Karisma Kapoor - I could not say no to Abhishek
You seem to have changed your mind about marriage?
Abhishek presented me with a diamond ring and proposed to me all of a sudden. I could not say no. It wasn't a formal engagement. We just exchanged rings at his house, in front of his family. No one from my family was present. They were all abroad.
I am very very excited about the engagement. A good husband and marriage is every woman's dream, and I am no different. I feel I have found the right person in Abhishek, and I couldn't have asked for a better family than the Bachchans. Our families have been friends for years. I also feel it is time for me to settle down, to move on.
So no films henceforth?
No, of course not, not yet at least. I have a few films lined up, and I have a serial, Karisma, coming on air soon, on Sahara television. There is no question of retiring as of now.
So when is the happy day?
We will announce the date a little later. I will not get married for at least another two-three years. I want to do so many things - take up interesting roles and even produce films if good scripts come my way.
You have become choosy on accepting your films lately?
Yes, I have. But that is only because I was tired of doing four shifts a day. I did that for a decade. Now I want to be selective and work on my own terms. I want to do unusual roles and not the regular naach-gaana ones. I was tired of figuring in the numbers game and am glad that finally I am out of the rat race. But that doesn't mean I am quitting films. I will always be a part of this industry.
What made you decide on the small screen?
What's the big deal about it? Don't all Hollywood stars do TV? I have never been an insecure person. I always follow my instinct. When Akashdeep offered me the serial, I was happy because the theme is good. So is the payment. Moreover, the shooting will take only ten days a month. So I will have a lot of time to do films.
Audiences seem to have liked you in Shakti. Did you enjoy doing the film?
Shooting for Shakti was a really intense experience. The film was very demanding, mentally and physically. I had to shoot in the hot sun. Running with a child in your hands is a tough job. I knew it would be difficult. But it was more demanding than I had expected.
What is your reaction to your sister's performance?
I think she gives a very natural performance. She is hard working and has the makings of a very successful heroine.
What have you thought about your future?
Today, I would like to pick and choose roles that excite me. I love acting and I am passionate about it. I have achieved what I have after a lot of hard work. I'd be a fool to throw it away. Today quality is more important to me than quantity.
