Saif Ali Khan who played edgy characters in Omkara and Being Cyrus seems a different guy who’s now drawn to family-friendly entertainment like Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic and Tara Rum Pum. So what gives him a bigger high the success of Race or the rave reviews for Omkara? We find out.

Rajeev Masand: A year ago, everyone was talking about Saif the actor. Your performances in Omkara, Being Cyrus and Parineeta and how you had come into your own as an actor. A year later, everyone is talking about Saif the stud, Saif the boyfriend who wears his heart on sleeve, Saif and Kareena – are you embarrassed by that?

Saif Ali Khan: Frankly, yes, sometimes. Depends on what’ said. I am okay with certain things while others sound silly. It’s beyond my control. People write articles in newspapers and it almost feels we are responsible for those articles. I am fed up of hearing about us. Imagine, what people would be. I just want to say: I did not write it.

Rajeev Masand: Did you feel cheated when you saw Tashan?

Saif Ali Khan: Yes and no. Quite frankly, it wasn’t what I read. It was a beautiful script. We all signed up for something that was to be retro-meets-futuristic movie. It was very funky Tashan on paper. But sometimes, it all goes a little wrong. I think we all signed on for a movie and I stand by that. Unfortunately, it did not work and I stand by that as well and not be a rat deserting a sinking ship and say, “I felt cheated”. My role was edited quite severely which I did speak with my producer about. He explained it was for the betterment of the narrative – which I agree with. Still, what l originally read was quite a bit different.