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Why Saif Ali Khan Did Not Become A Cricketer Like His Father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi?

Akshita Patel

Saif Ali Khan's father Mansoor Ali Khan was a former legendary cricketer [Source: @oye_nilesh, @ICC/ X.com]Saif Ali Khan's father Mansoor Ali Khan was a former legendary cricketer [Source: @oye_nilesh, @ICC/ X.com]

Saif Ali Khan is one of the most renowned Bollywood actors, with a cricketing background. His father was the legendary Indian cricketer, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi. Still, he did not pursue cricket as a profession; instead, he opted for acting.

Saif Alif Khan is a 54-year-old actor who was once the poster boy of Bollywood. He featured in many super hit films such as Kal Ho Na Ho, Hum Tum, Love Aaj Kal, Dil Chahta Hai, and a lot more. After divorcing ex-wife Amrita Singh, he got married to a strong actress, Kareena Kapoor.

Meanwhile, Saif Ali Khan is from the Nawab line by background. He is the son of cricketing legend Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and legendary actress Sharmila Tagore. 

Why Did Saif Ali Khan Ditch Cricket?

The sport was deeply rooted in his family legacy, considering his father and grandfather were both captaining the Indian cricket team. But Saif went to become an actor instead of a cricketer. Many wondered why.

In an old interview, Saif Ali Khan revealed that cricket, though revered in his household, demanded mental focus and patience, which he struggled with during his younger years. However, despite deep connection, Saif struggled with patience and timing, two factors that he believed doomed his career even before it began.

"Cricket was in my blood. It was treated like a religion in my house.  I also played cricket but it is a very mental game. It requires patience and timing. I lacked this thing very much. That is why I could not play it much and my career in this game got ruined even before I could make it," Saif said.

Very early in his life, Saif understood that he was not made for cricket and chose to deviate into a different field. He found acting to be a passion that felt natural and fulfilling for him. His daughter, Sara Ali Khan, also stepped into Bollywood, while his son, Ibrahim Ali Khan, has yet to debut in the film industry and has not shown much interest in cricket.