Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has recalled feeling nervous while sharing the screen with megastar Amitabh Bachchan for the first time, saying he was relieved that he had thoroughly prepared for a scene involving lengthy dialogues.
Saif spoke about the experience during his appearance on an upcoming episode of the quiz reality show Kaun Banega Crorepati, where he will join Akshay Kumar to promote their upcoming film Haiwaan.
Recalling his first collaboration with Bachchan in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 2007 film Eklavya: The Royal Guard, Saif said he had been diligently learning his long dialogues ahead of the shoot.
“I had long dialogues, so I was learning them. The next day, when it was Amit ji’s scene, he said, ‘Saif, just give me the cue.’ Then he asked me to say the entire dialogue, and I thought, ‘Thank God I had prepared,’” Saif recalled.
Eklavya: The Royal Guard, directed and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, was a period drama set against the backdrop of a royal family in Rajasthan.
The film featured Amitabh Bachchan in the titular role, alongside Saif Ali Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Vidya Balan, Sharmila Tagore, Boman Irani, Raima Sen, Jackie Shroff and Jimmy Sheirgill.
The story revolved around Eklavya, the royal family’s loyal guard, and the secrets, rivalries and conflicts surrounding the dynasty.
Saif is now preparing for the release of Haiwaan, which marks his first collaboration with filmmaker Priyadarshan. The film also stars Akshay Kumar and brings the two actors together on screen after 18 years.
Slated for release on September 11, Haiwaan will see Saif portray a visually challenged character, adding another demanding role to his filmography.