Saif is a tea-holic

doweshowbellyad=0; IT CAN���T GET HOTTER: Saif Ali Khan with his cuppa chai(TOI Photo) More picsAsk Saif Ali Khan the question, ���Tea, coffee or me?��� and pat comes the reply: ���Tea.��� Not surprising, for he���s the new brand ambassador for Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea.
A role of another kind, but one which he enjoys to the last sip. ���It���s an honour to be associated with the brand, considering Zakir Hussain was also its ambassador.Ever since my childhood days in Bhopal, I associate the brand with class and elegance,��� says the Chhote Nawab while inaugurating the Taj Tea Trail ��� a tea-tasting and appreciation workshop on Monday.
Getting more chatty over a cuppa, Saif says, ���Tea is the oldest drink in the world, and there���s a lot of care that goes into making the perfectly brewed cup.��� With a range of new and exotic teas like the Dessert tea, Connoisseur Himalayan, Connoisseur Woodsmoked and Cardamom and Bergamot teabags, Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea aims at making a connoisseur from a consumer; just as in wine, so as in tea. ���Tea may not be as elitist and expensive as wine, but it certainly can be as exciting. Now, even the common man can enjoy being a connoisseur,��� believes Saif.
A self-confessed tea-totaller, was Saif always a tea-holic, or did his brownie points lie with coffee before? After all, you can either be a tea drinker or a coffee gulper? ���I���ve always preferred tea, it gives me that extra kick in the morning and relaxes me in the afternoon. Besides, it���s also tastier!��� And what does he like his chai with? ���It used to be with toast, but now that I���m dieting it���s just plain tea, without even sugar! But tea goes well with just about anything, be it biscuits, sandwiches, samosas or bhelpuri!���
Having endorsed two other products with M S Dhoni, and coming from a cricketing legacy, what does he think of the young new captain? ���Dhoni seems to be respected. He���s decent, yet aggressive. He, and all the younger boys, represent the New India ��� they���re spirited, not demure.��� Does he play cricket himself? ���It���s in my blood, but I also play rugby and soccer.��� We know he also plays the guitar, ever thought of making a career out of it? ���I���d like to play more, but not as a career, just as a passion. My career���s fine, thank you!��� laughs Saif.
One other thing, besides his tea, that he���s addicted to? ���I believe tattoos are addictive. I might just get another one done, maybe on my right shoulder.��� What would it be? ���I don���t know yet, but it has to mean something to me.���
Tea-tasting note: The Chhote Nawab is as hot as the tea he endorses!