Lara Dutta not sure of getting married to Kelly Dorjee

November 30, 2006

Lara DuttaBack in Mumbai on Tuesday evening after a long outdoor shoot for Shaad Ali’s Jhoom Barabar Jhoom, actor Lara Dutta was first hit with news of her Zinda co-star, Sanjay Dutt’s court verdict . “I guess everyone has their own karma to sort out. Sanjay’s gone through so much, now he deserves peace of mind. He should remember nothing is constant in life. This phase too will pass soon,” she says, adding, “By far he is the most reticent and shy gentleman I have come across.”

Speaking of gentlemen brings Lara to the subject of longtime livein boyfriend Kelly Dorji. “Our love has grown deeper than before. To maintain a relationship for long requires high levels of maturity and a lot of give and take. It’s not easy at all,” she says. Lara met Kelly much before she became Miss Universe. As she got more successful , Kelly silently stood strongly supporting her every move.

They’ve been together for seven years now. What about the seven-year-itch? “Oh, the seven-year-itch phase came and passed as quickly too,” she laughs, “We went through our share of ups and downs, sailed through terrible and joyful times. And we survived. I don’t think every couple has a seven-year policy written into their relationship!”

Is the couple tying the knot soon? “Honestly no. Even Kelly doesn’t want it now. He is in a new phase in his career, and is brimming with ideas. At this point we are both gung-ho about life. That’s it.”

Is there parental pressure? “The other day I excitedly called up dad to give him some news. And his immediate reaction was, ‘Please don’t say you are getting married?’ Can you believe how cool my dad is?” Lara smiles. “My parents adore Kelly. They treat him like their son. But they are giving us time. They have been extremely supportive of whatever we do. Maybe because I am the youngest,” she explains.
Is she sure Kelly is the man she’s going to marry? “How can I know that? But the fact that I am with him makes me believe he is the man for me. But again, who knows the future?”

Life at this point, she says is ‘first-class’. In her three years in Bollywood, Lara has found her place among top industry banners and actors. “This year has been a year of growth, of choice, but most importantly, I have found the power to say ‘no’” she says. “In short, I am at peace with myself.”

Do tall female actors in Bollywood have a problem finding a co-star? “Thank God, today there are guys like Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham !” she laughs. And any close female friends in the industry? “It’s difficult. Intentions may be pure, but over a period, there are bound to be issues, because the goal, and the journey is the same,” she says candidly. Lara signs off hoping she won’t ever feel the need to compromise talent for exposure, “I understand packaging is important, but let’s not ignore talent.”

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