Last year was not a good year for Saif Ali Khan with debacles like Humshakals and Happy Ending. But the actor-producer is still singing and dancing, having just given the nod to Jugalbandi, a drama with a musical back-drop, from the many projects pitched to him.

A source close to the development told Mirror: "The project is still in the initial stages, but Saif has liked the script and has told the director, Sameer Sharma, that he is on. The modalities are currently being worked out and talks are on with a leading studio to come on board as partner."

Sameer made his directorial debut with the 2012 food comedy Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, starring Kunal Kapoor and Huma Qureshi in the lead.

"Jugalbandi too is a concept film. That's what drew Saif to the project. He not only wants to play to his strengths but play his age too," added the source.

Saif had recently walked out of Reema Kagti's Mr Chaalu following differences over his remuneration. He will next be seen in Kabir Khan's Phantom and will start shooting for Sujoy Ghosh's, The Devotion of Suspect X. When contacted, Sameer said, "It's too early to talk about the project."