Saif Ali Khan reflects on interfaith marriages, reveals how he teaches his children Taimur and Jeh about religion (Image credits: Instagram)

Saif Ali Khan has opened up about raising his children with an inclusive outlook towards religion, revealing that discussions about faith are a regular part of family life. Born to legendary cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, popularly known as Tiger Pataudi, and veteran actor Sharmila Tagore, Saif comes from an interfaith family. He later had two interfaith marriages himself—first with Amrita Singh, with whom he shares two children, and later with Kareena Kapoor, with whom he has sons Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan.Speaking at We The Women’s London edition, Saif said he enjoys discussing religion with his children, while admitting that he isn’t deeply religious himself.“It’s a conversation I love having with them. Because I myself am not the most religious of people. My mother taught me, and I taught my kids, that there’s one god and he has many names. It’s as simple as that. You worship him in different places. And if your religion talks about love and forgiveness to your fellow men, then that’s it,” Saif said.

Recalls growing up with prayers from different religions

The actor also reflected on his own childhood, saying he was exposed to different faiths while studying in Christian schools.“I’ve grown up in churches, in schools which start with being at chapel. I’ve tried bunking that by saying I’m from a different religion, and then they got a maulvi to come and talk to us. That didn’t work,” Saif recalled with a laugh.“But it was quite a Christian upbringing. The kids would say the prayer, followed by prayers of other religions. They’d celebrate Christmas as much as Diwali. That’s the kind of upbringing I’ve had. I’ve never really thought about it. It’s intuitive,” he added.

Saif shares Taimur’s thoughtful answer on religion

Saif also shared a recent conversation with his nine-year-old son Taimur Ali Khan that left him impressed.“I asked him, ‘What’s the difference between religion and methodology?’” Saif said.According to the actor, Taimur replied, “In religion, we pray, and in methodology, we don’t.” Calling it “a good answer,” Saif added, “So, we’re constantly talking about these things. I’m lucky I haven’t grown up like that. My mother had an open mind about these things, and so does my wife. It’s more of a spiritual approach.”