New beginnings that mark an end?

It''s a simple white card with a golden rose embossed on it and writing in red. Yet, it announces one of the more high profile weddings of the season.
Author Salman Rushdie and his muse Padmalakshmi tie the knot at a ceremony at Peter White Studios in New York on April 17.
A ceremony at 6, followed by dinner and dancing, reads the card, and puts a full stop to all wagging tales that predicted an untimely end to an unlikely romance.
Sheetal Mafatlal, who has known the couple for three years now, was expecting it. "Gauging from their last visit here a few months ago, I guess it was obvious that the relationship would head towards a marriage," she says.
But wasn''t Padmalakshmi headed towards a career in Bollywood films?
Her debut movie, Boom, may not have done well, but the model/actress made no bones about meeting producers during her last visit and engaging in media interviews about her career plans as an actress.
Kaizad Gustaad, the director of her first film agrees. "I do not think the marital status of an actor should make a difference," he says.
"Talent would rise above all such factors, and if she is a good actress, this would make no difference to Padmalakshmi."
Veteran fashion designer, Anna Singh, feels it wouldn''t make a difference to Padmalakshmi because she isn''t meant for the conventional masala movies.
"The category of roles I see her doing are not the kinds Aishwarya or Karisma do. So, her being married would make no difference," says Anna.
Soon-to-be film director, Manish Malhotra agrees: "Padma lakshmi''s meant for niche audiences."
Producer Shabbir Boxwala, however, feels otherwise. "If I were to cast a married Padmalakshmi in a glamourous role, which goes with the image she portrays, I would think it''s suicidal," he opines.
"A character role for her would be fine though, but then, she needs to be a strong performer for that. And she hasn''t proved her acting prowess yet."