Five months ago, Pooja Bedi had said, "Hanif Bilal and I will take our time before it blossoms into a full-fledged relationship".

It has happened! Bedi may not say it candidly, but she is definitely in a deep and intense relationship with her Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa partner, choreographer Hanif. Read on for her chat with TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani.

We heard, you and Hanif did a music video together recently?
Yeah. It's for D J Notorious and involves a lot of Latin dancing. It has been shot on the chroma format and involves lots of graphics. My choreographer is Longi who worked in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, the Sony Entertainment celebrity dance show where I met Hanif.

We shot for it in Mumbai, two weeks back. It took us two days to complete the shoot. It will be on air from the first week of April.

Tell us the concept of the video.
There is nothing vocal in it, it's purely instrumental. It is a very passionate video that will ignite everyone's imagination (laughs). We did a mix of rumba, salsa and a hint of samba.

As a choreographer, was Hanif comfortable with someone else choreographing his dance steps?
Actually, they essentially wanted Hanif as a performer. He will soon be entering films as an actor, so he has no problem if someone else choreographs his performance. In fact, both of us are learning jazz with Terence Lewis right now.

Did both of you agree instantly?
Yes. We didn't want to turn down an offer that would give us a platform to showcase our dancing abilities to millions of people.

So were you paid a bomb for it?
(Laughs) No. I haven't been paid a bomb for it. In fact, we did not take a single penny to do this video. I know DJ Notorious' fiancée Nimisha very well. She manages my work at Matrix, the publicity company that represents me.

What is the current status on your relationship with Hanif?
I love his company. We spend a lot of time together. We travel out of town together. I like his presence around me. He is fun to be with. He is great energy. He is very close to me. Also, he often comes to my house.

What happens if he doesn't come home for few days?
My kids miss him terribly. They adore him.

Since you'll do so many shows together, you are with him for many hours, you'll travel together... There must be a lot of physical attraction?
Well, we flirt with each other outrageously. People get very amused by it, but that's what we do. It is very healthy to flirt. It would be abnormal if two good-looking people are together and they don't flirt with each other.

So you find him physically attractive?
Absolutely. He is a good-looking guy with a very good body.

Do your friends and relatives tease you about Hanif?
Yeah (laughs loudly). Everybody teases me about Hanif.

Have you'll discussed marriage?
(Laughs). We are not thinking of marriage at this time. He has got a career ahead of him. He is just starting off. And today, I have a lot of responsibilities on my shoulders. Don't ask me about marriage for another five years.

Are you wary of marriage since you have burnt your fingers in it once?
No. I am an eternal optimist.

How are your kids progressing in life?
My son Omar got 25/25 in Mathematics. He came first in Sports Day. Even my daughter, Ailiya, who is in fourth, is doing very well in studies. I am proud of both my kids..

Are you in touch with your ex-husband Farhan Ebrahim?
Yes. Few days back, we all three (Hanif, Farhan and I) went together for my Omar's Sports Day in school. Farhan is their father and I had notified him. Farhan and I have dinners together. We go out together, with or without kids.

Does he mind your proximity with Hanif?
No. He knows what it is. He gets along very well with Hanif. On the Sports Day, Farhan and Hanif were yapping away.

There is somebody in his life?
I can't comment on that. It would be unethical and inappropriate.

All said and done, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa was one of the best things that happened to you?
Right. Jhalak Dikhhle Jaa helped me to reach more people than I ever had. People saw me in a broader perspective and it gave me an opportunity to have more options on the professional front.

Next week, I am signing up a sort of talk show on a mainstream channel. And courtesy Jhalak, I met Hanif. Today, I know of Hanif more than just a jhalak (laughs).