Modern Talking

Kareena Kapoor opens up about live-in relationships, marriage and how to remain a star.

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 on a visit to Chandigarh on Monday. Dressed in black tights, an apple green shirt and jacket, Mrs Saif Ali Khan flashed her pearly whites and dazzling diamonds, and declared that marriage really didn't make much of a difference to her relationship with actor Saif Ali Khan.

"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," says Kapoor. According to her, living-in is in sync with a contemporary lifestyle. "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," she says, adding that Saif agrees with her on this issue. "He was very happy with the marriage, because we won't have to answer the where, when, how, why questions trailing us everywhere," she says 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," she answers.

It is a common fear in the Mumbai film industry that, unlike men, women actors find themselves out of favour with filmmakers after marriage. "I don't agree," says Kapoor. "My value as an actor is based on how I handle my work. I am a born actor, I come from a family of actors and performers, and it is in my blood. Marriage doesn't change that because I keep my personal life different. Both Saif and I are here to work, and, as long as I look great, keep fit and work, I stay," she says.

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