Katrina Kaif: The connection I share with Salman Khan is hard to explain

Murmurs surrounding Salman Khan's love life grew louder when he collaborated with Katrina Kaif in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005), arguably the first notable outing for a face that was, until then, seen in secondary roles. Even while Kaif battled all odds to emerge as one among the A-listers of Bollywood, she always had Khan to help her negotiate her way in the industry.

After having featured alongside Khan -- her mentor, friend, former flame and co-star in close to 10 films -- she will reunite with him for the upcoming sequel to their 2012 actioner, Ek Tha Tiger. Kaif says their relationship today is one that is best left unarticulated. "The connection that I share with Salman is hard to explain, and it's something that doesn't need to be verbalised beyond a point. We can talk to each other about anything in the world. We have a lot of respect for each other, which is the most important thing in any relationship," Kaif tells mid-day.

By her own admission, Khan is the "most fun-loving" co-star she has worked with. "I enjoy working with him. It has always been entertaining," she adds, comparing the actor's shenanigans to a "TV show that you'd watch and feel happy about". As has been evident in both, his demeanour and choice of films, Khan has grown composed over the years, and this transition isn't lost on his leading lady. "He has grown in every sphere. It's phenomenal. He is an example."