Saif supports Soha's decision not to run

Just a day before the Olympic torch relay in New Delhi, Soha Ali Khan backed out from carrying the Olympic torch in the relay. She informed the Indian Olympic Association of her decision to do so citing 'personal reasons' for opting out. But big brother Saif is determined to go ahead despite strong protests from the Tibetan community. Saif says, "Yes, I am going ahead with my plans of carrying the torch."

However the Chhote Nawab supports Soha's decision, "I am very proud of Soha for the stand she has taken. If she has backed out for reasons of her own, I support her in that. It is about issues, and one should feel free to oppose or support what they believe in. That's the nicest part of being in a democracy the fact that we can take different stands. That's the larger issue and not who is staying or going out."

Saif adds that to him, politics and sports are different arenas. "I feel for the people of Tibet and have no love for the politics of China but I think the Olympics are above all these issues. It's a glorious part of our history, present and future and I am proud and honoured to be a part of the Olympics."

The actor adds, "We have problems with Pakistan over Kashmir but we still play cricket with them, England and Ireland have been having problems for so long but they haven't stopped playing rugby because of that. If the Dalai Lama has no problem with us running with the Olympic torch, why should I? Nothing can stop me from going ahead with my decision."