What they lacked at the press conference they certainly made up for on stage - thankfully. On- and off-screen Bollywood couple Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan wowed an audience at Jashan 2008 - a dynamic stage show packed full of all their big songs from their hit films.
The long-awaited event, which had been cancelled on two previous occasions, finally took place at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday and was their first-ever show together.
But while the couple oozed energy and charisma on stage, unfortunately the same could not be said for the duo a day before at a pre-show press conference.
Looking uninterested, the pair arrived more than an hour late for the scheduled 3pm start and took their seats before forcing smiles for a three-minute photographer frenzy.
Rudely chit-chatting while the organisers, hotel staff and sponsors were introduced, Kapoor and Khan were more interested in each other than in the invited media before them.
And the attitude and answers to the questions didn't raise anyone's opinion of the pair much either.
Laced with almost a touch of spite and sarcasm, Khan answered the most basic questions with little flair and enthusiasm.
Short, sharp answers sparked the inevitable -uncomfortable questions about his former wife, Amrita Singh, and the possibility of an imminent wedding proposal.
And while Khan, who is reportedly being paid Dh1 million for the show, declared his commitment to marriage, in a clearly rehearsed response he ruled out a wedding anytime soon.
"I have always maintained that my intentions are very honourable and Kareena is a very traditional girl. The obvious conclusion would be marriage, but right now we are focused on our careers," he said - in a tone that made it clear he was bored of answering the same question.
Barely a word
But while he coped admirably under searing heat onstage the next day, the Bollywood heart-throb and his lady didn't fare quite as well when reporters turned up the temperature. Khan and Kapoor soon came under a barrage of probing questions.
"Is it true that your romance with Shahid [Kapoor's ex] is rekindling?"
As Kapoor had barely said a word during the entire press conference, it was pretty obvious who was going to answer the jab. Khan came to her rescue with "no personal questions please", although he was not spared either.
"Now that you have divorced Amrita, what will happen to your kids?" asked a reporter.
"Come over for dinner with me and I will share everything with you. But I won't talk about it in this room," Khan shot back. Saif fielded the uncomfortable questions, decided which were relevant and which unnecessary and, in fact, did all the talking, speaking on behalf of Kapoor, who seemed content to smile and avoid taking the mike even when questions were addressed to her.
To his credit, Khan apologised sincerely for being late, blaming late luggage and a tight flight schedule as the main reasons for the delay.
The hot Bollywood couple looked very much in love, holding hands under the table and exchanging loving glances, but Kapoor lacked any personality of her own.
When asked about owning property in Dubai and their investments here, Khan said: "No, but we are always open to being given one for free. We have no investments in Dubai — except our fans.
Earning a living
"Our job includes doing films, endorsements and stage shows. That is how we earn our living and that is why we are in Dubai today."
A descendant of royalty, Khan was then asked about his princely and movie duties and whether they ever clash.
"You make me sound like a museum. There is no problem in terms of the family as my mother is an actress too. And I have no estate to run - my princely duties were abolished long ago."
With plans for a new production house in the Khan name he then spoke of his plans for the future - plans which do include Kapoor.
"I want to make all kinds of films from horror stories and thrillers to popcorn love stories and action movies. The idea is to make films that are tasteful, classy and enjoyable. A role like Omkara is rare, but it would be great to do something like that again.
"I have stopped thinking about what characters I would like to play and base my choices on the scripts that are offered to me. I think the classics that I have grown up watching should stay classics. I cannot imagine myself in the place of great actors like Dilip Kumar. I would rather create something fresh than do a remake of another film.
"She [Kapoor] is involved with me and hence in my projects. I do rely tremendously on her expertise and fine creative mind and I wish she will lend us her talent if and when we need it. We are currently working together in Karan Johar's next film. It is a topical thriller that will be shot in New York."
When asked about performing at a time when there is so much economic and political strife in the world, Khan finally seemed to find the ability to answer with some sincerity.
"There is always a crisis and there is always a reason to be happy. The great thing about our job is that it is not political and it is truly democratic - it is just about people enjoying themselves. Here you have this most beautiful woman who will put on beautiful clothes and dance for you. And I will try to do the same - but in very different clothes. And if we can put a smile on someone's face that is not a small thing."
Having just enjoyed his birthday, Khan thought long and hard before saying that his birthday gift from Kapoor was the beautiful watch he was wearing.
And then it was back to his former life with a question about his son and whether he would follow in his movie star father's footsteps.
"Why not? This is a wonderful profession. He is a good-looking guy and he is very interested not only in acting but in direction and the process of film making. But this is also a tough profession and not everyone can do it. We will wait and see if he can."
Heating things up
The entertainers promised a full-throttle Bollywood performance, despite the scorching temperatures, and that is what they delivered. "Whose sweat are you more concerned about - mine or hers?" said Khan.
"I have lived in Mumbai all my life and it is hot there, too. I prefer heat to the cold weather and so I think l will be fine to perform tomorrow," Kapoor added.
Organiser UAE Mobiles promised special cooling systems for the comfort of the performers and the audience, which were provided but did little to put a stop to the humidity of the balmy evening.
The stars braved the summer heat and performed in front of a crowd of around 25,000 people in Sharjah, looking as if they throughly enjoyed themselves.
The duo danced and sang to hit songs from a number of films including Salaam Namastey, Hum Tum, Dil Chahta Hai and Race and Khan surprised the audience by playing his guitar live on stage to much cheering and chanting.
"I am not good enough to teach anyone, even though I started learning when I was in school and should have been better at it than I am. But Kareena has just whispered to me that she would like me to teach her, so I will try."
Fans were just as pleased and many didn't stop throughout the entire show to even get a drink.
Anita Privinkita, 26, a sales executive from Dubai, said she was too scared to miss any of the show in case something happened.
"I think they have been so good together. I would have liked to have seen them perform as a couple more but I understand they have separate careers so it's fair enough. I am impressed." Other stars from India, including actress Minesha Lamba and the choreographer Ganesh Hegde also took to the stage to perform.
Kapoor danced and sang with total confidence at the event and won over the audience with impressive costume changes and her latest dance routines.
