Highlights:
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Saif Ali Khan says he no longer dances at billionaire weddings
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He recalls being questioned by a relative early in his career
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Says overlapping social circles make Indian wedding performances uncomfortable
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Feels more at ease performing overseas, including at a wedding in Portugal
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Says others may enjoy the work, but it no longer feels right for him
Saif Ali Khan has spoken about why he has stepped away from performing at wedding events, particularly in India. In a recent interview, the actor said the decision grew out of personal discomfort rather than judgment of others. He pointed to the mix of wealth, access, and social familiarity as the key reason he no longer feels comfortable dancing at private ceremonies hosted by the ultra-wealthy.
According to Saif Ali Khan, the shift began years ago when a comment from within his own family made him stop and reflect. He recalled being backstage in Mumbai when his father’s sister approached him and questioned why he was performing at a wedding. The moment stayed with him. While he did not suggest the remark ended his appearances overnight, he said it planted a seed that grew over time.
He explained that some actors see themselves primarily as entertainers and are happy to arrive, perform, take the fee, and leave. He respects that view. However, he said he no longer identifies with it in the same way.
Why Saif Ali Khan stepped away from wedding performances
Saif Ali Khan said the discomfort is not rooted in moral judgment or concerns about credibility. Instead, it comes from the blurred line between being a performer and being part of the same social world as the people hosting the event. In his view, a performance works best when there is a clear distinction between the star and the audience.
He said the platform should treat an actor like a performer on a stage, not as a guest standing a few feet away while attendees take pictures. When that distance disappears, he feels uneasy.
Addressing the idea that wedding performances might damage an actor’s standing, Saif Ali Khan pushed back. He described such appearances as legitimate work and said the real issue is not dancing at a wedding but signing a film only for the money. For him, the question is comfort, not reputation.
He acknowledged that earlier in his career, especially when he was younger and eager for visibility, he danced frequently at such events. That approach changed as his priorities and perspective shifted.
Saif Ali Khan on billionaire weddings and large fees
Wedding performances remain common in India, particularly at high-profile ceremonies in places like Udaipur and other luxury destinations. Saif Ali Khan noted that wealthy hosts often fly in multiple actors and pay extremely high fees. Recalling such evenings, he said the hosts would spend “a bomb.”
He did not deny the financial appeal of these events, nor did he criticize those who accept them. His concern, he said, is about how accessible actors become when they appear everywhere. When stars are constantly visible at private parties, festivals, and weddings, the sense of occasion can fade.
Does Saif Ali Khan feel different performing abroad?
According to Saif Ali Khan, the setting makes a significant difference. He cited a wedding in Portugal as an example of an overseas event where he felt comfortable performing. The ceremony took place at a private villa with a proper stage, which created physical and emotional distance between the performer and the guests.
That separation, he said, made the performance feel structured and controlled. By contrast, weddings in parts of India, including Haryana and other highly public-facing venues, can feel overwhelming. The proximity between performer and audience is much closer, and the atmosphere can feel intense.
For Saif Ali Khan, that distinction matters. He said actors should consider how much of themselves they are giving away in exchange for money, access, or applause.
Saif Ali Khan on colleagues who continue wedding shows
Saif Ali Khan was careful not to criticize other actors who continue to perform at weddings. He said many enjoy it, feel relaxed about it, and earn well from such appearances. He also acknowledged that his children belong to a generation where these bookings are normal and widely accepted.
He said paid visibility is now part of the industry, extending beyond weddings to festivals, trials, and private events. His own concern, however, is about overexposure. When audiences see famous faces too often, he believes they stop reacting with interest.
He cited Ajay Devgn as an example of an actor who maintains distance. According to Saif Ali Khan, that distance has helped shape audience curiosity and long-term engagement. He suggested that scarcity still holds value and that actors should protect it.
What’s next for Saif Ali Khan
On the work front, Saif Ali Khan wrapped up his most recent release, the crime drama Jewel Thief, earlier this year. He is now preparing for Haiwaan, directed by Priyadarshan, with Akshay Kumar playing the antagonist.
The film is scheduled for release in 2026 and marks the first time Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar have appeared together in more than a decade.
