Saif Ali Khan calls award shows "a whole big tamasha"

Saif, who had won the National Award for Best Actor for the 2004 film Hum Tum, said that many had considered him "undeserving" of it.

"I was seen to be undeserving of the few awards that I received earlier in my career, including the National award for Hum Tum," he told Bollywood Hungama.

He, however, added he has proven his talents over the years.

Saif said he has not received many awards in his career, and that he does not believe in award shows.

He shared he was once called for an award function, where he was told, "We wanted to give you the Best Actor award. But you know how it is. We'll give you the award for Best Actor in a comic role (sic)."

Further explaining his point, Saif said he thinks there is a "certain amount of politics and manipulation in giving the awards."

"It (awards functions) is a TV show, yaar! You have to go on stage and perform. It is no longer about going on stage, taking your award and mumbling your thank you speech," the actor told the publication.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Saif has a packed schedule. He will soon star in Amazon Prime Video series Tandav, his second web-series after Netflix's Sacred Games.

He will also be seen alongside Rani Mukerji in Bunty Aur Babli 2, the shoot of which was wrapped up recently.

He has also signed his Tanhaji director Om Raut's upcoming period drama Adipurush.