Though Saif Ali Khan calls Mumbai home, he frequently visits his ancestral Pataudi Palace in Haryana. As the son of the late cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, Saif often highlights his royal heritage. In a 2013 Rediff interview, he discussed his ‘angrez’ (Westernized) image and whether it influenced the roles offered to him.
Saif acknowledged that his ‘angrez’ image was a challenge early in his career. He explained that his Westernized upbringing influenced his communication style, creating a comfort zone that was initially a hindrance. However, he now feels more connected to his Eastern roots. Although he admits it might sound presumptuous, he views himself as an Indian educated abroad, deeply rooted in his culture. Recently, he has embraced spirituality more, finding peace in prayer, and even received a silk prayer mat from his manager.
Saif acknowledged that his ‘angrez’ image was a challenge early in his career. He explained that his Westernized upbringing influenced his communication style, creating a comfort zone that was initially a hindrance. However, he now feels more connected to his Eastern roots. Although he admits it might sound presumptuous, he views himself as an Indian educated abroad, deeply rooted in his culture. Recently, he has embraced spirituality more, finding peace in prayer, and even received a silk prayer mat from his manager.
When asked about his fondness for spending time in the West, particularly in London, Saif Ali Khan admitted that he only truly enjoys Mumbai and has limited affection for other cities. He appreciates spending time abroad for its cleanliness, organization, and the anonymity it offers.Khan clarified that while he does love India and enjoys living in Mumbai for its charm and character, he isn’t particularly fond of other cities beyond a certain point. He finds it frustrating that despite Mumbai’s wealth, it suffers from poor infrastructure and harsh summers. Nonetheless, he appreciates spending time abroad for its cleanliness, organization, and anonymity, and humorously reassured that he isn’t a “confused desi.”