‘The Chase is Over’

The chase is over. The plot is out. "The action, the thrill, the suspense — it's been like one of those James Bond movies. But here we are, married and happy," says Kareena Kapoor, dressed in black tights, an apple green shirt and mother of pearl jacket, looking like pardon the cliche — a million bucks. Flashing a bright smile and dazzling diamonds, the new Mrs Saif Ali Khan says that marriage really didn't make much of a difference to her and Saif's relationship. "I have been with Saif for five-and-a-half years, and we are perhaps one of the first stars of the industry to have a live-in relationship and be open about it. So, it was no big deal for us," said Kapoor, while warming up to the Q&A which took place at JW Marriott. For her, living-in was following a modern and contemporary thought, very much in sync with the times. "I have tried and tested it and personally endorse the live-in relationship formula in India. We gave it the stamp of marriage for our friends, family and fans," said Kareena, adding how Saif, too, agrees and while traditions are important for him, he too believes in modernity. "He was very happy with the marriage, more because now we won't have to answer the where, when, how and why questions trailing us everywhere," she said with a laugh. Was the stamp of approval necessary? "I guess, I could've married at 36 too but I chose to tie the knot at 32, for I felt it was time to cement the relationship further," she said.

When asked whether India is that open-minded or progressive to accept live-in relationships, she said that while cinema has progressed, the Indian society has not. "But then again, I am not here to change the country. I am here to sell my talent," she added. While marriage seldom affects the careers of Indian male actors, the female actors do tend to lose out on plum roles. "No, I don't agree," said Kapoor. "My value as an actor is how I handle it. I am a born actor, I come from a family of actors, entertainers, performers, and it is in my blood. Marriage doesn't change that because I keep my personal life personal. Both Saif and I are here to work, and as long as I look great, keep fit and work, I stay," she said.

In Chandigarh to meet the winners of a Limca contest, Kapoor, who is also the the beverage's brand ambassador, said that she always takes up such opportunities to meet people behind the brand and give them a chance to see her in person. "It gives me immense pleasure when they see the star up, close and personal," said Kapoor, keeping her star status intact.

On the film front, she has Prakash Jha's Satyagraha with Ajay Devgn where she will play a journalist. "I won't be asking questions on marriage and children," she said There is a film with her "favourite actor", Imraan Khan, "because Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu with him was special". But what is worth the wait is her film Talaash with Aamir Khan. "I play a very integral character in the film," is all she's willing to divulge, adding that director Reema Katgi and Aamir prefer it that way. "Aamir has a different strategy — of not over-publicising the film for it loses its importance. I feel films are being publicised too much these days and it makes actors come across like monkeys — shouting, screaming and dancing at malls. One decides whether the movie is worth it after one promo, like people are already waiting for Dabangg 2 since Salman Khan is a brand and part one was great," she concludes.

For now, that's the plan for Kapoor, and yes, holidaying with Saif at their favourite spot, Gstaad, in Switzerland.

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