MUMBAI: Thought Saif Ali Khan plays a car racer in his just released Ta Ra Rum Pum, in real life he stays away from such risky sports.

“No I’d never race cars. It’s one of the most popular sports in the US. But I don’t think I’d even want to watch it. But my son Ibrahim loves it and would love the film. That’s the beauty of Yash Raj. They know what the audience of every age wants,” Saif said. “The film raises the bar for this kind of cinema. Binod Pradhan’s cinematography is of international quality. Welcome to world-class cinema.”

Refuting rumours that Siddharth Anand’s Ta Ra Rum Pum is inspired by Tom Cruise in Days Of Thunder, Saif says that the only similarity between the two films is the car racing background.

“The similarities are skin deep. When Siddharth narrated the idea I said, Days Of Thunder! He told me that was a rubbish movie. The only thing in common is the car racing background.”

Saif remembers some touching moments in New York. “They sent Ibrahim a little racing outfit from there. He was really kicked. But as a sport, car racing is too dangerous. But I did get into sports cars for Ta Ra Rum Pum. We drove at around 150 mph. For one shot done by a double we drove at 200 mph. All the instruments were constantly crooked while your head hits the panel. It’s so hot in there. No doors. It’s like a metal coffin. You’re walled in, strapped in, you can hardly breathe. And those car racers really want to do it. They enjoy cruising at that speed.”