Arjun Kapoor: Women are superior, every man should envy them

In times when stars can put you to sleep with diplomacy, the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor Khan and the quirky Arjun Kapoor are exceptions. The 'Ki & Ka' jodi is riveting. Whether they are talking about sex, society or social media, the two can speak about anything under the sun and make the conversation come alive with their revelations. While Arjun admits that men do think about sex all the time, Kareena believes that everyone, irrespective of their gender, loves to gossip. As their forthcoming film aims to defy gender stereotypes, BT indulged in some banter on role reversal with the two. Read on to find what he said and she said on things that matter...

There are some fixed notions people have about men. Does that irk you? For instance, it is said that men think about sex all the time.

Arjun: That is true, men do think about sex all the time (laughs). It is a natural thing so it doesn't irk me. In fact, the thing that upsets me is that it is considered women don't or shouldn't think about sex. It's a natural need, desire and want. Women are entitled to have the same feeling. When a man is a flirt or a Casanova, people say 'mard hai'. If a woman does that, she is shamed. Everyone is allowed to explore their lives the way they want.

Is there anything that you envy about the opposite gender?

Kareena: I don't think there's anything I envy about men. There is nothing that women can't achieve.

Arjun: I think women are superior, so every man should envy them. Women have the ability to understand men better. They are patient, loving, caring, nurturing and can endure pain. I wonder if men would be able to give birth.

Women are superior, alright. But there are always more restrictions imposed on them, right?

Arjun: Men are allowed to do a lot more than women in our country. What annoys me is when I hear things like 'Beti tumne graduation karli ab shaadi karlo. You are not a boy to step outside and take up a job. Your husband will take a call on this'. Who is he to decide? Does he know what her talent or capabilities are? If it's an arranged marriage, he probably wouldn't know at all. Maybe she has a strong business acumen and would flourish in a corporate job. Women should be allowed to plan their own lives.

Do men who live life off the beaten path face opposition as well?

Arjun: A man can be a homemaker and still be a man. Men are forced to do corporate jobs even if their heart is not into it. People will tell them, 'Tum ladki thodi ho ke ghar pe baithoge'. If you work out of home, it's looked down upon. That is the main connect I had with 'Ki & Ka'. I am not saying we will bring in a change or a revolution, but society has pre-conceived notions and the film will bring that to the fore in a light-hearted way.

What impresses you the most about men?

Kareena: I appreciate men who are chivalrous and quiet. They should not be aggressive or pushy. When it comes to chivalry, no one can match Saif (Ali Khan). In fact, at times I have to tell him to relax.

Arjun: Saif could be the brand ambassador of chivalry. You can't stand in their house because he will find places to make you sit. Especially, at the dining table!

Is it awkward when fans get flirtatious even when you are with your partner?

Arjun: I have never faced this situation; on that front there is much consistency in my life as I am usually single. I am flattered by all the female attention I get but sometimes, it gets embarrassing. There has to be a certain decorum that one must follow, even while appreciating someone.

Kareena: I don't think a man has ever come onto me that way. I give that vibe. I never have. I think men get intimidated by me.

Arjun: 'Pehle ek surname tha ab do hai, woh bhi sabse' powerful dono.

Kareena, your 'Main apni favourite hoon' dialogue from Jab We Met has inspired many. Do you follow that in real life too?

Kareena: (Looks at Arjun and breaks into laughter). I do follow it, but I don't take it too seriously. Of course, my priority is my happiness and it is correlated to a lot of people around me. So, I prefer to concentrate on myself than anyone else.

Arjun: Oh yes, that's the title of her biopic.

Arjun, would you be fine if your wife or girlfriend makes more money than you?

Arjun: It won't be an issue, but if I wasn't doing well in my career, then my reaction would probably be different. If I failed as an actor and didn't have anything going for me, then I guess it would be difficult. But if you are sure about yourself, you'll never feel insecure about your partner. 'Accha hi hai, mujhpe kam stress hoga' (laughs).

Kareena, would you be comfortable if your husband chose to be a homemaker?

Kareena: I admire that I have a supportive husband, who is also a working man. In the film, my character accepts the fact that my husband doesn't want to work. I may not be able to do that in real life.

Kareena, does Saif involve himself in household chores?

Kareena: He does. He has an amazing taste in interior designing and he likes
doing that when he is not working. He has inherited it from his mother.

Kareena, don't you get tempted to be on social media? Karisma and Ibrahim (Saif's son) are active on this platform.

Kareena: Saif and I should not be on social media. I think it's a responsibility. It's strange how nobody wants to talk to each other anymore and everyone is on Instagram or Twitter, making comments and giving their opinions. I am guessing Lolo posts only pictures of coffee and herself. I know Ibrahim posts dubsmash videos, but his father has fired him about it and he has cut down on it. He can't get addicted to this right now as he has to study. Also, a lot of people feel that if you are not on social media, you are not aware of currents affairs and news. We don't interact with people online but we read a lot. I am not a politician and I don't feel the need to put my opinion out there.

Arjun: This woman knows everything even without being on social media. I think sometimes, it's good to let the charm of being a star remain. It's nice to be an exception. Besides, Saif and Kareena have made it big and have a huge fan following without being on social media.

Do women gossip more than men?

Arjun: Kareena and Ranbir Kapoor are the best gossip providers.
Kareena: Rubbish. Everybody gossips and I think this generation does it a lot more than Lolo's generation. Everybody is very competitive now.