by Subhash K Jha

While Saif gets ready to shoot after a longish illness, he re-started his work with an ad campaign for Provog last week.

He now flies to Dubai to shoot for Abbas-Mustan's Race. But not before saying yes to a number of projects after a long break from accepting offers.

"Yes, I've green-lighted Kunal Kohli's new film," he dimples with delight, "I've known him for some time now. And we share a cool comfort level. I really thought Kunal did a neat job in Hum Tum. So yeah I'm looking forward to working with Kunal again."

Saif has also said yes to two other projects. One is a Yashraj film featuring Kareena Kapoor, Anil Kapoor and Akshay Kumar. "Again it's very script-driven. As for the project with with Karan Johar (to be directed by his assistant Tarun Talsukhani) I've said yes to it in principle. Who'd say no to a Karan Johar film? But I've to yet hear the script."

Does the presence of Abhishek and Aishwarya pose a problem? "None at all. I've been in so many films with very major co-stars. I mean, I shared screen space with THE Mr Bachchan in Eklavya. I didn't allow myself to be awed by him. That never works in a film or in my performance."

About the newly formed friendship with Salman, Saif admits the senior actor has been guiding Saif to take up painting. "So far I've done just one sketch. Salman is really good with it. You should see his work. He did ask me to give it a try. And I did."