R Balki is known for his emotional movies like Cheeni Kum, Pa, Shamitabh among others, but his forthcoming movie Ki and Ka seems unlike his previous flicks. In this film, he questions the gender role-play stereotypes. In a chat with us, he shares his take on marriage, companionship, working with Arjun Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor.
On the institution of marriage
Marriages, like most other things, are overrated. I first offer my condolences and then my congratulations to a newly-wed
On companionship
It’s a lovely thing to have a companion, but let’s not take it too seriously. If you want to be together in a conservative society you’ll have to get married, so fine, but why should the roles you have to take be defined by society?
Being a homemaker or having a full-fledged career — what’s tougher?
Being a homemaker, hands down. Having said this, let me clarify, I hate the words ‘house husband’ because they imply that the woman is out of the house! Or ‘working woman’ because that says that the man is not working! Being a homemaker, whether man or woman, is a much tougher role because there is no acknowledgement of efforts. You tend to take the person for granted. It’s like doing a job without any appreciation, any pay, any leaves, any hikes and it is without an option of looking out for another job too!”
On working with Arjun Kapoor
“I met him with two love stories, one of them was Ki and Ka, and he jumped at it. I asked him if he knows how to sweep the floor and chop vegetables and other household chores and he didn’t know a thing! But we both were convinced that it is his zero know-how and unconventional appearance that will make him work for this role. His built and demeanour on screen — everything — is so grand; you’d never associate him with a homemaker.
Kareena and her happy vibes
“Kareena, on the other hand, was very happy that she didn’t have to sweep and cook and willingly said ‘yes’ to the movie
A man working at home?
Culture does not say that a man cannot work at home or a woman cannot work outside. It is about two parts of a life that two life partners have to shoulder and fulfill.”
