Committed

Bipasha Basu stands by her profession as an actress and her beau John Abraham.

Change is a constant. Bipasha Basu knows this. But she cannot give up on the fact that her new release Nehle Pe Dehla could be an embarassment waiting to happen, just because it's a movie project with a terribly long gestation period.

"That was like what, four years ago (shooting for Nehle Pe Dehla commenced in 2003) ... I did the film so long back, it's not a joke. I looked like a child in that film. My confidence-level, my style and look, they've all changed," she says, a mock wail rising from her throat. "But no one can be blamed for the delay. It's such a relief that the film is a comedy, which if treated well, never goes out of fashion," she adds.

Basu has reason to feel apprehensive about Nehle Pe Dehla because she has a standing in the industry now, thanks to releases such as Apaharan and Corporate being received well by audiences. And it's not whether Nehle Pe Dehla will be commercially viable, as she is past the money thing now. "It's creative satisfaction that counts," she feels. Like Beedi Jalaiyle, the raunchy number she grooved to in Omkara? "Yes, that too. See, if you can hold your steps, look and behave seductive, and manage dancing like that in front of a lewd audience that is being forced by the director to be as obscene as possible then you know what I mean," she tries to explain. But the rigours of role play aside, Basu knows how to compliment team effort where it is due. "That was quite a realistic number ... the lyrics, the music and the choreography have all contributed to its appeal," says the actress.

Basu knows how to give a compliment. But try getting personal and you see hidden fires. We mean John Abraham. Talk about the rumours that the two have merely been into their relationship due to the endorsement deals they're earning out of the publicity and Basu sounds the warning siren. "Look, that's ridiculous. Neither of us would stoop to that level just for the sake of an endorsement. I've stopped reacting to rumours about us because it's an insult to my intelligence. When we plan to get married, we won't hide it. Why should we? Please let us be. We're both doing well, maybe that's what bugs some people. Today the audience is looking at John's acting talent and not just his body," she says with some vehemance.

So, is marriage a certainity this year? "For sure not. I've just turned 28. I'm not ready for marriage yet. Everyone knows I'm committed to John. I don't hide it.

"But I've too many responsibilities right now. Even my partner isn't ready for the plunge. Hopefully, when both of us are ready, we'll get married. It's definitely on the agenda," answers Basu.

Strangely, even Basu's family is in no hurry to see her married. "My family totally loves and trusts John. And his family treats me like one of them. Our families respect our relationship. They know we're not in it for fun, it's a serious relationship," she says.