"We can't imagine anyone other than Saif."
In the glistening realm of Bollywood, Saif Ali Khan stands as an undeniably fantastic actor.
However, Saif has also really proven his mettle as a gifted dancer as well.
Many routines show Saif as such, with his agility and rhythm taking centre stage.
Right from his early films in the 90s, Saif has lit up the floor, entertaining the audience.
DESIblitz proudly presents 10 dance sequences in which Saif Ali Khan has dazzled and amazed.
Main Hoon Aashik – Aashik Aawaara (1993)
Aashik Aawaara was one of the first films of Saif Ali Khan.
It was released in the same year as his debut Parampara (1993).
‘Main Hoon Aashik’ shows Saif as Jaidev ‘Jai’ Singh/Jimmy/Rakesh Rajpal.
He infuses life into the dance floor along with a scintillating Mamta Kulkarni (Jyoti)
Although it is one of his early films, Saif’s confidence and charisma are admirable.
A fan on YouTube notes the euphoria surrounding Saif at that time:
“Saif was titled ‘Prince Charming of India’ on many front covers of magazines during the release of this movie.”
His impeccable dance certainly lives up to that title.
Ole Ole – Yeh Dillagi (1994)
This fun-filled dance routine portrays Saif (Vikram ‘Vicky’ Saigal) at his very best.
‘Ole Ole’ also shows a pretty Kajol (Sapna) shaking a leg along with Saif.
This remains one of Saif’s signature routines.
His epic moves and his mastery of the choreography are amazing to watch.
In an interview, the actor Avinash Wadhawan revealed that he almost played Saif’s role in Yeh Dillagi.
However, that didn’t materialise and honestly, we can’t imagine anyone other than Saif performing this dance.
Many say that in Yeh Dillagi, Akshay Kumar (Vijayendra ‘Vijay’ Saigal) stole the limelight.
However, the truth is that Saif carved his unique place in the picture, especially with ‘Ole Ole’.
Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe – Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
Dil Chahta Hai is often credited with introducing the ‘cool’ factor to Bollywood.
The dance routines are fresh, modern, and captivating.
In ‘Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe’, Saif appears as Sameer Mulchandani.
The song plays over Sameer’s college graduation party. He dances with his friends.
These are Akash Malhotra (Aamir Khan) and Siddharth ‘Sid’ Sinha (Akshaye Khanna).
Sameer’s girlfriend Priya (Suchitra Pillai) also dances.
The routine requires complex movement of the limbs, but Saif nails everything.
Fitting to the theme of Dil Chahta Hai, the song is original and young.
It’s The Time To Disco – Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
In Kal Ho Naa Ho, Saif Ali Khan shines as Rohit Patel.
This disco number shows Rohit dancing energetically with Aman Mathur (Shah Rukh Khan) and Naina Catherine Kapur (Preity Zinta).
The three friends have the time of their lives in a club, championing no worries and a carefree attitude.
It fits perfectly with the title of the film which translates to: “There may not be tomorrow”.
One argues that Saif’s role in the film is secondary to that of SRK’s character.
In 2023, Saif opened up about this. He said: “I knew from the start that Shah Rukh would be the pivot of the film.”
While that may technically be the case, Saif’s significant contribution to the film cannot be disputed.
Maahi Ve – Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)
Continuing with the evergreen film, Kal Ho Naa Ho, we come to the opulent song ‘Maahi Ve’.
The song takes place at the engagement function of Rohit and Naina.
Despite being in love with Naina himself, Aman joins in with the celebration.
He, Rohit, and Naina marvellously dance, swinging their hips and swaying across the floor.
In a comedic scene, Aman and Rohit briefly waltz together.
The popular actresses Rani Mukerji and Kajol also make special appearances.
What works well for the routine is the impeccable chemistry between the three leads.
That is the jewel that adorns Kal Ho Naa Ho.
Beedi – Omkara (2006)
In Omkara, Saif stunned all with his menacing performance as Ishwar ‘Langda’ Tyagi.
His enthusiasm in the movie comes to the fore in ‘Beedi’.
The chartbuster depicts Billo Chamanbahar (Bipasha Basu).
Ishwar and Keshav ‘Kesu Firangi’ Upadhyay (Vivek Oberoi) dance with Billo, lusting after her.
Saif’s hand movements embolden the routine, displaying the disarming nature of Ishwar.
Vivek reflects on the shooting of ‘Beedi’:
“Whenever that song played, literally everybody would start moving.
“It was freezing cold and the middle of the night, and despite all that, the song just made everyone dance their hearts out.”
Ab Toh Forever – Ta Ra Rum Pum (2007)
Saif Ali Khan becomes Rajveer ‘RV’ Singh in Siddharth Anand’s Ta Ra Rum Pum.
He dances on a beautifully lit street with Radhika ‘Shona’ Shekhar Rai Banerjee (Rani Mukerji).
The duo are known for their incredible onscreen chemistry which gleams in this routine.
With the majority of choreography in unison, Saif and Rani do a spellbinding job.
Siddharth delves into the working rapport that he and Saif share:
“The chemistry between Saif and me is so unspoken that I rarely have to direct him.
“Whenever I narrate a scene to him, he simply catches the pulse of it.”
This is evident in ‘Ab Toh Forever’, which features Saif as a force of dynamism.
Dekho Nashe Mein – Race (2008)
This dance routine from Race unites four pillars of Bollywood.
These are Saif Ali Khan (Ranvir ‘Ronny’ Singh) and Akshaye Khanna (Rajiv Singh).
They dance with Sonia (Bipasha Basu) and Sophia (Katrina Kaif).
The four characters dance on a stage.
At one point, Ranvir and Ronny engage in a leg routine, tapping and gleefully kicking their way through the song.
The chemistry between them and their leading ladies is also palpable.
‘Dekho Nashe Mein’ requires all the performers to be on point.
Saif adheres to these requirements professionally and in an entertaining manner.
Twist – Love Aaj Kal (2009)
Love Aaj Kal stars Saif in a dual role as Jai Vardhan Singh and Veer Singh Panesar.
In ‘Twist’, he dances with fervour and vigour in a club.
Saif dominates the floor, proving his dance skills yet again.
‘Twist’ is the anthem of Love Aaj Kal, and was hugely popular when it was released.
Surprisingly, to get a particular move right, Saif gave 47 takes.
That dedication is obvious in the routine which convinces the audience to get up and groove along.
Lat Lag Gayee – Race 2 (2013)
Returning to the popular Race franchise, we come to this enticing track.
In Race 2, Saif reprises his role of Ranvir ‘Ronny’ Singh.
This enthusiastic number shows him lighting up the floor with Jacqueline Fernandez (Omisha).
Jacqueline is known for her attractiveness and her dancing prowess, but Saif truly holds his own.
A viewer comments: “This song is just an underrated song and the singer’s voice is just rocking.
‘And these types of party songs are far better than today’s songs.”
Saif Ali Khan is a dancer of magnitude and extreme talent.
He can transform his surroundings and put the punch into partying.
Right from his foray into Bollywood, he has astounded and entertained millions with his dancing ability.
So, what are you waiting for?
Prepare to embrace the magnificent dancer, Saif Ali Khan.








