The elder brother or the best friend of any Hindi film hero is invariably played by a competent, though a lesser known actor, who could rise to the occasion but seldom overshadow the principal star.

That`s one slot where Saif Ali Khan fits in perfectly well. Saif doesn`t have to prove time and again that he is good star material and can perform well too. But the guy is sadly saddled with parallel leads where all he gets to do is sing a few songs, be a part of the narrative and leave the field open for the hero to go ahead and steal the show.But did you know his predicament? The directors have the audacity to actually tell him to tone down his act so that he doesn`t walk away with all the honours?

Sounds incredible. But it`s true. Saif laughs it over with his friends and rues the fact that for someone like him, competence is not exactly a boon. But why cant he be cast in the lead? "Oh as a solo hero, he isn`t saleable," pat comes the answer from his producers. Alas, Saif`s Dil Chahta Hai is a rare act. Let`s hope for his sake, Farhan Akhtar and his ilk thrive in the industry!