Born to two illustrious parents, the Nawab of Pataudi and the erstwhile beauty Sharmila Tagore, Saif Ali Khan made a foray into the world of acting with Aashiq Aawara with Mamta Kulkarni. The film became a hit and Saif was hot property.

But after his next few films Dil Tera Diwana, Mr. Aashiq, Imtihaan, Parampara and many others didn't done well, he was on the brink of getting written off. Besides, people found him too "chikna" and feminine for a mainstream hardcore hero. Suddenly he had Yash Chopra's Yeh Dillagi with Akshay Kumar and Kajol, which was a major success. His 'Ole Ole' and 'Hothon Pe Bus Tera Naam' numbers emerged chartbusters. Close on the heels of Yeh Dillagi, his Main Khiladi Tu Anari with Akshay Kumar also clicked. It was boom-time for Saif again, but not for long, because his next two releases with Akshay bit dust: Keemat and Tu Chor Main Sipahi. He was banking heavily on Hameshaa which again didn't work. He found relief with Kya Kehna proving to be an average-runner and Hum Saath Saath Hain, a medium hit and with debut director Farhan Akhtar's Dil Chahta Hai' with Aamir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Dimple Kapadia a major hit.

Saif is married to Amrita Singh and has a daughter Sarah. His career may have seen its crests and troughs, but Saif has always been popular and in the news for his tremendous wit, keen sense of humour, immense affability and bold interviews.