Fan tries to kiss Irfan Pathan

Shabina Khatoon on the kiss that the cricketer did not allow and how she will hold her head high because she did not commit a crime. An interview with Ashwin Ferro

Shabina Khatoon on the kiss that the cricketer did not allow and how she will hold her head high because she did not commit a crime. An interview with Ashwin Ferro

s-lip service: Shabina and Irfan immediately after the botched attempt. Pic/Aajkaal/Ankan Sengupta

Are you embarrassed or ashamed?
Absolutely not! Why should I be embarrassed? When two people meet, don't they greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek? I like Irfan a lot and tried to kiss him, but he didn't allow it.

Did you plan to kiss Irfan?
Of course, not! I didn't even know I would have the opportunity to meet Irfan, so where's the question of kissing him? I got to meet him only because I bought the Internet card three days ago. It was entirely spontaneous.

But he quite literally pushed you away.
Yes, I know. I was there, remember. He behaved as though I was committing a crime. I'm sad he responded in that manner. I wasn't doing anything wrong. He should not have pushed me away.

And you still like him?
No! I don't. He has hurt my feelings and I won't forgive him.

What do your family and friends have to say to the incident?
You know, I was really sad to see how the media blew the whole thing out of proportion. TV channels are showing me in poor light. So, my father is quite upset with what happened, but the rest of my family has no problems. My friends aren't particularly surprised because they know I'm a huge Irfan fan. Actually, change that to, was.

Are you apprehensive about going to work tomorrow?
No. I will walk with my head held high.

Are you married or dating anyone? Aren't you worried that this sort of an incident could have a negative impact?
I'm not dating anyone and I don't have any immediate marriage plans, so I'm not worried. But I'm the third of five siblings [two brothers, three sisters]. I hope this incident does not have any adverse effect on my sisters. It's sad the way the whole thing is being portrayed.

If you could go back in time, would you do the same thing?
Definitely. I just tried to kiss Irfan Pathan on his cheek after receiving a prize from him. What's wrong with that?

Any other celebrities you want to 'meet and greet'?
I have a huge crush on India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but I simply adore Shah Rukh Khan. I think if Dhoni or SRK were in Irfan's place at the function, I would have made sure they let me kiss them on the cheek. I don't think they would have had a problem either. I guess Irfan has a problem because he got engaged only recently. So he may have been thinking about his fiancu00c3u00a9e Shivangi [Dev]. I really hope I get to meet Shah Rukh. I have travelled to Mumbai a few times, but never got to meet him. I wish I could.