For months on end, speculations have been rife about Arjun Kapoor’s marriage to Malaika Arora. Tentative dates, suggested dress codes, destinations and ceremonial details were tossed around. Frankly, even we at After Hrs, did buy into some of this. However, since neither the ‘groom’ nor the ‘bride’ were willing to address the question directly, it became nearly impossible to call out the bluff.
Finally, we managed to meet Arjun (quite by chance) and before he could retreat into his shell, we asked him:
Are you getting married in June?
No, I am not. I’m 33 and you have to take my word when I say, I’m in no hurry to get married.
What about the constant speculation surrounding your nuptials?
You tell me! The subject of my wedding is not something that I would like to talk about. Frankly, if I was tying the knot, people would know about it. Today, nothing stays or needs to be hidden beyond a point.
So, you are okay with this constant speculation?
Speculation is harmless. But I admit, I don’t like to respond to it all the time. Also, it gets tiring for the people involved to constantly react. There has been so much gossip on this subject that even the people who earlier tended to believe it are no longer doing so. I don’t have anything against anyone.
Are you tired of prying eyes?
No. The media and the paparazzi are doing their job. The people reading the ‘gossip’ are doing their job. They are forming an opinion based on what they are reading. No one is to blame. However, I have to do my actual job.
Which is?
(Laughs) I have to be an actor first. Honestly, through all this, the only constant has been that I have been shooting for Panipat. I have been at work every day and I am shooting continuously until May 31, except perhaps for a few days, when I will be promoting, India’s Most Wanted.
It has been a season of weddings in Bollywood for a while...
I know it is the marriage season. But marriage is a big commitment. I will do it when I am ready.
Do you admit Malaika Arora is special?
Yes, she is.
Nothing more on her?
I don’t have anything to discuss. I have nothing to hide. What the world is seeing, they are seeing. However, I have no desire to justify my personal life beyond a point. It is important to have good people around me and I feel fortunate that I have such individuals in my life.
You hang out a lot with Malaika, Kareena (Kapoor Khan), etc?
Malaika, Kareena, Amrita (Ladak) and a bunch of us have always been close. I have hung out with them for years on end. It is not in the recent past.
Who are the others you are close to?
Rohit (Dhawan), Varun’s older brother and Ranbir (Kapoor) are also close friends. In fact, I hang out with Rohit and Varun. Aarti (Shetty) is also a dear friend. I don’t have too many friends who are my age or younger than me. I’ve always been a mature soul who bonds better with those who are older.
