Despite Saif Ali Khan residing in Mumbai with his family, he is frequently seen visiting his ancestral residence, Pataudi Palace, in Haryana.
As the son of the late cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, also known as Tiger Pataudi, and veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, Saif has often discussed his royal heritage. In a 2013 interview with Rediff, Saif addressed his ‘angrez (Westernised)’ image and whether it had limited his acting opportunities.
Saif explained that early in his career, his ‘angrez’ image was a disadvantage. He noted that while he was initially influenced by Western culture due to his upbringing, he now feels more connected to his Eastern roots. Although he acknowledges his Western education, he emphasizes his deep connection to India and his recent return to spiritual practices, including the use of a silk janamaz (prayer mat).
Regarding his preference for spending time abroad, particularly in London, Saif admitted that he enjoys the cleanliness, organization, and anonymity found outside India. While he loves Mumbai for its character and charm, he dislikes other cities beyond a certain extent and finds issues with infrastructure and summer weather in Mumbai. Nonetheless, he appreciates the organization and cleanliness of foreign locations, though he reassures that he remains firmly rooted in his Indian identity.
Saif, born in Delhi to Sharmila Tagore and Tiger Pataudi, the last nawab of the princely state of Pataudi, attended The Lawrence School in Sanawar and Lockers Park School in Hertfordshire before completing his education at Winchester College in England.
As the current head of the Pataudi family following his father’s death in 2011, Saif married Amrita Singh in 1991, and they divorced in 2004. He has been married to Kareena Kapoor since October 2012, with whom he has two sons, Jehangir (Jeh) and Taimur Ali Khan. He also has two children, Ibrahim and Sara Ali Khan, from his previous marriage.