together we stand

Posted On: 6-20-07 -Courtesy: Mumbai Mirror

Speaking on the issue for the first time, John Abraham hotly denies a rift with Bipasha. (Now, if only we could get Bipasha's version too)

 

•  There has been a lot of talk about you and Bipasha splitting.
What can I say? I wish people would let us preserve the sanctity of our relationship. I speak on behalf of both Bipasha and myself when I say that all is fine between us. It hurts and disturbs us when speculation is carried to this damaging level.

•  It isn't speculation any more… Your relationship is said to be over.
I'm shocked at the upsurge of animosity against my relationship with Bipasha. I'm surprised by the intensity of the loose talk. It has hit us like a tsunami. But our bond is strong enough to withstand any storm. We never expected this kind of attack on not just our relationship, but also our characters. People can say what they like. But we intend to remain together.

•  Bipasha, who's generally gregarious, has suddenly become a recluse.
What do you expect her to do? For a man to face this kind of talk is easier. She's a woman and she is under such unnecessary strain. Bipasha and I both come from decent middle-class backgrounds. The way we've been projected in the past week has been contrary to what Bipasha and I stand for. However, we don't need to clear the air about our feelings to anyone. What we do wish to tell people is that we need space for our relationship. What we share means a lot to both of us. We'd appreciate it if people don't try to break down our relationship from the outside.

•  Is it true that Bipasha is hurting about something?
Look, every relationship has some problems. I don't deny we had a bit of a problem, but in this case the problems weren't so massive that they could end our relationship. Every intimate relationship has a fair share of ups and downs. Why pull us up for it? I think some people took undue advantage of the fact that we had a bit of a routine problem. Bipasha and I both want to say… please respect our relationship, please let us be.

•  But according to your well-wishers, Bipsha has ended her relationship with you.
Well, I'm speaking on Bipasha's behalf. And I'm saying we're together.

•  So who's Sheetal Menon?
Sheetal Menon is someone I did an ad with. That's all I know of her. I don't want to give this any more importance. Look, I've been linked with every single heroine from my second film onwards. Sheetal Menon is just one in the long line of link-ups. People will take advantage of these imagined link-ups and try to break up my relationship with the one woman that I love. Yesterday, it was Vidya Balan. Today it's Sheetal Menon. Tomorrow it'll be someone else.

•  But this lady seems to have upset Bipasha more than your other link-ups.
Bipasha is too clear-headed to believe all this. I'm very fair and transparent with Bipasha… That could be because I hardly wear anything. (Laughs).

•  You seem to have a growing population of ill-wishers in Mumbai.
(Laughs) I never did anything to earn this. I've gone out of my way to create good vibes around me. I'm here to do my work, and carry on with my life. What can I do if I still manage to instigate people? I'm here to do my job. I don't complicate anybody's life. I expect people not to complicate mine. I'm shocked that something so untoward could be done to our relationship.

•  What practical steps are you taking to win back Bipasha?
Like I said, everything is fine between us. She's coming to join me in Pondicherry where I'm shooting now. In fact, I'm staying at a hotel of her choice. If you remember we shot our first film Jism in Pondicherry. And now when she joins me here it will be just like old times.