The Versatile will be at Mahatma Gandhi Centre, Auckland on November 16, 2018
Venkat Raman
While most entertainment programmes involving film celebrities are ‘stage affairs,’ with very little audience interaction, a forthcoming event promises to get close to the film star, participate in a group photograph session and if lucky and can afford, dine with him.
Such an opportunity would unfold in Auckland on Friday, November 16, 2018 as versatile actor Saif Ali Khan arrives at Mahatma Gandhi Centre (located at 145 New North Road, Eden Terrace) to engage with diners.
There may not be loud music and vivacious dancers around but the evening promises to be dignity and honour that you would expect at a sophisticated gathering. Saif will of course address the audience but the emphasis would be more on group conversations and good fun.
There could be a few lucky guests to have a tete a tete with the visiting actor.
RS Promotions of Auckland, which organised the Salman Khan show (Da-Bangg Tour) last year is bringing Saif Ali Khan as the Indian community celebrates its annual festive season, with Diwali continuing to be marked throughout the country.
Tickets and Seating Arrangements
Details of ‘Glamour of Bollywood Nite with Saif Ali Khan’ have been released and the evening would be one of distinct difference with unabated supply of non-alcoholic drinks and a cash bar to sell the spirited ones. A three-course dinner is a part of the scenario.
However, how close or far you would be seated to the Star will depend on how much pay and what is available as you visit www.iticket.co.nz
Corporate packages are available, the details of which can be obtained from Sam on 021664455 or Sanjani on 021-636676.
Cost for tables seating ten persons each range from $1725 and $2875 to $4600 per table, categorised as Elite, Platinum, Gold and Silver are now on sale.
The above rates do not include Elite Tables, details of which can be obtained from the Promoter. Email: info@rspromotions.co.nz or call Sam or Sanjani.
Individual tickets, priced at $499, $299 and $199, categorised Platinum, Gold and Silver are also available.
Depending on the category, guests will have an opportunity to meet and greet the actor and perhaps have a conversation with him.
Talented Star
Saif Ali Khan may not have taken to Cricket on the heels of his father, the famous Mansoor Ali Khan, the Nawab of Pataudi, but he has had a long and sustained innings in the Hindi film industry. He took to his mother’s (Sharmila Tagore) profession of acting and has made a niche for himself in an extremely competitive and cut-throat industry.
His debut in ‘Parampara,’ a Yash Chopra drama released in 1992 was not successful but went on to smash the box-office with ‘Yeh Dillagi’ (starring Akshay Kumar and Kajol Mukherjee (now Devgan) and action-packed, ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari,’ (with Akshay Kumar again and Shilpa Shetty) in 1994. Prior to these, he acted in ‘Asshiq Awara’ and ‘Pehla Nasha’ (in 1993).
Commercial hits
Saif’s career remained stagnant through the 1990s but a number of films brought him credit.
The biggest commercial hit among these was ‘Hum Saath-Saath Hain.’ Released in 1999, the film had a galaxy of stars including Salman Khan, Karishma Kapoor, Tabu, Monish Behl and Sonali Bendre.
He rose to prominence again with roles in two ensemble comedy-dramas, namely, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ (2001) and ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ (2003).
The 2004 romantic comedy ‘Hum Tum’ in which he played the sole male lead, earned him the National Film Award for Best Actor, and starring roles in the drama ‘Parineeta’ and the romantic comedy ‘Salaam Namaste’ (both released in 2005) established him as a leading actor in the Hindi film industry.
He earned wide critical praise for his portrayals of a manipulative businessman in the 2004 thriller ‘Ek Hasina Thi,’ an apprentice in the 2006 English film ‘Being Cyrus,’ a character based on William Shakespeare’s antagonist Iago in the 2006 crime film ‘Omkara’ and a terrorist in the 2009 thriller ‘Kurbaan.’
The ‘Race’ Sequel
Saif’s greatest commercial success came with the 2008 thriller ‘Race’ and its 2013 sequel, the 2009 romance ‘Love Aaj Kal,’ and the 2012 romantic comedy ‘Cocktail.’
He followed it by starring in a series of films that under-performed at the box office but received praise in 2018 for playing a troubled policeman in the Netflix thriller series ‘Sacred Games.’
Awards and Accolades
Saif is a recipient of several accolades, including a National Film Award and six Filmfare Awards, Padma Shri, an Indian Civilian Award, in 2010. He has been noted for his performances in a range of film genres, from crime dramas to thrillers and occasional romances, and his film roles have been credited with contributing to a change in the concept of a Hindi film hero.
He was married to Amrita Singh for thirteen years, after which he married the actress Kareena Kapoor. He has three children, two with Amrita and one with Karina.
In addition to film acting, Khan is a frequent television presenter, stage show performer and the owner of the production company Illuminati Films.
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Photo Caption:
Saif Ali Khan
(Picture Source: Wikimedia Commons)
