Zayed Khan has returned to work, 10 days after his wedding (on November 19) to Malaika Parekh. Yesterday, Zayed, back from a three-day honeymoon, was shooting for his film, Rocky.

Zayed’s first love

We catch up with the actor at Bandra Reclamation, where the Rocky shoot was in progress. “I think it’s exciting to come back,� says a mock-bloodied Zayed, immediately after a scene.

“For me, shooting is fun, fun and more fun. I am doing what I love. Films are my first love, and the sets, my first home. All the people who love me have expected and accepted this. After pack-up I am going back to my second home (in Juhu),� he grins.

Welcome, Mrs Khan

How does it feel to be married? “To be honest, I was always used to the idea that I would be marrying Malli (Malaika). But yes, I now realise that after marriage, you are responsible for someone else’s life too. Marriage is a very comfortable feeling; what thrills me is when people call Malli Mrs Khan! When we were on our way to Udaipur (for the honeymoon), all the stewardesses and pursers were calling her that — it gave me quite a kick! Then one day, dad told me he was calling her Malaika Z Khan, as it would be recognised better… I was ecstatic.�

Mazdoori shuru

Malaika and he could enjoy only a three-day honeymoon. “True, but kya karein? I told Malli, ‘dekho jaan, hum mazdoor aadmi hain — we can always take another long vacation’. Next summer, I am planning to go to some nice places. But the Udaipur experience was wonderful too! It was the perfect getaway, and we had a fantastic time. I will always treasure those moments.�

Marriage tips

What gifts did he receive from his family? “My three sisters — Farah, Simone and Sussanne — shared words of wisdom with me; the wisdom they gained from their married lives.

But that was from a woman’s point of view. What was great was that Malli’s brother, Naren, too wrote me a letter, giving me little tips on how to behave with my wife. If I follow them I’ll never get into trouble! Like, if she asks when I’m coming home, I must say, ‘I am coming soon’,� Zayed grins.

The skit staged at the couple’s sangeet by their actor friends was a pleasant, but “embarrassing surprise� for Zayed. “I was happy and touched that my friends, Dia, Sohail, Ashish and Kunal Kapoor, made the time for me. A little bit of love goes a long way. I was amazed at the large turnout from the industry.�

Was the skit, based on his life, true to character? “I didn’t find it 100 per cent accurate. I was thoroughly embarrassed in certain areas, and promised them never to do such things again!�