The story behind Saif-Adi fallout

Yash Raj Films had helped resurrect Saif Ali Khan's career once upon a time. The studio premises had been like a second home to the Chhote Nawab. But now, it is no more than just a shooting venue for the actor. Reason: Once close friends Saif and YRF scion Aditya Chopra have drifted apart.

Cracks started appearing in the relationship during the days of YRF's animation film Roadside Romeo starring Saif opposite his girlfriend Kareena. Adi was very miffed with the actor because he refused to promote the film. Adi's anger intensified when Roadside Romeo failed at the box-office.

A source said, "Roadside Romeo was an experimental film for YRF. This was the first time they were venturing into the animation genre. Hence, Roadside Romeo was very close to Adi. His anger at the failure of the venture was justified."

The same applied to Kareena Kapoor. Adi, who had not been very happy with her boyfriend wasn't too pleased with Kareena either. Revealed the source, "She too did not promote Roadside Romeo."

Saif who did six films with YRF (Hum Tum, Salaam Namaste, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Roadside Romeo, Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic and Tashan) in quick succession hasn't signed a YRF project ever since Roadside Romeo hit the theatres. Tashan released in April 2008 and Roadside Romeo released in October 2008.

Interestingly, Kareena too hasn't signed a single YRF project ever since. Tashan was the last film Saif and Kareena did for the production house.

These days, whenever Saif is shooting at the Yash Raj Studios, he makes a hasty exit as soon as the shoot is over. "Earlier, he would often go up to Adi's office and have a chat with him over a cup of coffee," informed a source.

According to a source, "Adi too misses Saif and Kareena. They both are excellent performers. It's just his ego which is coming in the way and not paving the way for a patch-up."

The latest is that Saif is in repentant mode. "He has told his friends that he is looking ahead to work with Adi again," informed a source. It may be recalled that Saif was launched by YRF in Parampara (1992).

Saif did not respond to our calls. We then sent him a text asking him to talk on this story. To that, he in Bollywood speak said, "I started my career with YRF and got my first success in films with them. I love Yashji and can never have anything but respect and good wishes in my heart for his family."

Roadside Romeo was very close to Adi's heart. He was angry with Saif for not promoting the film