Not Saif for Bebo - An article

WHEN HELEN OF TROY CHANGED THE DESTINIES OF TWO COUNTRIES, THE WORLD AT THAT TIME PROCLAIMED THAT HER'S WAS A FACE THAT LAUNCHED A THOUSAND SHIPS. BUT HER BEAUTY HAD FAR REACHING FALLOUTS. LOVE CHALKS OUT ITS COURSE EVERY TIME IT JOINS THE LIFE OF TWO INDIVIDUALS. IT IS ONE HURRICANE THAT MIGHT DESTROY A LOT THAT COMES IN ITS WAY BUT DOES NOT LET THE ONES IN LOVE FEEL THE DESTRUCTION, BECAUSE ALL THEY EXPERIENCE IS THE LOVE AROUND THEM.

Saif Ali Khan might be next in line to be the Nawab of Pataudi, but blue blood is not all he has in common with Prince Paris who lost his heart to Helen of Troy. Saif too has been demonstrative about his love life whether it is tattooing Kareena's name on his arm or even gyrating to a romantic tune at a nightclub with his girlfriend or even going house hunting with his paramour.

Like a man's man, Saifoo, as Bebo fondly calls him, stands like the rock of Gibraltar when media claims they have had a secret nikaah or when it comes to denying that they even intend to join in holy matrimony before the next five or six years. He has been the hoping boyfriend and yet it hasn't been the easiest task for Saif to be in everybody's good books.

All the world loves a lover they say, but usually this does not include the girl's family. It is no secret that Kareena's folks have been looking at Saif rather skeptically. With a readymade family in tow the Khan is not the most suitable groom in town but jab miya biwi raazi toh kya karenge maaji aur pitaji. The situation seems to suit Bebo just fine and that's the final word till trouble brewed in paradise.

Kareena had met Saif on the sets of 'Tashan' and her first release post their affair was 'Jab We Met', which got Kareena's acting prowess great acclaim not to mention all the acting awards. Director Imtiaz Ali must have been on top of her list of dream makers and it is with this thought in mind that Kareena held a special trial for Saif.

The 'Race' Khan who was looking at broadening his horizons loved the movie and Imtiaz's work when he saw the film through rose tinted glasses. Soon talks were underway as Saif touched base with Imtiaz and they decided to tie up together with their next project. Bebo was basking in the glory that she had perhaps brought together a talented maker and an actor who was looking at breaking ground but little did the 'Omkara' lass know that destiny had another plan of excluding her. Imtiaz is believed to have worked out a story for his next venture. It was one that did not include Kareena in the scheme of things.

The maker had initial narrations with his actor-producer in Bebo's presence but when the director mentioned his dream casting it did not include Saif's lady love. The director is believed to have told Saif in private that he believed that Kareena would not suit the role of the lead. And the actor had to follow the dictate of the director. But who was to bell the cat and tell Kareena the new casting of Saif's home production? Kareena has had a fair share of struggle in spite of being an industry insider.

But the actress was more famous for being a volatile and emotional person who totally displayed her feelings. When she was seeing Shaahid it was for all to know that she encouraged the actor's career by suggesting his casting to makers who approached her and hence the duo enjoyed the status of being a hit pair after the release of their nth film together but it was definitely a lot of closeness gained during these long shooting schedules.

The actress' close circle has been trying to impress upon her how Saif was not the best thing to have happened to her in the present. Her career was on take off mode and it seemed as if the success that was long due to her was making its presence felt right round the corner. Rani and Preity had definitely had their stay and were moving up close to matrimony.

The Vidya Balans could never play sultry and the Katrinas could not play the demure bharatiya nari, so all slots were vacant as far as a variety of roles was concerned. But Deepika, who had come out of nowhere and had made her debut in 'Om Shanti Om', was the 'It' thing by Bollywood's follow the leader vision. She could have been one competitor that would be close on her heels.

With all close to her wanting her to concentrate on her career, sign films with all the heroes who had shunned her not so long ago, but nothing turns life around 360o like success and Bebo is on the superhit rolladesk. This is the time where she has patched up with Karan Johar and a film with Shah Rukh is only a matter of time.

Aamir Khan is sending projects her way and Salman too is keen that they work together more often. In this situation Saif signing Deepika for his home production almost sent out a signal that while Bebo was sought after by the industry her own boyfriend was not iterating his faith in her.

So it was only natural that Kareena was sulking with her boyfriend. "Saif is on this constant trip where he is directing for Kareena's attention with her close circle of people," said a close friend of the Khan on grounds of anonymity. "Bebo has tried hard to bridge the gap, speaking in his favour, but any incident like Saif working with Deepika simply exposes the wounds," she continued.

But Saif has devised a solution. He will not let the professional squabbles dictate his personal life. And to appease his girl friend after the blasphemy of signing someone else for his home production Saif is insisting on doing the film with Kareena every time a maker approaches him.

The Chhote Nawab has indeed found a unique way to share time and screen space with his girlfriend and we really wish producers were happy about his new Valentino Avtaar but unfortunately they aren't. They are not liking this dictatorial conduct especially since it is not every one who can afford a Kareena as heroine at an amount close to 3 crores.

This is sending the economics in a tizzy. So there are a lot of makers seriously reconsidering signing Saif in first place due to his (pet) clause. Last heard Saif and Kareena have also pitched themselves as a couple for a cool 10 crores for any endorsement together and we are waiting to see who pays up first.

That brings us to the moral of the story, well not everybody around loves a lover, at least not the ones who cut a cheque for those who put a price on love.

**COURTESY: STARDUST (APRIL, 2008)