Meet the lover boy, Kunal

IN AN EXCLUSIVE RENDEZVOUS, KUNAL ANSWERS QUESTIONS ON RELATIONSHIPS AND MORE…

Kunal Kapoor is overwhelmed with the response his latest short film White Shirt has garnered. In an interview, Kunal opens up about various things in life...

To begin with, Kunal’s take on relationships is very simple yet appealing. “I have always been surrounded by women — be it my two sisters, mom and many of my friends. Yes, of course, being married, now there’s my wife as well. I feel we need to constantly keep working towards maintaining any relationship. People, in general, do not like to put in time and energy to preserve their relationships. In the face of any problems or set back, they instantly decide to move on in life. We need to invest time and energy into any relationship, and find ways, means and solutions to be able to carry it forward amicably.” What’s your take on relationships these days?

I don’t think love has become light. However, it’s great that women are empowered now and if they are able to lead their own lives, and have enough financial support, then it’s better for them to move on. Gone are those days when women would look up to a man for her survival. Having said this — people are scared to commit. A faithful marriage can only last with commitment. If you have any trouble around your relationship, you need to sit down and sort it out. These days, instead of working constructively to keep the relationship going, people prefer to move on. Hence so many break ups. What is your mantra for a successful marriage?

(Laughs) I have had a long relationship of about five-anda-half years. We like to invest time and energy to keep our relationship going. Are there no fights between you two? Who makes up first?

You’ll be surprised to know that we have not had any fights for a long time. Moreover, whenever we have any misunderstanding, we make up in no time. We cannot hold onto our anger for long. My wife always advises me about various issues. Also, being a banker, she is always there with brilliant financial advice. Was your marriage to Naina a shock to the Bachchans?

Not at all. They knew that I was dating her. Moreover, I have known and worked with both Jayaji and Amitji. Abhishek and I grew up together. Does your wife carry any baggage of being a Bachchan?

Not at all. She has grown far away from the film industry. So, I don’t think she carries any baggage at all. Talk about your upcoming projects.

I just finished a Malayalam film, Veeram, directed by Jairaj. I play Chandu Chekaver — a legendary warrior from Kerala. Jairaj has interwoven this character with that of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, who fought for power and was also very ambitious, but was finally declared a tyrant. The Malayalam film is up for release now, while the Hindi and English versions will be releasing sometime in March. This is my first film as an antihero, especially after my marriage. My other film is with director Tigmanshu Dhulia, where I play an Indian soldier.

My wife Naina has grown far away from the film industry. So, she doesn’t carry any baggage of being a Bachchan