For a while there, whenever I started a new job, I’d wear a nice silk Purple shirt. It was my good luck charm. (At least until my wife – the wannabe witch-doctor in our family – informed me that Purple was a colour I should be staying away from. Apparently it brings negative energy or some shit). I know other people do similar things – they might carry around a lucky rabbit’s foot, stash in their top pocket a prized baseball card, or wear some emblematic jewelery.

I’m guessing that whenever John Travolta starts a film, he checks to see whether there’s anything in it for James Gandolfini. He, it seems, is his lucky charm (though looking at the films Gandfolfini has done with Travolta, it ain’t that lucky a charm). Travolta has worked with the former “Sopranos” star numerous times - they did “Get Shorty” together, “Broken Arrow”, “She’s so lovely” and “A Civil Action”. Last year, they reunited for the murder mystery “Lonely Hearts”. Now the former Soprano is catching another ride on the Travolta express again with “The Taking of Pelham 1,2,3”.

In their newest collaboration, a remake of a classic action-thriller, Gandolfini will plays a politician – New York’s Mayor - who’s under incredible pressure to end a crisis when a packed subway car is ransomed by a criminal (Travolta) and his gang.

I’m not a betting man – not since I lost my undies in a game of Computer Battleship when I was twelve – but I wouldn’t be surprised if Travolta suggested his old friend for the role. And if that’s the case, I’d say its Gandolfini’s treat for air-fuel this month!