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'I want to play a silent lover'

Saif Ali Khan is not what you would call a 'multi-hero' actor.

He wouldn't go down in the annals of film history for carrying a film on his shoulders. Take Main Khiladi Tu Anadi, Yeh Dillagi, Hum Saath Saath Hain or even Kya Kehna.

Nevertheless, his is a screen presence that is wholly fresh and totally endearing. He might not figure high on the emoting list - he's even aware of that. Which is probably why he has now focused his skills to honing his instinctive feel for comedy.

Now working on E Nivas' Jackpot, along with Aftab Shivdasani and Fardeen Khan, Saif can't stop smiling. Kanchana Suggu finds out why:

Are you happy with the way Kya Kehna has fared?

Of course I'm happy. Very happy. One good thing is that not only has the public appreciated my performance, a lot of directors have, too. They have now realised my potential.

I can say that because a lot of offers are coming my way now. I worked very hard on my role in Kya Kehna and my effort has pulled off.

What are the offers you have on hand?

I have one film with Farhan Akhtar and another with Arjun Sablok called Na Tum Jaano Na Hum.

Is it true that you replaced Manoj Bajpai in Jackpot?

The question of replacing someone arises only when the former is signed on first. But no such thing happened at all. Manoj (Bajpai) was never even considered for the film. Manoj and Ram Gopal Varma are very close to each other. In fact the two of them together decided to cast me, because they thought I suited the role well.

Tell us about your role in Jackpot.

I play the nalayak damad of Dalip Tahil, who goes to criminal lengths to torture him. Aftab and Fardeen play criminals who help me out. Sonali Bendre is the female lead.

You seem to enjoy comedy very much...?

Yes. I do. But if you take Jackpot, it isn't an out-and-out comedy. Actually, as far as I am concerned, it's not funny. But the script is really funny.

Personally, I'd love to play a silent lover. That's something I'd definitely enjoy doing.