International film festivals are quite a rush for any actor, especially their first time.
"It is pretty awesome," says Saif on Saturday, currently getting his first whiff of festival adulation at the Marrakesh Film Festival.
"Yashji (Chopra, left) and I are the only representatives from Bollywood. I'm representing Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan and Preity (Zinta) for Kal Ho Na Ho," he adds, sounding blissful and a little incredulous.
And the disbelief in his voice just grows, considering the really awesome moment to come. At night, he is to dine with Martin Scorsese. "It's quite an honour. I haven't really been part of the festival circuit. First the National Award back home, and now this! I feel extremely proud and Indian wearing all the achkans, sherwanis and kurtas. It feels cool!"
Saif has been on an extended vacation for the last three weeks. Dividing his time between lady-love Rosa's family in Zurich, and his own parents in London, he's all charged and ready to come back to India.
After dining with the man who directed Raging Bull, that is.
Photograph: Getty Images | Text: Subhash K Jha