He laughs as though he were watching one of his more raucous comedies. But the rumour that there has been a serious rift between David Dhawan and second-favourite leading man Salman has been gathering momentum for a while.

It's even said that the project which David planned with Salman and Govinda has been shelved.

David protests incredulously.

"How can I fight with Salman? We've been close friends for years now. I've done seven films with him. We laughed our heads off when we heard about the so-called fight between us. This is nothing but jealousy. This film industry is filled with nasty negative elements who have nothing better to do than to create imaginary rifts between friends. Today by the grace of God, Salman is successful. So am I. People can't see the two of us together."

But onlookers swear they have seen the director and star altercating heatedly, with Salman losing his cool through his fist. "Would these imaginative people please come forward?" laughs David even loudly.

"For their information Salman was in my house for Ganpati last week. I'm directing a film for his home banner. Right now I'm scripting the project. It's not easy to design a film that would do justice to both Salman and Govinda, my two favourites. They both have very strong images and I've to keep audiences' expectations in mind."

David pauses and then reveals, "It's time I did at least one film that isn't made according to what audiences expect, but what I expect from myself. There're so many very talented boys and girls around waiting for a break. I want to make a film with fresh faces. It will be for a corporate house. There are so many corporate houses which want me to make a film for them."

Another rumour doing the rounds is that David is readying his son for a star-launch? "No no," he protests. "Don't we have enough boys and girls from the industry? My son has been trained in filmmaking from New York. He wants to direct films. Right now he's assisting me. It'd be interesting to see what kind of film he makes. He has my blessing and backing."

Returning to the Salman topic David reiterates, "Salman and I crossed the biggest hurdle when the tape scandal broke out on the eve of the release of Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya. Salman and me in a fight? Never!"