DYK, Saif Ali Khan Was Once Told ‘Don’t Play A Copy Ever’? Here’s Who Said It And Why

At the trailer preview event of the upcoming film Kartavya, Saif Ali Khan reflected on his journey of portraying police officers on screen. He further opened up about the unexpected advice he received early in his career. Reflecting his experience of wearing a police uniform, the actor shared how he was once told that he lacked the gravitas to convincingly play a cop. Scroll down to read more.

Saif Ali Khan Reveals Shocking Advice He Received Early In His Career

Speaking about the experience of wearing a uniform while portraying a character on screen, Saif Ali Khan replied, “The first time I wore a uniform was in Main Khiladi Tu Anari ka climax. Akshay Kumar is the brainy, tough cop. And my director told me at the time, ‘Don’t play a cop ever in your life. Because you can’t do it. You don’t have the gravitas, the power, or the strength to do it. It’ll look like a comedy. Never do it.”

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Reflecting on the positive aspect, he further added, “So, it’s amazing how if you keep working, practicing, learning, you’ll be growing into something. And Sacred Games was a wonderful experience with some beautiful directors. Again, you’re playing the person, not really playing the cop. But when you put on that uniform, there is an essence of pride and responsibility and power that one gets. And to be able to carry it is a big thing for me because of the beginning that I told you. It’s a great feeling to be able to do it because I’m a huge admirer of the police in general. So it’s a great chance to play something like this.”

About Kartavya

Kartavya is an upcoming crime drama featuring Saif Ali Khan in the role of a police officer caught between his professional responsibilities and the safety of his family. Directed by Pulkit, the film also stars Rasika Dugal, Sanjay Mishra, Zakir Hussain, Manish Chaudhari, and Saurabh Dwivedi in key roles. Backed by Gauri Khan’s production house Red Chillies Entertainment, the film is slated to premiere on Netflix on May 15, 2026.

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Sonali Singh

Sonali Singh watches films like it’s a job (and honestly, it kind of is). Currently pursuing her Master’s in Communication and Journalism, she lives somewhere between deadlines and movie scenes. If it’s Bollywood, she’s already invested—films, drama, and all the gossip included. When she’s not writing, she’s either dancing her heart out like no one’s watching or trying to mimic people, proving that not all talents are meant to be discovered.