Balki Explains Why Women Are The Stronger Sex

R Balki tells Suman Sharma why women are the superior, stronger sex

- Suman Sharma

R Balki is overwhelmed by the response his quirky film Ki & Ka has received. He insists his film is not as much about role reversal as it’s about the freedom of choice. It’s not about gender equality either. “What’s gender equality?” he asks and continues, “One gender is already superior. Women are more beautiful and more intelligent than men. In fact they have lowered their standards just to bear us men.”

The concept of this ‘unique love story’ came to him in a random moment. A year ago, the director was seated in his office staring at nothingness when the idea struck him. “I believed that Arjun Kapoor would be right for the role of the husband. I called him and he was excited. I called Kareena (Kapoor Khan) too. She was eager. They liked the story about two people who choose to live the way they want.”

He emphasises that the film didn’t propagate the idea of men helping their wives in household chores. He was not wary of Kareena being older to Arjun either. “Male actors work with women 17 years younger than them. So why can’t a lady, who’s beautiful and looks a lot younger work with a young boy?” he asks. One reason he believes the film worked was because there was no didactic intent. “We didn’t want to change mindsets. It’s just a reflection of the changing times. People are breaking rules to live their lives.”