Part of hero's charm is to sing songs, don't know if we have lost that culture: Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan says there was a time when music acted as a catalyst in making a film successful, but the actor is unsure if the formula still works.

The 47-year-old actor, who had musical hits in films such as Hum Tum, Salaam Namasteand Cocktail, said experimental phase Bollywood is going through has somewhat diluted the significance of song-and-dance routine.

"The films would even get big opening if the songs were a hit. As we have grown or changed, there are less and less songs. I don't know if it is a good thing (or not).

"In the outskirts of India and rural areas, and in cabs, people listen to Hindi music a lot. I think part of hero's charm is to sing songs. I don't know if we have lost that culture (or not)," Saif said.

The actor was speaking at the launch of Swagpur Ka Chaudharysong from his upcoming film Kaalakaandi.