Says an industry source, “It was bound to happen. Bipasha has been through a lot in the last few years (rumours of John’s affairs with several co-stars) and so has Saif. Both are lively, intelligent people, so it’s natural that sparks are flying between them. While in Dubai, they would often go out together.”

In fact, friends of both actors are hoping that this will develop into something serious. “Bips is just the right kind of mature influence Saif needs. He needs emotional security. It’s just that Bipasha is dating John and Saif has two kids he is devoted to, that’s why both are being cautious and taking their time,” adds the source.

Although people in the media have already started jumping to conclusions about Bipasha and Saif’s friendship, the actress is unaffected by such reports. She says Saif is a good friend and she won’t let such “gossips” affect her friendship with him.

Naturally, Bipasha stresses that there’s nothing more to this than friendship. “Saif is a very close friend of mine and I am not going to allow rumours to affect out friendship. I won’t justify my relationship with him because of some gossipmongers. I certainly won’t avoid Saif because of that,” she says.

On prodding, she admits she’s very fond of Saif. “We get along very well. We even go out for dinner together and John knows about it. What’s the big deal? Saif is an easy person to get along with. We a have a similar mindset.”

About her visits to Saif’s house, she says, “I’ve gone to his house many times. What’s wrong with that?”

Saif Ali Khan has recently been going through a rough phase in his life. He recently suffered a severe artery blockage for which he was hospitalized and more recently the actor broke-up with long time Italian girlfriend Rosa.