Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Priyadarshan Explains Why Saif Missed Garam Masala Role
Priyadarshan once planned to cast Saif Ali Khan in Garam Masala.
Saif waited three days to receive the complete script.
Writer Neeraj Vora could not finish the script during that time.
Saif then gave his dates to another movie.
Akshay Kumar eventually starred in Garam Masala, which was released in 2005.
Priyadarshan also told Saif that he wanted to meet his father, Tiger Pataudi.
The director greatly admired Pataudi’s cricket career.
Saif and Akshay are now appearing together in Haiwaan, which Priyadarshan directed.
Saif Ali Khan was nearly cast in Priyadarshan’s Garam Masala.
Saif waited three days, but writer Neeraj Vora did not finish the full script.
Saif then committed his dates to another project, and the role went to Akshay Kumar.
Priyadarshan recalled his admiration for Saif’s father, former cricketer Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi.
Saif and Akshay reunite in Haiwaan, scheduled for theatrical release on September 11.
- Who
- Filmmaker Priyadarshan, actors Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar, and writer Neeraj Vora are central to the account.
- What
- Priyadarshan explained why Saif did not appear in Garam Masala and discussed their first collaboration, Haiwaan.
- When
- Priyadarshan’s comments were published on August 31, 2026; Haiwaan is scheduled for release on September 11.
- Where
- The account concerns Bollywood films and Priyadarshan’s memories of watching Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi play cricket in India.
- Why
- Saif left Garam Masala because the complete script was not ready after three days of waiting, so he committed his dates elsewhere.
- Film Saif nearly joined
- Garam Masala
- Scriptwriter
- Neeraj Vora
- Reason Saif left
- The complete script was not finished, so Saif gave his dates to another project.
- Eventual lead actor
- Akshay Kumar
- Current collaboration
- Haiwaan, Priyadarshan’s first film directing Saif Ali Khan
- Saif’s Haiwaan role
- A visually challenged character with action sequences
- Scheduled release
- September 11 in theaters
