Actress Bipasha Basu blames the Afghan tradition of men greeting each other with kisses for the recent illness of her boyfriend, actor John Abraham.

Abraham fell ill while filming in Afghanistan for his latest movie, Kabul Express, in which he plays a television journalist covering the war against the Taliban.

"John needs to be careful with his health," Bipasha told a newspaper.

"People there kiss your cheeks instead of (saying) hello. Infection does spread," she said.

Bipasha has starred in more than 22 movies since she entered Bollywood five years ago. Her recent films include the comedies No Entry and Phir Hera Pheri.

Abraham, who has been voted one of Bollywood's sexiest stars in several polls, made his debut in Indian films three years ago. He shot into the limelight in the 2004 hit Dhoom, for his role as the leader of a gang of bikers who rob rich businessmen.