Karisma glad to be back in Mumbai

A month after she got married, Karisma Kapoor says her husband is only just beginning to get used to Bollywood even though he is "not very film-oriented".

Karisma, whose wedding to Delhi-businessman Sanjay Kapur in September was one of the most talked about events in the Indian media, also says playing the bride on screen and off it are two entirely different things.

"As an actress I had to dress up as a bride so many times for the camera I wondered if my real marriage would be as special for me as it's for every girl," Karisma told IANS in an interview.

"But honestly, playing a bride and being one in real life are completely different feelings. There was no retake this time!", she says and breaks into peals of laughter.

Talking about marriage brings a twinkle into Karisma's eyes. "Sanjay is very understanding. He understands my professional commitments.

"He's gradually getting used to the uniqueness of the film industry. Though he has some friends in the industry he isn't very film-oriented."

The wedding itself was out of the world, she feels. "It was exhilarating, unbelievable. Though it was planned as an intimate event it became quite chaotic. I wanted it to be smaller.

"But I couldn't stop my father or my family from inviting all their friends. I want to thank the media and my fans for being supportive during the wedding."

Now she's back in Mumbai shooting for her serial for Sahara TV.

"When I left after the wedding, my sister felt I had gone on an outdoor shoot! I missed her so much. The bond between us is special. Bebo (Kareena) is my baby. And I'm back to take care of her, although only for a few weeks."

Sshe says: "My life has changed. I now have responsibilities beyond my mom and sister. But I'm glad to be back in Mumbai to my family and to work on my serial and my pending films.

"People are wondering if I'll continue in spite of my marriage. Contrary to perceptions I'm very busy with my career. In Suneel Darshan's 'Mere Jeevan Saathi', I play a very glamorous and pivotal character. I'm looking forward to it.

"In 'Zamaanat' I play a girl who fights for her man to get justice. I'll sign new films if I like them. But not the kind of films I was doing earlier."

Karisma is quite possessive about her television serial "Karishma: The Miracle of Destiny". "It was never meant to be the usual kind of soap. It'll take time to catch on. Today every film actor wants to do TV.

It's become such a huge medium.

"But I can only find the time do one serial. I had to turn down so many film assignments, including Vinta Nanda's 'White Noise'. If it was offered to me now after marriage I might have done it. But I'm so glad a friend, Tabu, is doing it."

Karisma now intends to divide her time between Mumbai and Delhi. "You know, my husband Sanjay's business constantly takes him to both the metros. So it would be no hassle for me to divide my time between Mumbai and Delhi."

Excitedly Karisma says she'll be moving into her new home in Delhi with her husband very soon. "It's in the process of being done up. I feel I'm moving into a new phase in my life. In fact it's more than a phase. It's a new journey..."