Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Saif Ali Khan Reconsiders Cocktail Role, Calls Script Regressive
Cocktail is a 2012 film starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty.
Saif also helped produce the movie.
Years later, he said he was not very excited about playing his character, Gautam.
He said he accepted the part so the film could be made.
Saif believes the story made a modern female character seem less progressive than she first appeared.
He called that writing choice slightly regressive.
The film was still a stylish and entertaining success at the box office.
It received mixed-to-positive reviews when it was released.
Veronica, played by Deepika, became one of the film’s most discussed characters.
Saif Ali Khan said playing Gautam in Cocktail was an “inevitable mistake.”
The actor-producer described the film’s writing as a “slightly regressive script choice.”
He said he accepted the role mainly to ensure the production moved forward.
Cocktail, directed by Homi Adajania and written by Imtiaz Ali, was released in 2012.
The film received mixed-to-positive reviews and performed well commercially despite criticism of Veronica’s character arc.
- Who
- Saif Ali Khan discussed his role in Cocktail, which also starred Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty.
- What
- Saif said playing Gautam was an “inevitable mistake” and called the script choice slightly regressive.
- When
- Cocktail was released in 2012; Saif revisited the film more than a decade later.
- Where
- The comments were made in an interview with Gulf News.
- Why
- Saif said he took the role to help ensure the film was produced, rather than because he especially wanted the character.
Critics’ View
Saif Ali Khan’s View
Treatment of Veronica
Critics’ View
Some viewers felt the film took a regressive approach toward Veronica, despite presenting her as confident, independent and unconventional.
Saif Ali Khan’s View
Saif acknowledged the concern, calling the writing a slightly regressive script choice while still describing the film as a breezy, fun entertainer.
Value of Gautam’s Role
Critics’ View
The film’s Veronica role attracted greater attention and was viewed as the more exciting character.
Saif Ali Khan’s View
Saif said he knew Veronica was the more exciting part but played Gautam because he wanted the production to move forward.
- Film
- Cocktail
- Release year
- 2012
- Director
- Homi Adajania
- Writer
- Imtiaz Ali
- Lead cast
- Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty
- Production
- Produced by Saif Ali Khan and Dinesh Vijan under Illuminati Films and Maddock Films
- Reception
- Mixed-to-positive reviews and strong box-office performance