Kareena Kapoor discusses married life

Plus Aamir Khan works to end malnutrition, Sushmita Sen celebrates birthday in Dubai, International Film Festival of India launches and Zoya Akhtar reveals next project.

In her first interview since marrying Saif Ali Khan, left, Kareen Kapoor, right, said being married shouldn't affect her marketability in Bollywood. AFP

The actress Kareena Kapoor has given her first interview since tying the knot with Saif Ali Khan last month. Speaking to The Times of India, she discussed the media circus that followed the pair around before their wedding. The star, who is known for her roles in blockbusters such as 3 Idiots and Jab We Met, also discussed whether being married would affect her marketability in the Bollywood industry. "Films don't decide my whole life. They are just a part of who I am," she said. "What I do in my personal life should be of no concern to the filmmakers or the fans. If you are fit and pretty at an X age, why won't filmmakers want to cast you, whether you are married or not?" - The National staff

Aamir Khan strives to end malnutrition

The actor-producer Aamir Khan has reached out to health activists and government authorities across India to help him fight malnutrition. "I appeal to the ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, sarpanchs - you are the foot soldiers. I appeal to all of them to take this very seriously and make this movement successful," Khan said at the launch of a media campaign. He said that the damage of malnutrition in children's first two years would stay with them throughout their lifetimes. "If you love your country, join the movement. How will India become a superpower if we are effected by malnutrition?" he asked. - IANS

Sushmita Sen in Dubai for birthday celebration

The Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen arrived in Dubai this week to celebrate her birthday. "I am in Dubai with family, friends and my two babies for my birthday. They've planned a surprise birthday party for me which I'm not supposed to know about. I've my own elaborate plans with my babies during the daytime," she revealed. Sen admits she gets as excited as a child when it comes to birthdays. "I become a 2-year-old every birthday. I love new beginnings." She is also hoping to find a lifetime companion soon. "I've many soul-mates. I am sure I'll find a life-mate soon," she said. - IANS

International Film Festival of India gets under way

More than 160 films from over 70 different countries will be screened at the 43rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which rolled out the red carpet along the banks of the Mandovi river, Goa, yesterday. The Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar inaugurated the festival, which began with a screening of Ang Lee's Life of Pi. The festival will close with the thriller The Reluctant Fundamentalist. Some 12,000 delegates are expected to attend alongside stars such as Irrfan Khan, Mira Nair, Tabu, Suraj Sharma and Paoli Dam. Special tributes will be paid to the legendary director Yash Chopra and the late superstar Rajesh Khanna, as well as international film personalities such as Claude Miller, Angelo Theopolous and Tony Scott. - IANS

Zoya Akhtar reveals her next project

The writer-director Zoya Akhtar, who won acclaim for her last project, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, says she is currently scripting a family drama. Akhtar also worked on the script of Talaash, a thriller starring Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Rani Mukerji that's due for release next week. "I love the genre of suspense drama," said Akhtar, the 40-year-old daughter of the veteran writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar. "We don't make these kind of films in India anymore. I don't know why." - IANS