Virat: It's not a fantasy or fairytale happening

Full interview: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150419/jsp/sports/story_15470.jsp#.VTM82twk9g0

Bangalore: Rava dosa with egg whites and juice with a mix of fruits and carrot... That was Virat Kohli's breakfast at the ITC Gardenia on Saturday.

Virat (26), India's Test captain, who also leads the Vijay Mallya-owned Royal Challengers Bangalore, spoke to The Telegraph for over an hour.

Do we describe you as an angry, emotional young man?

Emotional, yes. Angry, no. People who don't know me have formed an opinion about me, but such things are beyond my control. It's not in my nature to try and change the opinion others have of me. I don't reach out to people. What matters is what my family thinks of me, what Anushka (Sharma) thinks of me, what my circle of friends think of me.

A few questions on Anushka...

Go ahead.

Generally, you don't make a conscious effort to do certain things, but have you consciously been open about the relationship you share with Anushka?

Anushka and I see our relationship very differently from how people at large look at it. Both of us are known individuals, so some could see it as a fantasy or a fairy-tale happening. We don't look at it that way. Far from it.

How would you describe the relationship?

Our professions don't come into the picture. We're like two normal people in a relationship... We've made a decision to do what we want to do without bothering about the views of others. For us, those views don't matter. How can we stop people from having an opinion on something that is personal between the two of us? People may want us to act in a certain way, but that's not how life is lived.

Fair enough, but how would you describe the relationship?

It's pure, built on trust. Anushka and I have a lot of confidence in each other... She's brought stability to my life.

Is there no insecurity at all? Anushka works with male co-stars and you have a strong female following...

No, we understand each other and appreciate each other's mindset. We understand situations and my mind is at peace. There's no dishonesty and no mistrust. You've had my answer.

When did the two of you meet each other for the first time?

Around the middle of 2013, in Mumbai, during the shoot of a shampoo commercial. In such matters, things turn out in a certain way.

What attracted you to Anushka?

That's too personal. If I wasn't an India cricketer, you wouldn't have asked me this question.

Was Anushka into cricket in a big way before she met you?

Not in a big way.

You're very protective towards Anushka...

I'd give my life for those dear to me. I'm protective about everybody close to me, make no mistake... I'm still hurt that people burnt Anushka's effigies and pictures after we lost in the World Cup semi-final (to eventual champions Australia). That's just not done.

The insane reaction affected Anushka's family as well...

Which parent would like their child's effigy being burnt and kicked around on the streets? Pictures being burnt... Blaming Anushka was horrible. How can people be so insensitive?

Virat, the final one... Has the relationship reached a stage where the respective families have come into the frame?

Again, that's a very personal question... Do let some things remain in my private space... Anushka and I care for each other and respect each other. Period.