Saif Ali Khan has never been an actor who relies only on a script to define a character. Over the years, he has altered his appearance, changed his physicality and taken on demanding preparations to make his performances feel distinct. His latest film, Haiwaan, is another example of that approach, with the actor stepping into the role of a visually impaired character.

The recently released teaser offers a glimpse of Saif in a markedly different avatar, with his body language becoming an important part of the character. His role in Haiwaan joins a long list of movies for which the actor has gone beyond the obvious demands of the script.

Haiwaan: Preparing to portray a visually impaired character

For Haiwaan, Saif plays a character who cannot see, making physical performance and body language particularly important to the role. Instead of relying only on dialogue and expressions, the actor had to approach the character through movement, mannerisms and the way he navigates his surroundings.

The teaser gives an early glimpse of Saif adapting his performance to the character's visual impairment, marking another departure from the roles audiences have seen him play.

Tanhaji: Bulking up to play a formidable antagonist

Saif underwent a significant physical change for Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior, where he played the ruthless Udaybhan Singh Rathore. The role demanded a larger-than-life physical presence, and the actor bulked up to match the imposing warrior he was portraying.

The transformation added weight and intensity to his appearance, helping him inhabit a character who needed to command attention whenever he appeared on screen.

Omkara: Shaving his head for Langda Tyagi

Saif's transformation for Omkara remains one of his most striking makeovers. Playing Langda Tyagi in Vishal Bhardwaj's adaptation of Othello, the actor completely changed his appearance by shaving his hair.

The unusual look became closely associated with the character and helped Saif move away from the polished image audiences were accustomed to seeing. His performance as the scheming Langda Tyagi went on to become one of the defining roles of his career.

Go Goa Gone: Turning blonde for Boris

Saif went in a completely different direction for Go Goa Gone. As the eccentric Boris, he appeared with blonde hair and a flamboyant look that was far removed from his usual screen image.

The transformation suited the film's irreverent tone and showed Saif's willingness to experiment with his appearance when a character called for it.

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From changing his physique to altering his hairstyle and adapting his physical performance, Saif Ali Khan has repeatedly treated transformation as part of the acting process.

Now with Haiwaan, the actor is once again taking on a character that requires him to rethink the way he moves and performs on screen.