Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; January 5, 2018)

Most seasoned actors sign a film depending on the importance of their role in it. But, for Katrina Kaif, the makers, crew members and script are sacrosanct. “If I like the team, technicians and story, I’ll do a film. It doesn’t matter if I am the only one in it or there are 25 other actors. While working on Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012, she played the protagonist in it), I also did Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), which had six principal characters. I can’t sign a film that offers me a great part but has an average script,” says Kaif, who has spent over 14 years in B-Town.

Close on the heels of Tiger Zinda Hai’s success, she is looking forward to her next project, Aanand L Rai’s Zero, which also stars Shah Rukh Khan. “Initially, I was supposed to play myself in Zero. The film was titled Katrina Meri Jaan. There was a different cast on board and Shah Rukh sir wasn’t part of it. Now, it’s a satirical take on an actress,” says Kaif.

The film will mark her second outing with SRK, after Jab Tak Hai Jaan. Sharing her fondness for the star, Kaif says, “Shah Rukh sir is one of the best actors in the industry. His drive, energy and passion are commendable. It’s great to be around him on a set.”

Though she doesn’t divulge details, it’s apparent that Kaif doesn’t share screen space with Anushka Sharma, who also stars in Zero. Heaping praise for the film’s director, she says, “Aanand sir is fantastic. He helps you as an actor. You get to learn a lot from him.”