Sharmila Tagore on Raising Saif Ali Khan: Teachers Would Call Me Often, Hed Stand There Apologetically

Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore recently offered a candid and heartwarming glimpse into the childhood of her son, actor Saif Ali Khan, recalling how she was frequently summoned to his school due to his mischievous behaviour. In a refreshingly honest reflection, Sharmila spoke about Saif’s early years, describing him as a spirited child who often landed himself in trouble  but never without remorse.

Speaking about those days, Sharmila Tagore said that teachers would regularly call her to school to discuss Saif’s antics. “Saif would be standing there with his head bent, looking apologetic,” she recalled, adding that while he was undoubtedly naughty, he was never disrespectful. “He knew when he had done something wrong.”

Saif Ali Khan, now known for his laid-back charm and intellectual persona, was quite different as a child. According to Sharmila, he was energetic, curious, and often restless  traits that sometimes translated into classroom disruptions. However, she emphasised that his behaviour stemmed more from excess energy and curiosity than defiance.

“He wasn’t a bully or aggressive,” Sharmila said. “He just had too much energy and perhaps didn’t know where to channel it.” Despite repeated calls from the school, she never felt embarrassed. Instead, she viewed it as part of the learning process of growing up.

One of the most striking aspects of Sharmila Tagore’s recollections is her insistence that Saif was never treated differently because of his lineage. Despite being born into the illustrious Tagore and Pataudi families, Saif faced the same consequences as any other child.

“There was no special treatment,” she said firmly. “If he made a mistake, he had to face it.” Sharmila believes this grounded upbringing played a crucial role in shaping Saif’s personality, teaching him accountability and humility early on.

She also revealed that Saif was always respectful towards his teachers and elders. Even when reprimanded, he accepted criticism quietly, often visibly embarrassed by his own actions.

Saif Ali Khan studied at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, a boarding school known for its discipline and emphasis on character-building. Sharmila admitted that sending him to boarding school was not easy, but she felt it was necessary to instil independence and responsibility.

“Boarding school teaches you life skills,” she said. “You learn to stand on your own, deal with consequences, and grow up faster.”

While Saif may have been summoned often during his early school years, Sharmila noted that he matured significantly over time. “As he grew older, he became more thoughtful, more introspective,” she shared.

Today, Saif Ali Khan is admired for his measured performances, intellectual interviews, and nuanced film choices. Sharmila believes that his childhood experiences  including facing reprimands and learning accountability  contributed to his evolution as a person and actor.

“Those early lessons stay with you,” she said. “They teach you empathy.”

Sharmila also reflected on how parenting styles have changed over the years. She believes modern parents often rush to defend their children, whereas earlier generations focused more on correcting behaviour rather than justifying it.

“It’s important to listen to teachers,” she said. “They’re not against your child; they want them to grow.”

Despite Saif’s mischief, Sharmila’s recollections are filled with warmth rather than criticism. She spoke fondly of those years, admitting that they now bring a smile to her face.

“Looking back, these things feel small,” she said. “At the time, they felt serious, but that’s childhood.”

Her reflections strike a chord with parents everywhere, reminding them that imperfection is part of growing up, even for those who go on to become celebrated public figures.

Sharmila Tagore’s candid memories of Saif Ali Khan’s school days offer a refreshing reminder that every success story has its share of childhood mischief. Her account humanises one of Bollywood’s most well-spoken stars, revealing a boy who made mistakes, learned from them, and grew into a grounded individual.

From standing apologetically with his head bent in school corridors to commanding screens with confidence, Saif Ali Khan’s journey underscores the importance of accountability, humility, and patient parenting  lessons that resonate far beyond the world of cinema.