Actor Neil Nitin Mukesh recently celebrated the 14th anniversary of his film Saat Khoon Maaf, one of the most significant milestones in his career. In an exclusive conversation with News-24, Neil revisited his experience working on the film, highlighting its unique place in his journey.
Reflecting on the impact of Saat Khoon Maaf, Neil described the film as a standout in his career. He acknowledged that the role, unlike his previous commercial hits, was a major challenge but one that he felt was worth embracing. “It was a challenging role that not many in the industry wanted me to take up, especially after New York and Lafangey Parindey,” Neil shared, expressing pride in his decision to take on such an unconventional part.
A Career Defined By Risk-Taking
Throughout his career, Neil has never been afraid to venture out of his comfort zone. He noted, “From the start of my career, I have always stepped out of my comfort zone. I believe Saat Khoon Maaf was way ahead of its time.” This willingness to take risks and explore diverse roles has helped define his acting career.
Collaborating With Vishal Bhardwaj & Priyanka Chopra
Neil fondly recalled his collaboration with director Vishal Bhardwaj and co-star Priyanka Chopra. “It was an incredible learning experience. Vishal Sir gave me such a powerful role. I wasn’t just one of Priyanka’s seven husbands- my character had layers of grey that stood out,” he revealed. He also shared his gratitude for working alongside legendary actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Mohanlal, recognising the film as a memorable chapter of his career.
Revisiting The Iconic Dialogue
In a lighter moment, Neil brought up one of the film’s most iconic dialogues. With a smile, he recalled, “Agli baar andar aane se pehle knock karna… KNOCK KNOCK.” This line, delivered with perfect timing, continues to be remembered by fans as one of the standout moments of the film.
Fourteen years on, Saat Khoon Maaf remains a significant milestone in Neil Nitin Mukesh’s career, and he continues to cherish its legacy.