New Delhi, Aug 1 - Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan could have been a part of Karan Johar's hit film 'Dostana' but refused as industry heavyweights Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan were expected to be a part of the movie when it was offered to him.

Contrary to popular belief that Saif declined the offer because its theme was homosexuality, the 38-year-old actor says he 'didn't really chicken out' of the role.

'I didn't really chicken out -- I mean I just thought, I think there was Abhishek and Aishwarya in the movie at the time I was being offered it and I was just wondering if I needed to do that and how I would fit in really and I told Karan that,' Saif told CNN-IBN's entertainment editor Rajeev Masand on his talk show 'To Catch A Star'. The episode will be aired at 10.30 p.m. Saturday.

The film, which finally starred Abhishek, John Abraham and Priyanka Chopra in key roles, required dollops of gay attitude from the men.