Saif: I am undeserving of Padma Shree

Feel undeserving on being awarded Padma Shri: Saif Ali Khan
PIB
Friday, January 29, 2010 14:17 IST

Mumbai: He is one of the youngest actors to have been honoured with the Padma Shri, and many may be wondering if it isn't too early for him to receive the award.

But they are not the only one, as actor Saif Ali Khan himself is low-key about the entire affair.

He is accepting the title with all humility, but still truly believes that there are many more people out there who truly deserved it more than him.

"Honestly speaking, I feel really humbled and undeserving on being awarded the Padma Shri. It isn't something that I had asked for, and since the government of India has done this for me, all I can do is to deliver my best and live up to it," Saif said.

In the past, some of the biggest names in the field of entertainment who have been conferred with national honours are veterans like Amitabh Bachchan (Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan), Rajnikanth (Padma Bhushan) and Kamal Hassan (Padma Shri).

This year, Aamir Khan has joined the elite list with a Padma Bhushan with his name. Bollywood diva Rekha has also been awarded with Padma Shri this year.

"Each of the names that you mention are so distinguished, and they truly deserve a national honor at this level," said Saif.

"This is why I feel a little low-key because in current times, someone like Aamir Khan truly deserves a Padma Bhushan. Maybe I wasn't really worthy of it. There are many people who deserve it much more me," the actor said.

"I associate this award with senior people who have achieved much more than me in their career. This is why I feel a little strange, though perhaps 10 years down the line when I look back at it, all of this may seem a lot more natural," Saif added.

But at the same time, the actor does not plan to take the honour too seriously.

"I can't take this title too seriously after all. Yes, it's a national honor and great recognition. Still, I don't think that while interacting with me, people in the industry would be reminded of this honour," Saif said.

"Also, I don't think it is going to affect public perception about me. As for being 'Nawab of Pataudi', then well, it doesn't quite hold true since my father is the last to be carrying this title," the actor added.

Though he is happy about the government recognising his contribution to cinema, he adds that he is still waiting for some popular awards coming his way.

"I have never won a Filmfare or a Screen award for being the Best Actor. It is nice to see that government believes otherwise. Now this is something that will always stay on in my mind. I have to keep doing good to great work, and live up this recognition in my future choices and endeavours," the actor said.

http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_feel-undeserving-on-being-awarded-padma-shri-saif-ali-khan_1340645

The DNA afterhours journalist interviewed saif yesterday about the backlash. His interview will be out next week. Waiting with baited breath for what saif said.

"Honestly speaking, I feel really humbled and undeserving on being awarded the Padma Shri. It isn't something that I had asked for, and since the government of India has done this for me, all I can do is to deliver my best and live up to it," Saif said.

Saif (andar hi andar) - Kameeno, kutton, haram***** , tum logo ki wajah se mujhe yeh sab bolna padh raha ha. Kisi ki khushi dekhi nahi jaati tum logo se. Yeh award to mujhe pehle hi milna chahiye tha, chhota nawab jo hoon main. 😆

Even his first interview which was taken instantly after his award was announced, he said the first fleeting thought he had was, this award shoudl have gone to someone senior...but then he felt happy, lol!