10 Best Saif Ali Khan Roles That Prove His Versatility In Bollywood

Hum Tum (2004) From a bratty cartoonist to a mature romantic lead, Saif charted a surprisingly heartfelt journey. The film felt breezy, but the performance — which even earned him a National Award — required razor-sharp control.

Parineeta (2005) In Vidya Balan’s dreamy debut, Saif delivered restrained passion as Shekhar — a man torn between love and ego. The old-world charm, Calcutta setting, and his piano-playing intensity made this performance hauntingly romantic.

Love Aaj Kal (2009) Two timelines, two love stories, two Saifs. As modern-day Jai and old-school Veer, he showed two sides of romance — the confused urban man and the eternal romantic. Emotional, stylish, and filled with Imtiaz Ali melancholy, it still lingers in memory.

Omkara (2006) The film that changed everything for him. Saif disappeared into Langda Tyagi — a limping, scheming villain with a flawless UP dialect and venom in his eyes. It was Shakespeare meets heartland India, and Saif hit acting gold.

Go Goa Gone (2013) India’s first zombie comedy and Saif’s bleach-blonde experiment. Playing a fake Russian mercenary with a knack for shooting the undead, he was equal parts absurd and hilarious. The film became a cult classic, and so did his look.

Tanhaji (2020) Saif turned villain again, but this time with operatic flamboyance. His Udaybhan was violent, theatrical, and just the right amount of camp. With eyeliner, fur coats, and wicked grins, he stole scenes in a film built for Ajay Devgn.

Dil Chahta Hai (2001) As Sameer, the goofy, unlucky-in-love best friend, Saif brought warmth and impeccable comic timing. While his co-stars brooded and philosophized, he was the sunshine — and gave us the unforgettable “Woh Ladki Hai Kahan” moment.

Ek Hasina Thi (2004) Charming at first, then devastatingly cruel — Saif’s smooth-talking conman was both seductive and terrifying. A revenge thriller that flipped his nice-guy image into something icy and unforgettable.

Being Cyrus (2005) Saif took a dark detour here, playing a drifter with unsettling charm and sinister intent. A strange, stylish psychological drama that didn’t get its due, but showed a chilling new side of him.

Sacred Games (2018–2019) As Sartaj Singh, a weary, broken cop navigating corruption, faith, and his own demons, Saif found his streaming-era breakthrough. Complex, flawed, and painfully human — he was the quiet core of Netflix India’s breakout show. ( All Pics Credit: IMDb)