by Subhash K Jha

Saif's not doing Karan Johar's film, to be directed by Tarun Mansukhani.

"But it's not because I'm insecure about being in the same picture as Abhishek and Aishwarya, for chrissake! As a matter of fact the little that I got to work with Abhishek in Salaam Namaste I really enjoyed myself.

I can see us having a ball on a film together. I'd love to do a full-fledged film with Abhishek any day.

As for Aishwarya, we've never been together in any film. If she continues to act after films I'm sure we'll be brought together."

The reason for Saif opting put of Karan's film is quite different. "It's this look that I've to do in each of my current films. There's this beard that I've now for Abbas-Mustan's Race which I'm shooting currently.

To my relief it goes off for Yashraj films Tashan which I start in a couple of days. But then I've another look for Tashan. After that I change my appearance for Kunal Kohli's film.

In fact the dates for Kunal's and Karan's film coincided. There was no way I could do both. And since I was committed to do Kunal's film beforehand, there was no way I could fit into Karan's film."

As an afterthought he adds, "Maybe if Kunal film didn't require a particular look I could've taken on Karan's film."

So is 'The Look' now an integral part of Saif 's craft as an actor?

"For the want of a better word, yes. After Omkara I've realized how important the physical appearance is for a character. Even earlier in Hum Tum I had done the long-haired look for a part of the plot. That really added to my character. Now I'll do one film at a time so I can experiment with my look."

Saif sighs about Karan's, "My loss entirely. It's always a pleasure to work with Karan. He's a dear friend since Kal Ho Na Ho. I'm, sure there'll be other opportunities."