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Model-turned-actor Upen Patel seems to move from controversy to controversy. After being linked with various models and starlets, and after his much-talked about split with actor Amrita Arora, the actor was lately spotted at a swimming pool in a five-star hotel, lip-locked with model Shamita Singha. What’s with the public display of affection? “There’s nothing to be ashamed of, is there?” asks Upen. “I am single. Besides, it’s over, I am no longer dating her.” So, he is comfortable with his photographs kissing an exgirlfriend being displayed across the country? “I have no problem about it,” he says. “Although I don’t think she would like it. In international magazines, actors are photographed with their lovers and they are pretty cool about it. I think, it’s high time we grow up and accept this reality too.”

The photograph, which originally appeared in a glossy magazine, set the gossip mills rolling. So, what’s with his Casanova attitude? “I am hardly a Casanova. I am always clear about my relationships,” he replies. “When I was dating Amrita, I was open about my relationship with her.” This photograph tells all too. “Come on, this is just a kiss,” shrugs Upen. “We were not aware that someone was sneakily clicking our photographs. But I am not complaining. I realise that this comes as part of the package of being a public figure.”

While most of our Bollywood actors are image-conscious and try to avoid such scandals, Upen appears pretty cool about being caught kissing on camera. “The times have changed and we need to face reality,” he says. “I respect women and I am glad that I have girlfriends whom I can trust. I think as a bachelor it’s cool to have relationships. It’s not a crime.”