Genelia says that she and Ritesh Deshmukh are just good friends (yawn)
Rumours don’t always die a natural death. While Genelia D’Souza and Ritesh Deshmukh have been linked ever since they starred together in their debut film Tujhe Meri Kasam (2003), they have never admitted that they are romantically involved. On May 25, fact that they were seen together at Karan Johar’s birthday party only added fuel to the fire.
Genelia who still maintains a ‘we are only good friends’ stand with Ritesh is amused as well as exasperated on being linked with him. When asked about being seen with Ritesh at Karan Johar’s party, Genelia says, "Ritesh and I had gone there separately. Yes, we met up there and spent some time together. But does that mean we’re seeing each other? We’ve known each other since 2003 when we starred together in our debut film. Back then we were newcomers shooting far away from home in Hyderabad. Naturally, we bonded. I’m also friends with Ritesh’s brother but no one talks about that because he’s not part of the entertainment industry. As of now, I am only friends with Ritesh but if our relationship goes to another level, we’ll announce it proudly."
Genelia admits that she is reserved by nature. "I’m friendly with all my co-stars but they aren’t my friends. Being seen in parties and public events is not my scene. After shooting for films and ads, I hardly have any energy left to socialise. Right now I am concentrating on putting in my best effort at work," says Genelia.
Lately Genelia has hardly been home. "Ken Ghosh’s film with Shahid Kapur that I’m doing right now is the first film to be shot in Mumbai since Jaane Tu… Otherwise I’ve either been in the South or shooting abroad for my Hindi films. So it feels good to be home for a change," she says.
The young actress is looking forward to some heavy-duty dancing with Shahid. "We haven’t really started the dancing part yet. Shahid is a fabulous dancer and it will be a challenge to match steps with him."
About stepping into Jiah Khan’s role in Ken’s film, Genelia says she intends to meet up with Jiah soon. "But it’s not as if I took the role from her. Everything was sorted out before I was asked to step in. It was handled professionally. And coming into a project so late is no big deal. Even Jaane Tu… came to me after everyone else was in place. I firmly believe no one snatches anything away from anyone," adds Genelia.
Although her career has taken off in a big way in Mumbai she isn’t in a hurry to abandon the South side of her stardom. "In fact I’m doing one more Telugu film Katha. Of course my Southern projects had to be reduced because of the increase in assignments in Mumbai. But I’ll never give up South Indian films."