Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor & Their Kisses

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan fans can heave a sigh of relief. Bollywood’s Jodi No 1, seen at fashion shows, parties, holidays abroad but never together on screen, are finally a couple in Karan Johar’s next film Kurbaan (directed by Rensil D’Silva). It’s releasing late November and has Saifeena (as the couple is popularly known in Bollywood in context to the Brangelinas and TomKats of Hollywood) romantically linked, sharing a kiss, making steamy love and what have you…

Their pairing in the film that deals with terrorism in the US, goes beyond glamour, stardom, style and sophistication. Saif, naturally, would rather downplay the kissing and lovemaking in the film. “There’s much more to the film than intimate scenes,” he promises. “But, yes, the intimate moments are bold and honest. Just as the action scenes are raw and bloody. And the songs, genuine and real. Or the story — brutal and shocking.”

He’s conscious of the risk of capitalising on or sensationalising the fact that Kareena and he are involved off-screen as well. Or that audiences, jaded by the knowledge they the actors know each other so well, might not find their intimacy on screen exciting enough. “But what happens in Kurbaan,” argues Saif, “is that two great actors — if I may call myself that — come together and do what they’re best at. This is what Kareena and I do to earn our living. It’s been widely reported on our holidays and days off… now you see it on screen.”

Kareena was unavailable for comment. Or, maybe she’s not the kiss and tell type of actress.