In a candid conversation, Bollywood actor and noted bibliophile Saif Ali Khan has opened up about the literary works that have left an indelible mark on his life and worldview. Moving beyond casual mentions, Khan delved into specific titles that offer poetry, raw emotion, and powerful social commentary, while also making a significant professional announcement regarding one beloved novel.
From Page to Screen: The Emotional Pull of 'Black River'
Speaking to Esquire India, Khan pinpointed Nilanjana Roy's 'Black River' as a standout favorite. He described the novel as far more than a conventional crime thriller. "It's kind of a police procedural murder mystery, but it's also really emotional and kind of moving about the murder of a very young little girl," he explained, highlighting the narrative's profound depth.
His passion for the story transcended mere appreciation. Saif Ali Khan revealed he was so moved that he acquired the film rights to the book. "I love the story so much that I bought the rights to the book and we're trying to make a movie out of it," he stated. While he admitted the project is progressing slowly, his enthusiasm is undimmed. He praised the book as "lyrical," "dramatic," and "really poetic, beautiful," noting its essence is an "ode to an India that might not exist anymore."
The plot of 'Black River' revolves around the murder of an eight-year-old girl in a village near Delhi and the subsequent police investigation. It tackles heavy themes like vigilante justice, religious prejudice, the plight of migrants, and systemic corruption. In the planned adaptation, Khan is set to play the lead role of Ombir Singh, the determined police officer heading the case. He is collaborating closely with director Hansal Mehta to ensure the film retains the novel's core emotional and social resonance.
A Taste for the Supernatural and the Mythological
Khan's literary tastes showcase a fascinating range. He expressed a particular fondness for masterfully written ghost stories, citing 'Japanese Ghost Stories' by Lafcadio Hearn as a prime example. He admired Hearn's personal journey from Ireland to Japan, where he immersed himself in local folklore. "He would retell famous Japanese ghost stories, but in this amazing, amazing poetic prose," Khan remarked, valuing the sublime language as much as the chills.
Another book that profoundly impacted him is 'Pandora's Jar' by Natalie Haynes. Khan described it as a feminist re-examination of the women of Greek mythology. He was particularly struck by the retelling of Medusa's story. "She was a beautiful girl, and she was raped in this temple. And then she was punished for being raped in the temple… And she's viewed as a monster," he recounted. This fresh perspective on a traditionally vilified character resonated deeply with him, prompting a reflective "I've always felt something for her."
More Than an Actor: A Literary Enthusiast's Vision
Saif Ali Khan's revelations offer a glimpse into the mind of an actor who draws inspiration from complex narratives and nuanced writing. His decision to adapt 'Black River' underscores a desire to bring layered, socially relevant Indian stories to a wider cinematic audience. It moves him beyond the role of a performer into that of a curator of meaningful content.
The interview solidifies Khan's reputation as one of Bollywood's most thoughtful and well-read personalities. His selections—a poignant Indian crime novel, a collection of elegantly told Japanese ghost stories, and a feminist critique of ancient myths—paint a picture of a reader seeking emotional truth, cultural insight, and beautiful prose. Fans and cinephiles will now eagerly watch for the next chapter: the translation of his literary passion into the film adaptation of 'Black River'.
