In a recent interview, Saif Ali Khan recounted an unusual experience from his early days in Bollywood, shedding light on the struggles he faced before achieving mainstream success. Despite his privileged background as the son of cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore, Saif's entry into the film industry was not smooth. He described a time when he earned only ₹1,000 per week while working on a film that was eventually shelved.

The most bizarre aspect of this job was the condition attached to his payment. According to Saif, the female producer would hand him the weekly sum only after he kissed her on the cheek ten times. While he didn't reveal the producer's identity, this anecdote highlights the uncomfortable and sometimes exploitative situations that aspiring actors can encounter.

Saif described the 1990s as his "net practice" era, a period of trial, error, and learning. He took on second and third lead roles, and appeared in films that were often forgettable. Reflecting on his early career, Saif admitted that it was far from easy, contrary to what many people assumed. He recently watched all of his films from the first two decades of his career to reflect on his journey. This exercise helped him confront the inconsistencies in his early filmography and appreciate how far he's come.

This revelation comes amidst Saif Ali Khan's continued presence in the film industry. He has received critical acclaim in action movies such as Race and intense dramas such as Omkara. Saif is known for his versatility across film genres.

In other news, Saif Ali Khan also spoke about an uncomfortable kissing scene with Rani Mukerji in Hum Tum. According to a Hindustan Times report, both actors were uneasy during the shoot. Rani was hesitant about the scene, and her discomfort made Saif equally uncomfortable. Saif joked that it was possibly the worst kiss in the history of cinema.

Saif Ali Khan also survived a knife attack at his Mumbai home earlier this year. He described his escape as miraculous.