Saif Ali Khan now looks back at Cocktail with mixed feelings. Although the 2012 film became a commercial hit, the actor admits that choosing to play Gautam was a mistake. He also describes the script as “slightly regressive”.
Cocktail arrived in theatres in 2012 with a glossy, contemporary look. Deepika Padukone’s bold yet warm portrayal of Veronica quickly became one of the film’s biggest talking points. Over time, however, the film’s treatment of a modern woman sparked debate, with many viewers calling its approach regressive beneath its stylish surface.
Saif, who played the lead and also produced the film, has now acknowledged those concerns. Speaking to Gulf News, he said his decision to play Gautam had less to do with the character and more to do with getting the production off the ground.
“I did the part because we were producing it. It was an inevitable mistake, 100 percent that was a mistake, and that was a slightly regressive script choice. Otherwise, it was a breezy fun entertainer. I didn’t do it for the role, I did it so the film could get made. You do things for various reasons. I knew fully well that the exciting role is the Veronica part but it’s one of those things you do anyway,” Saif said.
Deepika has also described Veronica as one of the most special characters of her career. She said every actor leaves a part of themselves in their characters, while also carrying something from those roles forever.
“Veronica will always be one of the most special characters I’ve played on screen; one that changed a lot for me professionally and impacted me personally,” she said.
Reflecting on Veronica’s impact on her career, Deepika said she believed the character became a turning point because audiences connected with her.
“If a character turned out to be so successful and resonated with millions, then obviously there was something about that character that the audiences empathised with,” she said.
Written by Imtiaz Ali and directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail starred Saif, Deepika and Diana Penty. Saif and Dinesh Vijan produced the film under Illuminati Films and Maddock Films respectively. The film received mixed-to-positive reviews at the time but emerged as a commercial hit.
