saif. Even though her mom Babita told the star to rest, she chose to travel so she could with Saif as she turned 30.

Kareena's been swamped shooting for Shah Rukh Khan's 'Ra.One' in the UK and Saif's home production 'Agent Vinod' in Latvia. Plus, she's been shooting lots of ads in between her film shoots. Still, she managed to find time to throw a party for Malaika Arora Khan following 'Dabangg' and also one for buddy Tusshar Kapoor's birthday. But all that work and partying took its toll on her health, and Kareena fell ill.

But just as she wanted to spend her special day with Saif, so Saif wanted to make the day even more special for Bebo. So we hear that they're going to be having a romantic celebration at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. We're sure that'll make up for being under the weather.

MORE HERE >>>

Bollywood's top tax payers revealed

Shah Rukh Khan has got back his position as Bollywood's top tax payer. For 2010- 2011, he's paid more taxes than Akshay Kumar, who'd topped the list for 2010-2009. SRK has paid Rs. 5 crores for the second quarter this time round, compared to Akki's 4.5 crores.

They are followed by Aamir Khan, who paid Rs 4 crores. The fourth place is shared by Saif Ali Khan and Ranbir Kapoor, both paying Rs 2.5 crores.

Katrina leads the B'wood heroine brigade, with Rs 1.3 crore. She's followed closely by Kareena Kapoor, who's paid Rs 1 crore.

Someone who's really fallen on this chart is Hrithik Roshan, who's only paid Rs 50 lakhs for the year, compared to Rs 3 crores last year.

MORE HERE >>>

Abhishek replacing Saif in 'Race 2'

Buzz is that Saif Ali Khan has opted out of Ramesh Taurani's Race 2. The Chhote Nawab has no dates for the film, with his calendar blocked with Vishal Bhardwaj and Kunal Kohli's next.

Since the Race sequel is still in pre-production stages, Saif thought it would be wise to opt out at an early stage. Chances are that Abhishek Bachchan might step into his shoes. Uh-oh, does this mean now Bebo won't be a part of the film?

MORE HERE >>>

"I'm lucky to have Saif as a partner"

Kareena Kapoor is all praise for her man Saif Ali Khan, with whom she is shooting for director Sriram Raghavan's 'Agent Vinod', and says she is lucky to have him in her life.

"Very few people get love in life and such a supportive partner. Of course, I am very lucky that I have got a partner like Saif. He is a very unique man. His thoughts are much different from others and he always encourages me to work," Kareena said.

She maintains that Saif is like a Hollywood actor, who is ignorant about what's happening around and enjoys his own world.

"Saif is mostly ignorant about what films are in the making or if I have signed any until I tell him about my upcoming projects. He is like a Hollywood actor who stays mostly in his own world. He wants to do certain films and produce movies like Hollywood star," said the actress who teamed up with him in 'Tashan'.

MORE HERE >>>

Happy Birthday: Saif's birthday plans revealed

Saif Ali Khan turns 40 today (August 16), and girlfriend Kareena Kapoor put together a special vacation to celebrate the big day in style. The couple had been planning a secret birthday getaway for a while now, and it seems the location is the super scenic Gstaad in Switzerland.

Gstaad is famous for its uber luxurious skiing resorts, and Bebo felt that Saif (who loves skiing) would really enjoy the place.

Kareena's been really busy shooting for 'Ra.One' in London recently, and soon after she flew to Mumbai for a few events (we spotted her on an 'Indian Idol' shoot). But then it was time to fly to Switzerland to bring in the big celebrations with Saif.

Here's wishing Saif a very Happy Birthday, and hope the couple have a great holiday!

MORE HERE >>>

More trouble for Agent Vinod

All iz not well with Saif Ali Khan's Agent Vinod. Sources reveal that the Morocco schedule of the film went for a huge toss after Saif's co-producer Dinesh Vijan didn't book a certain location as per the guidelines.

As a result, the cast and crew were in for a rude shock when they landed at the place and were denied permission to shoot. The 10-day schedule was cancelled because of the goof-up.

While Saif took off for London, director Sriram Raghavan was left to deal with the entire mess.

MORE HERE >>>

Builder's greed costs Saif, Bebo

Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor are searching for a new home. The two have been living on the 10th floor of an apartment in Bandra (W) with Saif also running his production house from an office on the second floor. However, a builder has now started constructing apartments next to their building, even offering buyers the chance to peep into Saif and Bebo's living room. The star couple are upset with this invasion of their privacy and have decided to shift their residence. Saif is now hoping to buy an English-style villa in Bandra.

MORE HERE >>>

Bebo, Saif go house hunting!

It’s got nothing to do with the sky-high prices of real estate in Bandra west. But, the top storey flats in the upcoming apartment opposite the landmark building Fortune Heights is selling at more of a premium than penthouses elsewhere in the area.

The reason? Fortune Heights is where Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan live. They have an apartment on the 10th floor. And Saif’s production house has its office on the second. Now the wily builder of the building across is rumoured to be looking at a “good price” for the flats that overlook Bollywood’s most celebrated couple’s living room!

When Saif bought the penthouse, it was one of the most coveted properties in the area. The actor, who lived in Versova, took a lot of time selecting this apartment. He also bought a huge office on the second floor. Then, Kareena moved in. However, as is the case in every bylane of Mumbai, suddenly there is another tall building across the road. And Saif and Kareena are seriously house-hunting again.

Bebo, who didn’t know too many details of the opposite building, said, “Saif and I love our current home. It has a very good vibe. But, yes, I can see other buildings have suddenly cropped up. And at some point our privacy may be compromised. So we are looking at buying a bungalow in and around Bandra. It’s hard to find the kind of home that Saif has in mind. He wants a very English-styled villa!” If they don’t find that, the next best thing to do would be to buy the top storey flats in the building opposite!

MORE HERE >>>

Saif visits Kareena in London

He dropped by on the 'Ra.One' sets, got bonding with SRK too

Saif Ali Khan sure is a devoted boyfriend to Kareena Kapoor. Kareena's shooting in London with Shah Rukh Khan and Karan Johar for 'Ra.One', and Saif just dropped by on the sets to spend time with her.

Karan Johar posted this picture of them on his Twitter page, with the caption 'The Glamorous Couple'. We agree! And then Saif, of the glam couple, got posing for pictures with SRK and KJo. These KJo put up with the caption 'Dostana'. Lots of bonding certainly happened on the sets!

MORE HERE >>>

Kareena and Saif's surprise choice

Who's the star approached for a role in their movie 'Agent Vinod'?

Saif Ali Khan's home production 'Agent Vinod' stars real-life girlfriend Kareena Kapoor, and now he's going to have another B'wood hottie in the movie. Buzz is that Deepika Padukone has been approached to play an important role in the the film.

Of course, Deepika and Saif worked together in his first home production 'Love Aaj Kal', but it's been known that Kareena was never happy with that casting choice. She'd said openly that she hadn't liked her 'Jab We Met' director Imtiaz Ali having chosen Deepika for the role.

But now that Deepika has been approached for 'Agent Vinod', we assume it's happened with Kareena's approval. So has Bebo forgotten and forgiven? In the interests of her man's movie, looks like that's just what's happened.

MORE HERE >>>

SPOTTED: Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan

Our London birdie who flaps its wings particularly near B-Town folk saw Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan shopping at Selfridges while Shah Rukh Khan chilled out at Hyde Park.

Jacqueline Fernandes at the launch of a new clothing line.

Omi Vaidya, better known as 3 Idiots' Chatur, gets a new high as he debuts on the small screen as host in Chhote Ustaad.

MORE HERE >>>

'Agen Vinod' crew stranded in Morocco

Saif Ali Khan has learnt a valuable lesson - it is not always prudent to finish your shooting schedule in advance.

Saif and his crew were shooting for Agent Vinod in Morocco and they finished their schedule about two weeks in advance. They were supposed to fly back to India on July 21, but instead, they finished their shoot in the first week of July.

The return tickets had been booked only for July 21 and the organisers had to scramble to get crews immediate return tickets.

The earliest tickets they could get were for two days later. So the crew enjoyed an unexpected holiday and no one is complaining.

MORE HERE >>>

Kareena Kapoor & Saif Ali Khan at IPL Bid Event - Photos

MORE HERE >>>

Saif Ali Khan returns to ex wife Amrita

Last few months have been keeping Saif Ali Khan busy with location hunting and shooting of his home production Agent Vinod. The actor began shooting in Mumbai and then the unit shifted to Morocco.

After all work and no recreation during the hectic first schedule, Saif is now off to London to spend time with his ex wife Amrita Singh and kids Sara and Ibrahim. Amrita and the two kids are already in London, which is believed to be their favourite holiday destination.

Not surprisingly, Kareena Kapoor is in Mumbai busy with work. She’s believed to be not very comfortable with Saif’s kids and prefers to stay away when her beau reunites with his family.

However, Bebo would soon be flying to London; not to keep an eye on Saif but to shoot for Shahrukh Khan’s home production Ra.One. But then, work’s a good excuse to be with her dear Saifu once again.

MORE HERE >>>

A wrap party for the crew of Agent Vinod

Saif Ali Khan books private villas and throws bash for cast and crew of Agent Vinod while in Morocco

Saif Ali Khan put his generosity on extravagant display during the Moroccan schedule of Agent Vinod. The actor-producer didn't just book private villas but also threw a wrap party for his entire cast and crew at an exclusive, very expensive nightclub in Marrakech.

Says a source close to his girlfriend Kareena Kapoor, "Bebo and Saif have been shooting for Agent Vinod in Tangiers and Marrakech for 20 days now. When they shot in Tangiers, Saif had hired beautiful villas (called riads) for everyone. Each riad had its own private beach and terrace and was very close to the Atlas mountains and desert. Kareena loved the place as it had a very simple, grungy look."

Then the unit shifted to Marrakech. "Saif had a schedule wrap up party after we packed up there. Saif and his business partner Dinesh Vijan invited the entire crew to dance the night away at Theatro, a very expensive nightclub. One can also avail of personal DJs, it's that exclusive."

Adds Kareena, who is in Mumbai for three days to attend a promotional event for one of the brands she endorses and to complete the title song of Golmaal 3, "Saif is the best producer I have worked with. He takes care of everything for me and sees to my littlest of comforts. After the G3 song, I'm off to London to shoot RA.One with Shah Rukh. Saif is there for a few days. We then resume shooting for Agent Vinod in Amsterdam and in Latvia."

The source adds that the people in Morocco love Hindi movies. "They are obsessed with Bollywood films and know all the songs. The children would crowd to the market to watch Saif and Bebo shooting there."

MORE HERE >>>

Saif Ali Khan brings in Cedric Proust for 'Agent Vinod'

Saif Ali Khan has appointed Cedric Proust to direct his action scenes for his new movie Agent Vinod.

Khan brought in the Prince of Persia action director to film his stunts in Africa and the Middle East but will be working with another filmmaker on his action sequences in England to save money.

"Yes, Cedric Proust who has done many big Hollywood action films did Saif's action scenes in Morocco and Afghanistan," director Sriram Raghavan told Real Bollywood. "We plan to hire another leading action director for Saif's action scenes in England and an Indian one for the stunts in Delhi. In this way we hope to economise on the budget for action scenes without compromising on the quality of the action.

"Let's face it. We don’t have the budgets afforded to action scenes in the James Bond and Bourne films. But we can economise on the budget and still give the same calibre of stunts. For instance, instead of a nine-minute car chase we can shoot for the chase for just four minutes with the same impact.

"We [in Bollywood] often splurge unnecessarily on action scenes. For example, why do we need to go abroad to shoot action scenes when we have the location and infrastructure right here? In my Johnny Gaddar, we needed to shoot an action sequence in a train. We thought of going abroad. Then we settled for India."

MORE HERE >>>