Saif is liberal, not possessive: Kareena Kapoor (Interview)

Off-screen or on-screen, Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan make for one of Bollywood's most romantic couples. But whether she romances other actors in films or sizzles in saucy item numbers, Kareena says she makes sure she never gives her "liberal" husband a chance to be "possessive".

"Saif is a very responsible man and he knows his responsibility. I have never given him a chance to be possessive. He is quite liberal in his thinking. Possessive is a very wrong word in a way. I could be more possessive than Saif," the 32-year-old told IANS in an interview.

The couple tied the knot in elaborate wedding celebrations last Oct 16 after a five-year relationship.

Many feel love tends to fade away post marriage, but Kareena believes this is a cliche.

"I hope it never changes. I mean the cliches are always there - like things change after marriage, man changes after marriage - but these are all cliches. I think I am lucky because Saif is not a typical kind of Bollywood actor. That's why I think it works for us better," she said.

While many actresses have limitations post marriage, Kareena says she will always do what she believes is right. Quitting acting is not even on her mind.

"I am an actor and I will always do what our part requires us to do. I think every actor does that and Bollywood is changing. We are quite progressive in our thinking. If I like a role and if it requires me to do certain thing, if I believe in it, I will do it. And if I think it's not required, I'll not do it.

"I have always been like this and it's not so just now," she said.

From doing films such as "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham", "3 Idiots" and "Bodyguard" to offbeat films such as "Chameli", "Dev", "Fashion" and "Omkara", she has proved her mettle in the last 13 years.

Kareena, who made her Bollywood debut with "Refugee", says it's an actress' duty to experiment.

"It's the duty of an actress to experiment as much as they can from the kind of roles they have offered. I was always interested in acting and doing different kind of films. I think I've already proved that now. I enjoy acting in films and I really want to continue," she said.

At present, she is revelling in the success of her latest film "Satyagraha". She plays the deglamourised role of a journalist in the Prakash Jha directed socio-political film.

"I am very happy that people are liking this film. It's a socio-political thriller which is different from the mindless masala kind of films. I am really happy that people are wanting to see a kind of film which has a message in the end."

Like most actors who work with Jha once, Kareena says she will "would love" to work with him again.

(Uma Ramasubramanian can be contacted at uma.sagit@gmail.com)