Actors Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora are not seeking anyone’s approval for their relationship. Having kept it under wraps for a long time, it was in 2019 that they finally made it Insta official, followed by public appearances and holidays. However, they still haven’t spoken much about it in public. On Valentine's Day, Kapoor, 36, exclusively talks to us about his relationship with Arora, 48, what it takes to stand by his ladylove, and deal with all the social media negativity that is thrown at them. Excerpts:

I didn’t think about anything except giving the relationship respect, dignity and integrity. I made peace with the fact that once you are out there for people to see or judge, you have to allow breathing room for them to absorb, and start looking at the relationship the way you want them to.

The decision to be open about our relationship just happened organically. I had to give space and respect to Malaika and her life decisions on whether she wants to make things public or give it time. There came a point when we felt solid, and steady enough to face all the speculation and conversation that’d follow. Our relationship dynamic is unique for people who have a slightly traditional outlook for love. Today, we can say we became a public couple to encourage the thought process that age doesn’t come in the way of being in a relationship. It was done respectfully. We never threw it in anybody’s face.

We’ve stood by each other facing speculation, brickbats, chatter, at times unnecessary. It was hell for us for many days. Malaika had to face so much, but I admire her for giving me and our relationship so much dignity. Standing by her never felt like something extraordinary. It just felt like the right thing to do. We’re humbled to be called torchbearers for shattering labels. We just wanted to stand by love and let people see who we were with each other.

I was prepared for the reaction to be extreme. I’ve been through situations in life that have been far worse — seeing my parents split up, losing mom, having to see the upheaval of my father, losing out on a loved one, his wife Sridevi — you do realise that life is fickle and only love is permanent. So, I let these trolls be. I guess there’s so much relevance to Malaika and my relationship that everyone has a say, and likes to talk about us.

Yes, we always make sure we take out time for each other and make the most of this day. We try to do something unique and catch each other by surprise. I love surprising Malaika and today also, there will be a surprise or two planned.

One sentence isn’t enough. I’ll get into trouble. Malaika has changed me as a person by allowing me to believe in myself even more, through my weakest moments. She has always been there, making me realise that I’m worth it. She’s made me feel that phases will pass, and these are important times when you’re going through a tricky situation personally and professionally. If I’ve to describe our relationship — we’re friends, we talk about everything, we confide in each other a lot that has allowed us to make decisions — big and small ones. And I think friendship is the key for any relationship to last.