Saif-Kareena grilled by media

After being cancelled twice, it’s finally happening. Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor arrived in Dubai on Wednesday for Jashn 2008, their first ever stage show together, to be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on August 21.

The hot Bollywood couple looked very much in love, holding hands under the table and exchanging loving glances during a press conference held on August 20 at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.

Saif may not be a cricketer like his father but he bowled the local media over with his classy sense of humour and deftly fielded some very uncomfortable questions with panache. In fact, he did all the talking, speaking on behalf of Kareena and protecting her from some rather distasteful personal questions, while his lady love was content to smile and avoided taking the mike even when questions were addressed to her.

The stars arrived an hour late for the press conference, but to his credit, Saif apologised sincerely and assured the media that he was open to answering anything within reason – and he did. The chote Nawab kept his cool, even when he was asked impolite questions such as the child custody arrangements between him and ex-wife Amrita.

When Kareena was asked if she is getting close to Shahid again, Saif immediately responded that she would not answer such personal questions. But when he was asked what birthday gift he got from Kareena, he thought for a long time before saying that she gave him the beautiful watch he was wearing.

Here’s what Saif (and on two occasions Kareena) had to say about the show and their future plans:

Do you have concerns about performing at an open air venue in this weather?

Saif: Whose sweat are you more concerned about – mine or hers?

Kareena: I have lived in Mumbai all my life and I am used to hot weather. I actually prefer the heat to the cold.

Have you bought any property in Dubai?

Saif: No, but we are always open to being gifted one for free.

Do you have any investments in Dubai?

Saif: None - except our fans.

How important is it for you to perform at stage shows?

Saif: Our job includes doing films, endorsements and stage shows. That is how we earn our living and that is why we are in Dubai today.

What are the dream characters that both of you would like to play?

Saif: I have stopped thinking about that and base my choices on the scripts that are offered to me. I think the classics that I have grown up watching should stay classics. I cannot imagine myself in the place of great actors like Dilip Kumar. I would rather create something fresh than do a remake of another film.

Is there ever a clash between your profession and your duties towards your family’s heritage?

Saif: You make me sound like a museum. There is no problem in terms of the family as my mother is an actress too. And I have no estate to run - my princely duties have been abolished long ago.

Do you have plans for marriage?

Saif: Of course. My intentions are honourable and marriage is the logical conclusion to our relationship. But right now we are both focussed on our careers and it is difficult enough to get a weekend together.

What kind of films do you want to make with your production house? Can we expect to see you do another Omkara like character?

Saif: I want to make all kinds of films from horror stories and thrillers to popcorn love stories and action movies. The idea is to make films that are tasteful, classy and enjoyable. A role like ‘Omkara’ is rare, but it would be great to do something like that again.

How involved is Kareena with your production house?

Saif: She is involved with me and hence in my projects. I do rely tremendously on her expertise and fine creative mind and I wish she will lend us her talent if and when we need it.

Do you have any plans to do co-productions with RK Studios?

Saif: That is a nice thought, though they are an old and established banner and I don’t think they need us.

Is your son going to follow in your footsteps?

Saif: Why not - this is a wonderful profession. He is a good looking guy and he is very interested not only in acting but in direction and the process of film making. But this is also a tough profession and not everyone can do it. We will wait and see if he can.

What is your next film with Kareena?

Saif: We are working together in Karan Johar’s next film. It is a topical thriller that will be shot in New York.

What can we expect at Jashn 2008?

Saif: Thank God, finally a relevant question. Both of us will dance to our hit numbers. I will perform to songs from ‘Salaam Namastey’, ‘Hum Tum’, ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ and ‘Race’ and will also play the guitar. We want to keep the numbers we do together a surprise.

How do you feel about performing at a time when there is economic and political strife in the world and this region?

Saif: There is always a crisis and there is always a reason to be happy. The great thing about our job is that it is not political and it is truly democratic- it is just about people enjoying themselves. Here you have this most beautiful woman in our country who will put on beautiful clothes and dance for you. And I will try to do the same in different clothes. And if we can put a smile on someone’s face that is not a small thing.

Are you teaching Kareena how to play the guitar?

Saif: I am not good enough to teach anyone, even though I started learning when I was in school and should have been better at it than I am. But she has just whispered to me that she would like me to teach her.

Do you think Bollywood films have declined since the 70’s?

Kareena: No, I think Indian cinema is moving forward. Today audiences want a good story with substance and the heroine also has a role to perform rather than just singing and dancing.