And yet, Saif Ali Khan says he's happy being just an A-list actor. Ten years ago, it was a big deal for him to be even accepted in movies. He tells Sunday MiD DAY how he's only competing with himself today

THERE aren't many actors from whom you learn something new. With Saif Ali Khan, chances are, you will. In one interview, he spoke of a love for the comic character, the evil grand vizier Isnogud. On another, he revealed that professional piano players remove the last bone in their fingers so that they can play the instrument better.

On this, when we first meet, he kicks off his answers, his face turned up to a 3 pm sun, outside his make-up van in the sweltering heat at Mehboob Studios. "You sweat, it opens up your pores and it's easier to do make-up then," he explains. Call me nau00c3u0083u00c2u00afve, but I also learn of Modesty Blaise and a Swiss nightclub called Kaufleuten for the first time, courtesy Saif.

So it isn't strange that after 18 years in the business, Saif is venturing into something new himself. He turns producer with Love Aaj Kal, directed by Imtiaz Ali under Saif's banner Illuminati Films with a tale of love, much like our star, "hip and contemporary".u00a0u00a0

How long are you shooting Jehaad in the US?
About a month for this Karan Johar production, then a small holiday in Europe on the way back. Then back to serious promotion of Love Aaj Kal we're looking at a June 26th release, but I'd wait for the strike to get over to decide.