Saif Ali Khan Calls His Cocktail Role an ‘Inevitable Mistake’ After 14 Years
Saif Ali Khan has admitted that taking the lead role in Cocktail was a mistake, saying he accepted it mainly because he was producing the film.
Saif Ali Khan has reflected on his role in Cocktail, 14 years after the film’s release, admitting that taking on the character was an “inevitable mistake”. The actor, who also produced the 2012 romantic comedy, said he accepted the role primarily because he wanted the film to get made.
Saif explained that he was aware Deepika Padukone’s Veronica was the more exciting character but still chose to play Gautam because of his involvement as a producer. He also acknowledged that the film made a “slightly regressive” choice despite working as a breezy entertainer.
Cocktail was presented as a contemporary story about friendship, love and relationships, with Veronica emerging as its most memorable character. Her bold personality, independent lifestyle and uninhibited approach made her stand out, while the film’s music and glamorous presentation helped it become a commercial success.
However, the treatment of Veronica has faced greater criticism over time. The character begins as a confident woman who lives on her own terms, but the story ultimately punishes her for many of the qualities that initially made her appealing. Gautam chooses Meera, whose quieter and more traditional personality is presented as the preferable choice.
This contrast has led to criticism that Cocktail appeared progressive on the surface but eventually returned to a familiar Bollywood idea: the free-spirited woman may be exciting, but the traditionally “good” woman is the one who gets the relationship.
Saif’s latest comments offer a candid reassessment of his involvement in the film and its controversial character choices more than a decade after its release.
