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Romance, perhaps, does not come easy to Salman Khan. Not even when he is with the gorgeous Katrina Kaif, his love in real life and also on screen — in Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraaj, which is where BT did this exclusive interview with Bollywood’s most discussed couple. Kat is all for love, but if Sallu is — then he isn’t showing it. At least, not in public. And before a camera. So, he wasn’t fussing and gushing over her. “He believes he is an unique lover,” explained Kat. Excerpts from the tidbits flying back and forth between the lovers…

Nervous to be romantically paired for the first time, in Yuvraaj?

SALMAN:
Not at all. She is my good friend. Also my co-star. I’m aware we will be judged, but I’m cool about it.
KATRINA:
I’m very nervous! Don’t know why, because we’ve given hits before and the audience has accepted us.

Scared that real life couples haven’t fared too well at the box office?

SALMAN:
Somehow I always feel there’s something very forced when I see real couples acting together. We must not forget we are catering to an Indian audience and too much of intimacy… like sizzling hot scenes together, don’t go well with families. We must not go overboard simply because we are a couple in real life.
KATRINA:
If the script’s good, it works, no matter how great the chemistry you share on screen or off it. Kareena and Shahid proved it, they had a great script in Jab We Met.
In this
film, I adore one scene where Salman puts a garland on me. It’s so natural, you can see it on my face.

Is Salman romantic?

KATRINA:
No! He is not romantic at all. He keeps it all for the screen. I want to go on holidays, but he says it’s boring to be alone together. He hates candle-light dinners. He wants his food to be ready on the table when he reaches a restaurant. I think he likes to be surrounded by people. He is so unromantic!

Is Katrina hot or cute?

SALMAN:
She’s, well, nice.

Do you guide Katrina with acting tips?

SALMAN:
That’s not my job. The director does a good job of it.

How’s she as a co-star?

SALMAN:
She is a classic example of the harder you work, the better you get. She can toil a lot and is very professional.

And how’s Salman as a person?

KATRINA:
He is very reliable. I don’t know what tomorrow holds for both of us, but I know that Salman will always be there for me.

Who is your favourite co-star?

SALMAN:
Preity Zinta. I love her energy. We are friends and there’s an easy camaraderie between us which is visible on screen.

KATRINA:
In terms of professionalism, it’s Akshay. He is easy to work with, very chilled out and he guides me.

Is Salman your Prince Charming?

KATRINA:
I don’t believe in Prince Charming. I’m 24, and I’m beginning to accept people’s flaws. Nobody is perfect. But I believe in respect in a relationship, I would like my partner to be able to make me laugh, and I need to trust him. These days, you cannot completely rely on trust. You have to go by your hunch.

Who, in your book, is the most beautiful woman?

SALMAN:
I have met different types of beauty at different given times. Whoever I have gone out with, or I am going out with now, is the one.

And the most good looking man?

KATRINA:
I used to think models were drop dead good-lookers. But today I cherish a complete personality. Salman and I had an instant connection when we met. I thought he was a striking personality.