Namrata Shirodkar has been interviewed by a Telugu daily. The former actress, philanthropist and wife of Mahesh Babu has spoken about her married life, how love happened and more. Here we bring you the highlights of the interview.

How married life has been

"The married life has been fabulous. Most girls feel that their college days were the best phase. To me, the last 14 years after marriage have been the best."

How love happened many years ago

"We bonded so well during the making of 'Vamsi' in New Zealand. It was a 25-day schedule in that country. It was the first time that I was out of station for such a long period at a stretch. Babu (Mahesh) would be generally reserved. But he would talk to me often. We had been friends even before the schedule. By the time we returned to India, we realized that we were in love with each other. It was I who proposed to him first. Since I proposed to him on phone, I don't know how exactly he looked at that moment."

"We took four more years to get married because I was busy as an actress and Babu too was just new in the industry. I completed my prior filmy commitments before I could get married."

That's why not doing films

"Babu wants a non-working wife. At the same time, I too prefer to be available to him. That wouldn't be possible if I do films. We are clear about what we want. If any problem arises, we sit and take stock of things. We resolve the issue together."

I don't interfere at all

"Whatever Babu is today, it's only because of his discipline and hard work. I hear people say that I have a lot of say in what he does. It's totally untrue. He does discuss movies with me. But he goes by his own instinct. He doesn't need my opinion."

Mahesh goes by character's demand

"He doesn't like to show off his six-pack abs just for the sake of it. For Babu, the character is important. If needed, he will definitely flaunt abs."

One film at a time

"Babu's mindset is not attuned to doing more than one film at a time. It's not possible to be like Mavayya garu (Superstar Krishna), who used to shift from one set to another set day after day."

Gautham to be hero

"It would be too early to talk about his career, but we do want to see Gautham as a hero. He too wishes to be one. Let's see."