Saif Ali Khan's Debut Film Controversy: Director Rahul Rawail Sets Record Straight
In a surprising twist to a long-standing Bollywood anecdote, director Rahul Rawail has publicly contradicted actor Saif Ali Khan's version of events surrounding his removal from what would have been his debut film, 'Bekhudi'. For years, Saif has maintained that he was forced out of the project due to a moral ultimatum concerning his then-girlfriend, but Rawail now asserts the real reason was professional irresponsibility.
The Actor's Account: A Viral 'Moral Choice' Narrative
Saif Ali Khan, who eventually made his cinematic debut with 'Parampara' in 1993, has often recounted his early career struggles. In a widely circulated interview clip, the actor described a pivotal moment when he was allegedly asked to choose between his relationship and his first film role. "Meri struggle bhi thi lekin alag thi. Mujhe apni pehle film se nikaal diya gaya kyuki mere director saab ne bola ki you leave your girlfriend or you do the film. It was a moral choice," Saif stated, referring to the film 'Bekhudi', which starred Kajol and where he was replaced by Kamal Sadanah.
The actor further elaborated that this incident, along with subsequent rumors about unprofessional behavior on set, significantly tarnished his image in the industry's early days. "I feel he (Rahul) thinks that I am not interested in films, that I don't want to work. Several rumours also started going around on, that I came to the sets drunk, that I kept sleeping on the sets. All this is old now but I was quite affected," Saif admitted in a past interview with Lehren.
Director's Rebuttal: Citing Unprofessional Conduct
Now, director Rahul Rawail has offered a starkly different perspective. In a recent interview with Screen magazine, Rawail dismissed Saif's claim as inaccurate, attributing the actor's removal to repeated failures to appear for shooting schedules. "No, that’s wrong. Saif was wrong about it. He was irresponsible. He did not turn up for the shooting, which really stressed me out. At that time, he used to do that a lot," Rawail clarified.
Despite the past friction, Rawail acknowledged Saif's growth and success in the industry, adding, "But he has done very well. I’m very happy with him. He’s changed over the years. When I’m working, I expect people to do their work." This statement highlights a reconciliation of sorts, even as it challenges the actor's long-held narrative.
Career Trajectory and Upcoming Projects
Following the 'Bekhudi' episode, Saif Ali Khan persevered and launched his career with 'Parampara', going on to become one of Bollywood's most versatile actors. His filmography spans decades, featuring critically acclaimed performances and commercial hits alike.
On the work front, Saif is currently gearing up for his next major release, 'Haiwaan', where he will share screen space with Akshay Kumar. This upcoming project is highly anticipated by fans and industry watchers, marking another chapter in his enduring career.
The discrepancy between Saif's and Rawail's accounts sheds light on the often-murky waters of Bollywood's behind-the-scenes dynamics, where personal and professional lines can blur. While Saif framed it as a personal dilemma, Rawail insists it was a matter of professional reliability, underscoring the different lenses through which industry incidents are viewed and remembered.
