Saif and cool

Cool, chill and wonderful - these were the buzz words of the day for Saif Ali Khan. And he couldn't stop talking about his "wonderful, wonderful" girlfriend, Kareena Kapoor.

The Chote Nawab (Little Prince) was in Dubai on Friday for the launch of a new Asian club night at It's Mirchi at the Ramee Royal Hotel. Khan looked fit and quite "cool" with a stylish moustache (his new look for a film produced by Karan Johar). He was relaxed and unflappable - even when he was asked whether his famous tattoo was removable. "I believe it is permanent," he said, showing off Kareena's name on his arm.

The actor, known for his wry sense of humour, tried to promote the nightclub sincerely, but then candidly stated that he was doing it not out of goodwill, but because he had been paid well for it.

Khan has been out of the news for some time, because he has been shooting for two films: an untitled film produced by Johar and co-starring Kapoor, and his own production company's first project - Love Aaj Kal with Deepika Padukone.

"Johar's film, directed by Rensil D'Silva, is a love story set against a terrorism background and will be quite controversial and exciting. Love Aaj Kal, directed by Imtiaz Ali, is a contemporary love story that explores the impact of modern life on relationships and values. It is quite hip, funny and cool, but also has some depth," he revealed.

Khan was also excited about his production house's next film, titled Agent Vinod. "This is a contemporary espionage thriller - not like a Bond film, but very cool. The reason I got into film production was to make such films," he said.

The actor brushed aside concerns about the economic recession. "The Hindi film industry is not as affected as people think - otherwise Aamir Khan's Ghajini would not have made millions. The only effect of the downturn is that prices that were inflated due to a false economy...have become more realistic now," he said.

"The great thing about our profession is that people turn to entertainment no matter what. Whether you had a tough day at work, a fight with your lover or a downturn in the economy there is always enough money to buy a film ticket."

In the last few years Khan has had many hit movies and won many awards, including a National award for acting. So it was surprising that he was not named on the list of winners for the FICCI-IFFA 10 most powerful entertainers of the decade award. But the actor is not complaining.

"I am proud that Kareena is among the winners because she is more professional than most people I know and works very hard. I did not expect to be on this list because I have not been very successful in my career.

"I don't take these things seriously and don't even know what the award actually means. I am just happy to have the opportunity to do good films, get paid well to do what I do and have some people coming to see my movies. Maybe after I get more success I will want to be high up on that list," Saif said.

He was equally cool about him and Shah Rukh Khan not being the hosts at the prestigious Filmfare Awards ceremony this year. "Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan were wonderful - fresh and not offensive at all. But maybe we'll be back next year to offend the audience again."

Unlike his friend Shah Rukh Khan, Khan has no plans to invest in real estate in the UAE or in the Indian Premiere League (though his father is a famous cricketer). "I am not really a businessman and know nothing about real estate or cricket management.

"I would rather invest the money I earn from films and nightclub openings into something that will let me retire happily. So that when no one wants me anymore for films or club launches, I can be chilling," he said.