/> After years in the fringes and being seen as too sophisticated to do the masala stuff convincingly, Rahul Khanna is ready to strike gold at the desi boxoffice.

Akshaye Khanna's sibling, so far known for his performances in Deepa Mehta's 1947 Earth and Bollywood/Hollywood has a very special role in Imtiaz Ali's untitled film that Saif Ali Khan is producing.

Though bound by contract not to speak about it, Rahul is featured in an important role in the much talked-about Saif-Deepika film.

Talking about Rahul's role in his home production Saif says, "We needed someone with grace, dignity, charm, class and a sound educational background to play that role. Rahul was our first choice. Thankfully he said yes."

Considering this is Saif's own production how sizeable could Rahul's role be?

"Depends on how you define 'sizeable'. His role is pivotal to the plot and cannot be measured in terms of footage. For the film to be effective it is important for Rahul to be effective, " says Saif.

Considering both Saif and Rahul are star-children have they been bonding from childhood?

"Not really, " Saif is frank enough to admit. "I've met Rahul just a few times over the years. He seems to be great fun. Charming and intelligent."

It's not just Saif Rahul is bonding with. If all goes well, Rahul will be working with another one of his father's colleague's sons.

Rahul will play a small but pivotal role in Karan Johar's production featuring Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen-Sharma.

Says a source, "Karan has known Rahul and Akshaye since childhood. For long he has been looking for a place to accommodate Rahul. The Ranbir-Konkona film allows him that space."