Saif Ali Khan Explains Why He Avoids Dancing at Weddings, Recalls Being Humiliated by His Aunt
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At a time when Bollywood stars are frequently seen performing at lavish billionaire weddings, actor Saif Ali Khan has revealed why he consciously stays away from such appearances. In a candid interaction with The Hollywood Reporter India, Saif spoke about his discomfort with dancing at weddings and recalled an incident from his younger days when he was humiliated by a family member for doing so.
His remarks offer a rare insight into how personal boundaries, family upbringing and changing industry culture shape an actor’s choices off screen.
Context: Stars and the Wedding Performance Culture
From destination weddings to grand sangeet nights, film actors have long been a key attraction at high-profile weddings. Recently, stars like Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit performed at industrialist Netra Mantena’s wedding in Udaipur, reinforcing how common such appearances have become.
While these performances are often lucrative and widely accepted within the industry, Saif Ali Khan believes the decision to perform should remain a deeply personal one.
Saif Ali Khan Recalls a Painful Memory
Reflecting on an early experience, Saif recalled dancing at a wedding in Mumbai when his aunt — his father’s sister — confronted him backstage.
“I was dancing at a wedding once in Bombay and my aunt, who is quite a regal lady, came backstage and said, ‘Don’t tell me you are dancing at this wedding,’” Saif said.
He admitted that the incident left a lasting impression and continues to influence his comfort level with such performances. Saif explained that family background and upbringing play a major role in shaping how actors view public appearances outside cinema.
Guest vs Performer: Where Saif Draws the Line
Saif elaborated that the discomfort often arises when the line between being a guest and a performer becomes blurred. According to him, context and setting matter immensely.
He believes actors should be treated like stars on a proper stage, not placed in cramped or overly intimate environments where the performance feels intrusive rather than celebratory. For Saif, dignity and distance are essential elements of stardom.
“If you see yourself as an entertainer, and there is no family connection or an aunt to humiliate you, then it’s fine,” he said, adding that the choice depends entirely on individual comfort.
Why Overseas Weddings Feel Different to Him
Interestingly, Saif noted that his discomfort reduces when such events take place abroad. He recalled performing at a wedding in Portugal, held at a scenic villa with a proper stage and controlled environment.
In contrast, he finds some local weddings overwhelming, especially when held in more public or crowded settings. Saif said he prefers to be discerning about how much of himself he gives away in non-film spaces.
Overexposure and the Value of Distance
The actor also reflected on how overexposure has changed audience perception of film stars. He feels that constant appearances at social events and private functions have reduced the sense of novelty around actors.
“People are not surprised to see film actors anymore,” Saif observed, adding that a certain distance has now become a form of currency in the industry.
He cited Ajay Devgn as an example, noting that Devgn’s relatively private nature makes audiences more eager to see him on screen and hear his views. According to Saif, restraint can enhance an actor’s presence rather than diminish it.
No Judgment, Just a Personal Choice
Saif was careful to clarify that he does not judge actors who perform at weddings. He acknowledged that performing at billionaire weddings for significant fees has long been part of Bollywood culture and that even his own children participate in such events.
However, he stressed that it no longer aligns with his personal comfort zone. “It’s subjective,” he said, emphasising that every actor must decide for themselves.
Saif Ali Khan’s Upcoming Film
On the work front, Saif Ali Khan will next be seen in Priyadarshan’s upcoming film Haiwaan. The film also stars Akshay Kumar, who will reportedly play the antagonist.
Haiwaan marks Saif and Akshay’s on-screen reunion after more than a decade and has already generated strong anticipation. The film is expected to release in 2026.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Saif Ali Khan’s remarks highlight an often-unspoken side of celebrity culture — the pressure to constantly perform, even outside cinema. In an industry driven by visibility, his emphasis on boundaries and dignity offers a contrasting perspective, reminding us that stardom does not always have to mean constant availability.