Showing posts with label Katrina Kaif interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Katrina Kaif interview. Show all posts
I recorded an audition tape for Anushka Sharma's character in Zero; it moved Aanand L Rai-Katrina Kaif
8:51 AM
Bollywood’s unlikeliest top heroine, Katrina Kaif, on two decades of stardom
Mayank Shekhar (MID-DAY; March 2, 2024)
Surely, you’ve seen the film Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008). “If I’m not mistaken, it was Ranbir Kapoor’s second film, and his first for Yash Raj [Films],” Bollywood star Katrina Kaif informs us.
Now, there were four women in that movie. Three you know: Bipasha Basu, Deepika Padukone, Minissha Lamba. The fourth was? Katrina!
The film was, in a sense, a goal unlocked for her—she had been “vying for a Yash Raj production” for some time. Except that once she met producer Aditya Chopra, he said, “The script was getting too long—so we had to snip the fourth female part.”
Katrina recalls, “It was a limited role, yes. But I was, like, you gotta be joking! Shortly thereafter, Aditya called me to offer another film.
“He’d already taken me off a big commercial release. My response to the new offer was—he’s instead offering me a small, artsy film, with no songs, scale, dance, and with Kabir Khan, who’s a documentary filmmaker? I was not happy about it!”
Salman Khan convinced her to do the role. He had met Kabir before, discussing his debut, Kabul Express (2006), and was impressed enough—although they worked together on Ek Tha Tiger (2012) much later.
The Katrina film in question is New York (2009), a political drama, set in post-9/11 America. She says, “I walked begrudgingly on to that set, looking disdainfully [in my head], biting my teeth: such a small crew, where are the lights, cameras… I had just come off Singh Is Kinng (2008), that had been so massively loved by audiences.”
Cut to the wrap-day of the film’s shoot in New York, and she was crying: “Nobody wanted the shoot to end. Up until this day, New York remains the most amazing and eye-opening experience of my life in films.”
“The closest friends I have in the industry are from that film. It played a bit of a role in the journey of my life, thereafter. Kabir gave me the confidence to have my own voice. Something I hadn’t even considered.”
Until then, Katrina confesses, she went by a simple Bollywood playbook on sets: “Do as told. Quietly.” If you scroll through her filmography thereafter, full of male superstar-driven money-spinners otherwise, you do sense a particular pivot, post New York.
Next stop: Prakash Jha’s Raajneeti (2010), the Mahabharat, adapted into the heartland of India’s politics: “I mean, what an experience, what a shoot!”
Katrina remembers, “There was this sequence in Bhopal, where my character’s husband dies, and I take centre-stage. I look before me. There are 2,000-3,000 people, for as long as your eyes can see. I’m supposed to give a speech in front of them, like a politician, and with the film’s entire cast [on the podium]. My hands were trembling. I remember Nana [Patekar] Sir telling me, it’s going to be fine; just go ahead and do it. And it was fine!”
From here on, we can cut further to multiple parts in Katrina’s thoroughly mainstream career, with enough meat for her to juice out as an actor as well—Zoya Akhtar’s ensemble road-trip, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011, easily my favourite), to Bharat (2019), a synchronous history of contemporary India, told through the lives of its protagonists, with Katrina paired opposite Salman.
But she wants to zero-in, instead, on Aanand L Rai’s Zero (2018). TIL: Before Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) got onboard that picture, it was titled Katrina Meri Jaan, with Katrina playing a double role!
Well, to clarify, “That was a different script. It changed thereafter. But when Anand Sir was narrating me this [new script to play Babita Kumari], my ears and eyes kept perking up to the other female role [of Afiya, suffering from cerebral palsy].”
“Anand Sir said he had someone else in mind for it. I went home that day and recorded an audition tape on my iPhone for the part. I went back and showed him the recording on my laptop. It really moved him. That gave me hope, and we kept circling on it, for days.”
“I was so attached to the part [eventually played by Anushka Sharma] that I couldn’t even care if there was anything good in what was being offered to me.”
“It was Shah Rukh who said I was getting too emotionally attached, and that I should trust him, and do the film. That’s how I got a chance to do [Babita]. It’s one of the best roles I’ve ever done.”
These intercuts into some of Katrina’s more challenging parts are essential. If only to explain how she’s delivered arguably her finest role in films thus far.
That of Maria, in Sriram Raghavan’s Merry Christmas (2024), squarely shouldering a tough, tight plot, primarily set in a South Bombay apartment, flitting between a couple of male characters, while the camera stays on her, almost throughout a stunningly claustrophobic murder mystery!
It is, in many ways, a culmination of sorts. The person you’d instantly think of in that role is probably Tabu. Katrina agrees, “I think Tabu is fabulous, anyway. But I loved her in [Raghavan’s] Andhadun.”
That said, when Sriram and his co-writer, editor Pooja Ladha Surti, first narrated Merry Christmas to Katrina, she found herself asking several questions to do with the motivations of her character: “It’s at the end of this meeting, Sriram Sir said I should write the backstory of Maria—oh, no, wait, it’s been a while, it wasn’t him.”
“After that narration, I actually wrote down Maria’s backstory on my own, at home. This was during the lockdown. I emailed it to him, and he loved it. We achieved a more in-depth story, based on that. He’s the kind of filmmaker who gives you that space.”
And yet, if you go through a series of interviews with Katrina before the release of Merry Christmas, she appears to repeat one aspect of her time filming the suspense-drama—that she was crying so much, before and during the filmmaking. Strangely, none of the interviewers seem to ask her, why? Sounds awful—why would she have to cry so much?
Katrina laughs, “Some of the crying [during the shoot] was part of the script.” Clearly, that’s not all. Let’s revisit the timeline again then. “Firstly, there was a major time gap from the narration to when the film went on floors, which was literally three and half weeks after I got married [to actor Vicky Kaushal].”
“You’re in this celebratory, jubilant space. There was COVID in between. All I wanted to do was spend time with my husband that we hadn’t had together. Since I’m obsessed with my work, diving into this intense and darker film was getting difficult. In my head, I wasn’t in that zone. But once you realize it’s happening, you just have to dive into the deep end.”
The other thing, Katrina confesses she has, is a loosely streaming sense of “selective memory”: “Now, Sriram Sir had told me, and this got reconfirmed by my manager—but I had totally passed it over my head—that we had to shoot the film, separately, in Tamil as well!”
“One of those things about ignorance being bliss, but it can land you in trouble. Even Sriram Sir hesitated from bringing it up, until four days before he had to remind me, to start the film’s sequences in Tamil; after shooting in Hindi.
“I tried to convince him not to do it. I went so far as asking him to cast another actress for the Tamil part.” Why so scared? “I’ll tell you why: if this was any other film—take my last four releases—doing it in Tamil all over would be fine.”
“But this is a very conversational film. There are scenes, where there are 15 minutes of only dialogue. That much of talking, when it has to happen again in Tamil is different. That’s when the tears started.”
“The tears of quietness [before that] were for the Hindi portions. Three days, I cried a lot. I was working myself up as well. My [Tamil] dialogue coach, Deepa Venkat, came in, to drop the stress: ‘The moment you hear action, do not think; force yourself; trust what happens!’”
I’ve watched the Hindi and Tamil versions of Merry Christmas. She’s pulled off both breezily, looking equally effortless.
For most Indians, the mental image/portrait likely to emerge, once they hear the name, Katrina Kaif, is likely to be the unabashed dancing queen from Chikni Chameli, or Sheela Ki Jawani, aimed at the nation’s front rows, looking for carefree, ‘paisa-vasool’ entertainment.
In 2009, Leo Mattel modelled the Indian Barbie on the 10-on-10 Katrina, with a tote bag; then in her mid-20s. She’s been at the top of Bollywood blockbuster scene for two decades.
Yet, if you sit down to casually chit-chat cinema, series, etc—her eclectic palette could surprise you, sometimes.
For instance, in a clip sent over to me by a friend, before I meet Katrina for this edition of Sit With Hitlist, she’s seated with Vijay Sethupathi, her Tamil co-star from Merry Christmas—casually talking up Vijay’s films, Super Deluxe (2019), and 96 (2018).
Both movies would be considered prohibitively avant-garde by desi-commercial standards. Is that the ‘Vicky Kaushal’ effect on her, I gently tease—referring to how her husband, who made his debut with Neeraj Ghaywan’s Masaan (2015), could be exposing her to another world within Indian cinema!
Quick to respond, she says, “As a wife, I do pull Vicky’s leg about how he’s such an art-house film buff. And he’s, of course, totally in tune with all the latest shows and films, and what’s being made. That’s where he comes from.”
But, no, so far as the film 96 is concerned, “I got to see it, because I was approached for its Hindi remake.” Super Deluxe is her late-night OTT, as with any other movie-binger.
Even as an actor, Katrina says, “It’s not like I’ve lived in my own different land. I’ve always been in touch [with all other cinemas].”
“For example, Dibakar Banerjee’s films. It’s another matter that [a film together] couldn’t work out. That was because of me. And that’s destiny. But we’ve been in touch. Until about a year and half ago, I was regularly meeting [director] Vasan Bala, discussing ideas.”
Either way, what’s undeniable with any relationship, let alone marriage, is how one tends to inevitably expand interests and friends’ circles, as a result of the partner. With Vicky (they got married in December, 2021), Katrina says it’s been more with the meeting of large families.
“I have six sisters. He has a huge family still back in Punjab. Besides, he has a large circle of friends, from college—I think about 20 of them. Some of whom live in New York, so we meet them, when we’re there…”
Vicky’s father, Sham Kaushal is, of course, an old Bollywood hand—one of the city’s top action directors over decades, who’s equally straddled multiple movie universes within Mumbai; from Black Friday (2004) to Krrish 3 (2013).
Once you probe further, you realize Katrina isn’t as hung up in her head over off-stream and mainstream—the distinction isn’t as marked, or she hasn’t cared to creatively define it.
For instance, she says, “I want to portray myself in a new way now. I don’t wish to repeat myself too much. In several scenarios, I myself feel repetitive and bored. I’m pretty sure, the audiences will, too. I’m no more the 19-year-old, who entered this industry.”
At the same time, she’s clear, her big, 2023 release, Tiger 3, the commercial hat-trick instalment of the Salman blast-fest checks all of those novelty boxes: “Tiger 3 belongs to the amazing franchise—the space that gives me joy. It’s not repetitive at all. I found the way [director] Maneesh [Sharma] explored [lead character] Zoya’s backstory was really brave, within an action blockbuster. That’s a side of me close to my heart—I love the female action genre.”
Likewise, with dance, she adds, “When I walked into Dhoom 3, those songs, and dancing to them as a circus performer, looking athletic—that’s been my dream and passion; maybe it’s not someone else’s. Rehearsals in those dance halls is my solace. That’s who I am.”
The film New York indeed provided her a fresher “milieu”, but the film that brought her up to skill as an actor, a gamechanger of sorts, she reasons, was Vipul Shah’s Namastey London (2007): “Even though it was comical, with a romcom tone to it; it was such a great character, and story. Not the typical East meets West.”
In Namastey London, Katrina paired opposite Akshay Kumar, the other co-star, besides Salman, she’s delivered a string of roaring commercial successes with.
She thinks she’s done more films with Akshay than Salman; starting to count them on her fingertips, while this can be googled in a second. Quick search results in a tie, Salman: 7, Akshay: 7.
Besides the obvious longevity of their respective careers—both Salman and Akshay have been maxing mainstream box-office for over three decades—something she can lay claim to herself, I ask Katrina to decode these two superstars, in terms of how different they are to be on set with, as actors.
She says, “It’s just the morning and night thing—who you see more daylight with. With Akshay [a morning person], I just have to request him for a later call-time on the set. With Salman, it’s the opposite.”
“I have to ask Salman, ‘Please come early, no?’ That apart, they’re two totally different individuals. While it doesn’t look it, Salman is always thinking of the larger story of a film, rather than the scene at hand alone. With Akshay, there’s a lot more improvisation.”
Either way, her own riffing off the actors’ energies on shoot doesn’t change: “I’m not focused on what my co-actor is doing. I come prepared to the set. That’s what I do on my own. And then I incorporate that with the director and co-actor.”
To be honest, I tell Katrina, I was a little apprehensive myself, stepping into this interview. Not for the lack of prep, of course. And she’s perfectly genial, even genuinely happy/goofy, to converse with.
It’s just that she may not be the most giving of all interviewees, when it comes to delving further into her life, outside films, or her world, before films.
Even as the intention isn’t to pry on a private life; only to shine a better torch on a public figure. And so be it. A decade ago, I tell her, I had been commissioned by Caravan, a magazine of longform journalism to write a 7,000-word piece (way over twice the size of this profile) on Katrina.
I was drawing a complete blank, for days. Choosing therefore to fill up the space with more of context-setting, instead—history of Anglo-Indians in Bollywood; shift from silent cinema to talkies; the anatomy of the Hindi film dance; a growing expat sub-culture of heroines in desi-mainstream, etc.
While I had chatted with Katrina for a few hours for the piece, there were no expository personal anecdotes, at all. I had asked her then if I could speak to her British mother (Suzanne Turquotte), about her growing up years. She texted back, “Could we rather not?” Totally respect that, of course.
Yet, for a desi pop-culture story, there is none that matches Katrina’s scale—for someone who landed in Bombay, from London, in her late teens, with a friend.
Had only watched one Bollywood film (SRK-starrer, Asoka; 2001), until she made her own film debut, a couple of years later. She knew no one in town, upon arrival. She knew not a word of Hindi, before aspiring to be the quintessential Hindi film heroine, and inching towards the top-spot, soon after.
No, seriously, how? Let’s attempt a step-by-step, still. Even before she got a movie gig, Katrina had landed a contract with L’Oreal, which means she was a successful model, already. But, she says, “My heart was always here, in films. I don’t know how.” Target set, surely what followed was perseverance.
She says she would start her day at 6 am, to attend kathak classes, until noon, in a “small, non-AC room, with Guruji Veeru Krishnan—Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta were the seniors [in class].”
With Hindi, actor Jackie Shroff advised her to master the Devnagari script: “On the set, those days, often you’d be handed the dialogues, right before shoot. I didn’t want to be in a position, where I’m wondering what to do. The base in Devnagari saved me. There is then nothing complex [in the learning of the language].”
But beyond all of the above, it was, as Katrina puts it, “Naivete and innocence of the times. Barely at 17, I saw nothing as difficult back then. Today, I would say impossible to the same things. Which is strange. I guess that’s what happens when you have nothing to lose. At this point, of course, I have other goals—but I’ve achieved all that I’d set out to do. Yet, criticism would hurt and affect me far more.”
When she was starting out, though, “An instance, I remember, from a South Indian film, with Venkatesh [Malliswari, 2004]— I was shooting a song, and there was someone on the set, yelling, ‘This girl can’t dance.’ I’ve had people telling me to my face: ‘You will not make it. You won’t succeed.’ Somehow, I wasn’t pained. Never felt sensitive about it. For me, it was about taking in the info. It didn’t penetrate me to stop.”
“I would sit and cry, but believe in the process in the healthiest way; work a little harder to perfect my craft. Eventually, I worked with all those same people who said, ‘We won’t take you in our films!’”
In Bollywood, David Dhawan’s Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya (2005) was her second film, and her first hit (Ram Gopal Varma’s Sarkar must count as a cameo).
She debuted disastrously with Kaizad Gustad’s Boom (2003), the year’s most anticipated movie—albeit a film so deliciously bad, that it must rank up there among the greats.
As always, bad movies make for the most fun reviews—essentially, stand-up comedy on text/print. That review fetched me the job as a permanent film critic, I tell Katrina, off-record. Unwittingly, I owe her one!
Practically everyone involved with Boom pelted eggs on it, in public, post-release. Not sure about Bo Derek (also in the cast), certainly Amitabh Bachchan; also, Salman Rushdie (his girlfriend, then, Padma Lakshmi, was in the film). Katrina hasn’t said a word on it since. And she continues to maintain that stony silence. Respect her choice, of course.
Was it Tolstoy, who roughly said, a great story is one of two things—a man sets off on a journey, or a stranger comes to town. Katrina is both those splendid stories.
I offer an unsolicited advice—that she should someday write that story. Totally unfiltered, just the way she saw it, with all those things she’s kept to herself since.
She says, “No, thank you. Let’s leave some things unwritten. What I want said is the work I have done, and the work that I hope to leave behind.”
2020 has been a rollercoaster ride for all of us-Katrina Kaif
8:25 AM
Katrina Kaif talks about how this year had ‘sunny’ days too, apart from the ‘bad’ ones, and juggling being both an actor and entrepreneur
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; October 21, 2020)
No one saw it coming, what happened in 2020, and Katrina Kaif couldn’t agree more. The actor says that she would like to look at whatever has happened from an “optimistic point of view”.
“Of course, we all have had our bad days but then, there were sunny days, too. It gave me the time to do a lot of introspection,” she she says on the Coronavirus crisis.
Apart from her professional commitments, what had also kept the actor busy was being an entrepreneur before the lockdown happened. Kaif adds, “2020 has been a rollercoaster ride for all of us, but the secret is to switch on the sunshine that lies within us. I hope we come out much stronger and start to value the little pleasures of life. Every adversity gives rise to opportunity.”
While she has been working from home on whatever commitments she could fulfil, Kaif also focused on her business. Since being an actor is a full-time job, didn’t it get hectic for her? She shares, “If you love something, you find the time to invest in it. For as long as I can remember, makeup has been an innate part of my journey — from runway to the big screen, and finally, I rendered my love for it. Acting, on the other hand, is my love. Naturally, I found time to strike a balance between two of my passions.”
The actor’s venture, which completes a year, tied up with a foundation in their work to aid daily wage earners in rural Maharashtra. Kaif shares, “The contribution went towards their initiative to ensure daily wage earning families in the villages around the Bhandara district received food and basic sanitary materials.”
Kaif has also been using her voice as a celebrity to draw attention to different causes she feels strongly about. One of them is education for the girl child. The 37-year-old says, “It is our responsibility to do something meaningful for those in need in any capacity that we can. I’ve seen my mother engaging in charitable causes. I have always felt very strongly about gender equality and everyone’s right to quality education.”
In these tough times, we all need to stand together and help each other-Katrina Kaif
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Katrina Kaif is trying her best to aid the needy in the pandemic; admits she misses the sets
Sonil Dedhia (HINDUSTAN TIMES; May 14, 2020)
I am taking one day at a time,” says Katrina Kaif, who confides that she misses being on the sets. “There are days when I miss being on a shoot. And yes, sometimes I also get worried about what next. But I understand the crisis the world is dealing with and the importance of defeating the pandemic.”
Katrina believes people have different ways of dealing with the restlessness due to the Coronavirus lockdown. “I see this as a change. I stay busy with household chores, do my workout and watch something. I love reading so I am doing that too. My work on my cosmetic range is still on, so I spend some time with the team. Apart from that I’m reading scripts, so there are ample things to keep me occupied,” she says.
Recently, Kaif donated an undisclosed amount and pledged her support to the PM-CARES Fund. The actor, through her cosmetic brand, has also tied up with an NGO to provide daily essentials to a village in Bhandara district of Maharashtra. “In these tough times, we all need to stand together and help each other. We chose Bhandara as it is one of the districts which has not been reached out to, especially Pauni block, as the NGO is based out of there. The team took two weeks to find people who are actually in need and discovered that some don’t have houses or money to buy essential services. We got the necessary permissions and decided to help these people,” she explains.
Besides supplying daily essentials, the actor is also trying to provide employment to women. Kaif elaborates, “Through this initiative, we’ve been providing food and proper sanitary facilities to the families of daily wage earners. A team of eight people walks down seven hours daily to reach out to the people there; two people go to each house to distribute things. The major focus is on women. We provide 10 metres of cloth to each woman so that they can make masks and sell on their own, we also buy it back from them at times. This not only gives them the opportunity to work, but also enables them to earn and stay physically and mentally fit during the lockdown.”
I do not have any set, rigid formula-Katrina Kaif
8:09 AM
The actor is ‘extremely grateful’ and feels ‘blessed’ for the love she gets from audiences. Says her Bollywood journey, so far, has been incredible
Prashant Singh (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 8, 2020)
Back in 2005, when she tasted her first big commercial success [with Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya?], not many must have imagined that Katrina Kaif would go on to become a household name for the next 15 years (and counting). But she kept moving ahead rapidly while also proving her naysayers wrong. And now, as the actor readies for a busy new year — with Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi co-starring Akshay Kumar lined up next — the actor is gung-ho. “This year is going to be an exciting one with a variety of films and genres that I would be dabbling in,” says Katrina. Excerpts from an interview:
You complete 15 years in Bollywood in 2020 since your breakthrough film, Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya. How does it feel to continue receiving so much love from the audience?
Acting in movies has given me an incredible amount of satisfaction. For me, the most wonderful place to be in is on a film set, and that’s primarily because I just love the process of exploring a character and being part of films which are going to be forever. Honestly, it’s something which is indescribable and an intrinsic part of me as well. One thing that I have continuously tried to do is to not have any set, rigid formula, and to respond instinctively to what I do.
So, despite all the success and fame, at the core, do you still remain instinctive?
See, vis-Ã -vis work, the simple idea is to try and not have any concrete plan as such. I think your choices have to be instinctive and ought to come from the heart. Especially, in the last few years, the joy that I have found in playing characters in films such as Zero (2018) or Bharat (2019) has given me an incredible sense of fulfilment. And I really enjoy that process of building a character.
Over the years, you have constantly — and successfully — redefined yourself with the changing times. What’s your mantra behind that?
For starters, I think it’s very important to not take yourself too seriously and to just enjoy every moment. You should relish the process of being on a film set, enjoy the work that you do as well as every moment, and just let the outcome follow. When I’ve to say yes [to a film] or when I am in the middle of it, the way I judge things is: ‘how has the process been for me?’, ‘have I felt connected on the set with the character, my director and co-stars?’, and ‘has the process been one where I felt we have all — creatively — put in our complete best.?’
Recently, Ormax Media announced you as the ‘most popular female star of the decade’, ahead of names such as Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Alia Bhatt. How does it feel?
It’s amazing. I feel extremely grateful and blessed to have had the audiences’ support as well as their love over all these years. They’ve backed me throughout my career, besides helping me grow as an actor. All of it brings a smile to my face as I know that the audience is with me, and is supporting me wholeheartedly. My journey, so far, has felt really incredible because of the sheer affection from the audience, as well as the industry and the media. I feel as if we have all — including the directors, producers and co-actors that I have worked with — been on this journey together.
As we step into the new decade, how do you look at the times ahead?
In terms of 2020, I am extremely excited about a few very interesting projects that I am currently in discussions for. I am making sure that I do things, or put myself in spaces where I feel challenged, inspired as well as excited. The idea is to maintain a mix and balance of different kinds of stories as well as genres that excite me. Through that, hopefully, I am able to continue presenting myself in a new way to the audiences and show different aspects of me [as an actor], and, most importantly, put myself in spaces where I can learn and grow as an artiste.
I am comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable-Katrina Kaif
8:14 AM
Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; July 21, 2019)
In the last eight months, Katrina Kaif’s life has been through a sea change. From being a pretty face in the frame, she’s now winning praise for being a promising actor, and one who is willing to dive deep into her well of emotions to deliver a fine performance. The actress, who celebrated her birthday on July 16, is currently in the midst of a well-deserved break in Mexico. Katrina spoke to BT about all that has changed in the last year in her life, in the personal and professional space. Excerpts:
Looking at your social media profile, it would be fair to say that you’re living the title of one of your films, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara…
(Laughs!) Yeah, and I hope I am doing Zoya (Akhtar) proud with the way I am living it up.
On a serious note, what do you think has changed for you in the last one year, personally and professionally?
The most prominent change that I notice in my life is that I feel a deeper sense of gratitude and fulfilment with my work. There’s a different kind of joy that I experience when I hear good things about my performance in Zero and Bharat, which gave me so much creative satisfaction. Making these films was such a wonderful experience. Both the films taught me a lot. These films propelled the actor in me and had a lot to contribute in helping me grow, both as a person and a professional.
There was a noticeable difference in the way you approached these characters — Babita Kumari in Zero and Kumud Raina in Bharat. Both won you praise in the reviews. What has changed in the way you look at your roles now?
In the last one-and-a-half years, I’ve begun to find more joy in the creative process of making a film and playing a role. I’ve changed the way I work and live. It’s difficult to put a finger on the exact reason or the turning point, but I’ve begun to give a lot more of myself to work. I’ve started understanding the process of making a film more deeply. As an actor, this means that you have to push your boundaries and work with directors who can make you do that. Working with Ali Abbas Zafar and Aanand L Rai helped me in a big way. In the last year or so, I’ve also found a lot more comfort and a still place within me that allows me to focus on what I am trying to do. The positive comments for Bharat and Zero made me feel wonderful because it was an incredibly happy experience working on these films. Now, I want to continue with the momentum.
While playing these parts, did you dive deep into your emotions and borrow from your own experiences?
That’s what I have been trying to do lately, and I’ve been enjoying it. Discovering characters has become so much more enriching. And then, you meet teachers, who can guide you to further your craft.
Post Zero and Bharat, has your criteria for giving a nod to a film changed?Striking a balance is important. Also, you shouldn’t take yourself too seriously. I’d still like to be a part of some fun, entertaining summer releases. It’s important to enjoy what you create. I relish lighter and easier films, while I also enjoy a role that challenges me. I’m just trying to take on films that can help me keep that balance.
In the last few months, in several interviews, you’ve made statements like, ‘My life is an open book, I got nothing to hide’. That frankness is refreshing, but it also makes one wonder why you have suddenly let your guard down...
I wasn’t even 18 when I started out in the industry. I’ve been in the public eye since then. The other day, when I was thinking about it, I realised that we are two different people in our teens and in our 30s. Experiences change you. We’re all over the place in our teens, discovering ourselves in our 20s, while finding our feet and experiencing things that mould us and help us understand who we really are. The 30s are when we accept what feels real. I know that a lot of people tend to shy away from the media and be on their guard all the time. I have also done that at certain times in my life, when I felt unstable or I didn’t know what’s really going on. This new me didn’t happen overnight or with any one decision. I felt that this is the industry, this is the work I do and I am here for everyone to see. So, whoever engages with me should get to see the most honest version of who I am and that’s what I am doing.
How did you get rid of your insecurities and become so accepting of everything around you, which is evident in the way you express yourself now?
I feel the biggest change in the Katrina of then and now is that, today, I am comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable. Everyone in their 20s goes through bouts of uncertainty; I did, too. But today, I’m okay not knowing everything or having an air of doubt. When you are just starting out, you are bound to feel shaky, while trying to find your feet when the avenues are just about opening up. With these years of being here, and with success and acceptance, you also gain a sense of confidence. It holds true for everyone. It’s not like I don’t get insecure thoughts, or I don’t feel weak or doubtful now, but I’ve stopped running away from it, which is working for me. Also, I think I was quite guarded as a person, especially when it came to my personal life. That was an overwhelming factor, which people felt about me. I always wanted to keep my guard up and that has changed. How do people perceive it? I don’t know, but we have to be who we are. Perception is something that no one can control.
Who are the people who keep you together when you’re in the thick of uncertainty or in an uncomfortable situation?
I have six wonderful sisters who’re all so different from each other. One sister is a mathematician, another is into social sciences and my brother is into deep-sea diving. Their uniqueness adds a lot of beauty to my life. My mom is devoted to helping others, and to me, she is a wonder woman who has never had a bad word to say about anyone. I’ve always seen her with a smile, and she’s imparted her virtues to all of us. I’ve also got a fantastic set of friends, and they all love me unconditionally. Nitya Mehra and her husband Karan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Ali Abbas Zafar, Kabir Khan and his wife Mini, are some of my closest friends. Kabir has played a big part in me finding my voice. Our first interaction was while working on the film, New York. He was full of belief, which instilled the confidence in me that I could really do anything. Aditya Chopra has been such a constant in my life. Alvira is an incredible friend. I am privileged to have so many people in my life who love and care for me.
And Salman Khan?We have such a wonderful friendship. He’s an incredible guy and the kind of dynamics we shared while working on Bharat was wonderful. Working with him has helped me grow as an actor and as an individual. And how can I ever forget Karan Johar? He keeps every single person around him happy.
Considering the fact that an actor’s life plays out in the public domain, does it get difficult to find the right person, maintain a relationship or go through an emotionally-draining phase like a break-up while being under the spotlight constantly?
Not at all! We don’t need to give this any thought. I have no preconceived ideas and thoughts regarding relationships. I just know that it has to happen organically, and you need to follow what feels right to you.
There’s nothing like it’s hard or easy. A relationship should feel right to you and you should take it one day at a time. To answer the other part of your question, I think every experience has only enriched me; I don’t think relationships can drain or empty you emotionally. Right now, I’m not even thinking of a relationship, we’ll cross the bridge when we get to it.
Lastly, while it’s common for people to feel or look awkward in the presence of exes or people they have a shared past with, it hasn’t quite been the case with you. You have dealt with all of that with a lot of grace and dignity…
I just don’t feel awkward and I don’t carry any heavy thoughts about it. As I said, all my experiences have only given me something. Also, why do we have to make everything so complex and heavy? It’s a personal thing and may not work for everyone, but if I had two options, I would always choose the simple one over the heavy and complex. Why would I want to feel awkward in anyone’s presence? I would rather smile, laugh, have a good chat and keep it easy, instead of keeping a sad face. Simple!
After my last relationship ended, I was forced to analyse myself and my life-Katrina Kaif
8:11 AM
Actor Katrina Kaif on how she moved on from her previous relationship that got her in a dark place, and the importance of a father figure in one’s life
Jitesh Pillaai (TIMES LIFE; July 21, 2019)
Tell me about all the New Year resolutions that you’ve broken this year.
I genuinely didn’t make any New Year resolutions. The year before last I made a bunch of them. But the things I’d asked for, the things I’d wanted so desperately — which I don’t want anymore — didn’t happen.
You seem to have eased out a lot. Earlier, you seemed on the edge…
Maybe. A lot of things have changed for me personally and professionally. After my last relationship ended, I was forced to analyse many things about myself, my life, and the way I was living it. Whatever was supposed to happen, happened. Everything happens for a reason. I remember I was getting on a plane to Thailand. It was January and there was a repetitive thought going on in my head. When you get stuck on something, it’s deeply disturbing. It doesn’t leave you alone. I wondered how could something trouble you to this level? That phase made me read a lot. I wanted to understand how we human beings function. On one particular night, my attitude and approach to the world opened up again.
How?
It may sound far-fetched and crazy but I realised we have just one life, and one day we’re going to die. These two things are certain. I wanted to understand what one could do about it. If I wanna look slim, I can’t sit here and eat a pizza. I’ll have to go to the gym, pay attention to my diet. It’s the same with our emotions. Reading and yoga helped me. That doesn’t mean I’ve achieved a state, where nothing affects me. I still get upset. I still get emotional. People can still play with my feelings. I still hurt. But it doesn’t keep me down for long. A sense of trust has come in. It’s not from some spiritual, hokey pokey stuff. It’s logical and explanatory. The bottom line is that you shouldn’t believe every thought that comes to your mind.
How much has your family contributed to the change in you?
My mom (Suzanne Turquotte) has been involved in charitable work even before I was born. She was not around as much. So, we didn’t get that individual attention one normally receives from their parents. My mind was free to perceive and understand the world without any parental or outside influence. I was always a dreamer and procrastinator. I’d daydream about things I wanted to happen in life. I was always creating things. I was too young. If you have exposure, it teaches you not to keep yourself isolated from people. It teaches you the importance of being out there in the world.
Did you miss having a strong male influence considering your parents had separated?
Yeah. Not having a father figure creates a certain vacuum and makes any girl feel vulnerable. When I have kids, I want them to have both parents.
Can you recall an instance where you felt the vacuum the most?
Each time I’ve gone through something emotionally hard, I was compelled to reflect that it must be nice for those who have a strong fatherly support from a male figure, who loves you unconditionally.
Did you look for strong male figures in your relationships or even outside them – maybe in a friend or a director?
I don’t think I did that. People say you are lucky if you can count your true friends on your fingers. My trustworthy, inner circle of friends know me well. They understand where I’m coming from... my fears and insecurities. Of course, my parents being separated had a part to play.
Sometimes, people tend to lose their identity in a relationship. Did you ever go through that? What has your last relationship taught you?
I don’t have regrets about anything because that was also an experience, a journey. Had it been balanced, calm and stable, I wouldn’t have come to learn so many things. These are just wonderful experiences. I’ve gained a lot more maturity, more understanding. Now, I don’t have any fixed plan that this is how it has to go or this is how I have to be. I want to maintain this openness. I don’t want to burden the other person or carry any baggage. It’s important for people to maintain their identity, have their own goals in life, and protect the friendships they have.
So you’re saying your life revolved around your male companion?
We’re all responsible for how we behave. But I allowed myself to not maintain a balance in all areas of my life. That obviously doesn’t result in something healthy. Having said that, there’s no assurance that had I maintained a balance, the outcome would have been different. So, it doesn’t really matter.
How have you remained friends with your exes – Salman Khan or Ranbir Kapoor?
You have to respect anyone who has been in your life in the past. You’ve shared something with that person and you respect that. Also, holding on to past bitterness weighs you down. Life can be difficult enough. I’d rather go through the journey with a light backpack than a heavy suitcase of grudges and resentment. It ages you because your cells hold on to so many things.
So you’ve made your peace?
Some things can still be upsetting. But that’s fine. I face it. I stare at the ghost in the room until it just fades away. When something triggers an emotion, I let it happen. Like one day I came across something, which I kept pushing away. But it hurt me and bothered me. While I was doing yoga, my teacher asked, ‘Are you okay?’ I said I was fine. She said, ‘But you’re crying’. I had actually begun crying. It had to come out. Now, I don’t try to push things away. I stare at them. What you resist, persists.
Does age help in dealing with challenges?
Not age, it’s the experience that helps.
Did the failed relationship leave you cynical?
If you’re bitter and cynical, do you feel good about yourself? No. So why be so? It’s in your own interest not to be bitter. Either you allow someone to make a mess of your life or you believe you know better than the whole world. It’s your choice. It’s hard. I have to work on this actively every day. You don’t succeed every day. But isn’t it a nicer way to live with the trust that a force is watching over you, rather than wanting everything to be in your control?
Are you in a new relationship?
I am single.
You said you were single when you were dating Salman Khan, and later Ranbir Kapoor as well…
I did not.
Of course, you did…
(Laughs) We all make mistakes and I may not have been entirely honest. And my punishment is that when I’m telling the truth, no one believes me. I am single.
Do you consider marriage as a patriarchal concept?
Not at all. I believe marriage is a wonderful thing. Romance is wonderful too.
You also attended Deepika Padukone’s wedding
I wanted to. I’ve known Deepika ever since she walked her first fashion show. Deepika and Ranveer (Singh) had extended a wedding invitation to me. So I wanted to attend. I didn’t analyse anything. People analyse too much.
Because you two have history…
I don’t get all this at all. What does one gain out of it? Sitting on a mountain and holding on to what?
You are a less guarded person now…
Arrey dost, I have nothing to hide. Maybe, earlier I had to defend and protect. You felt like it’s you against the world. But I don’t feel like that anymore. Now I feel the world is with me.
When it comes to birthday celebrations, I always have fun in a lively place-Katrina Kaif
8:17 AM
Deepali Singh (DNA; July 16, 2019)
Katrina Kaif has been posting some temperature-soaring images from her holiday in Mexico. Dressed in colourful bikinis and swimsuits, the actress, who turns a year older today, looks visibly relaxed and enjoying the break with her family. The celebrations are tinged with the recent success of her last film Bharat and the appreciation she received for her performance in last year’s Zero. The lissome lass is now raring to go after roles that excite her. But before that, she has some celebrating to do!
You recently wrapped up the first schedule of Sooryavanshi. How was it shooting with Akshay Kumar and Rohit Shetty?
The first schedule of Sooryavanshi was a lot of fun. I am really enjoying working with Akshay again after a long time. He has such an incredible passion for his work and you can still see the excitement he has to just be making movies! Rohit Shetty’s entire team, and the way they work, is so incredible; it’s like a family environment.
And now you’re holidaying in Mexico...
Yes, I am in Mexico for a four-day holiday and having a fantastic time.
You turn a year older today. What do birthdays mean to you?
I think birthdays are always fun. It’s not such a big deal, honestly, it’s more about the time that you have and an excuse to take a few days off to spend time with your friends and family. It’s been a wonderful year for me. I have really been having an exciting time at work. I’ve been creatively satisfied with my work and films, whether it’s Zero or Bharat. I am now looking forward to being part of movies that have exciting roles and other opportunities for me to explore new characters.
Are you the kind that likes to party hard or do you enjoy small, intimate gatherings?
When it comes to birthday celebrations, I always have fun in a lively place and just spend time together with friends and family.
Zero and Bharat had one thing in common — you received appreciation for both…
The response I received for both the films is exceptionally encouraging for me. It will be something that I will always cherish. To get positive feedback from the industry, critics and the media gives you a lot of satisfaction as an actor. I’m extremely happy that people felt that way and the characters connected with the audience!
What kind of a role or a movie you would like to gift yourself?
It’s very hard for me to be able to pinpoint the type of roles or movies it would be but when you hear a story, it just connects with you. You know it and you can feel it, that you can do something with this. And when you find that this speaks to you, it gives you a really exciting opportunity to do something special with the role and with a character of that sort.
Your last three films were with the three Khans and the upcoming one is with Akshay Kumar. There are a number of actors who are doing extremely well today. Anyone you look forward to working with in the future?
I think there are so many incredible actors doing so well right now, and what excites me is the director and the script. Whoever is the right actor for that part, it all comes together for the project. The first thing that is important is the director, who I feel can help you to further yourself as a performer, to work within, to help you bring out different aspects of you which you perhaps don’t even know. When this is combined with a good story and everyone on the team is passionate and working hard towards it, then that’s all that you need.
What’s your top priority now as an actor?
My priority right now, I think, is to continue doing roles that are exciting for me and venturing into areas that I have not explored before. Parallelly, this year, I’m working on something in the beauty space, something I’ve been pursuing with my team in the last few years and super-excited about that as well.
I enjoy a mix of workouts; fad diets like Keto neither interest me nor work in my favour-Katrina Kaif
8:25 AM
Katrina Kaif on how to maintain that chiselled physique as she turns ambassador for a fitness apparel brand
As told to Sonia Lulla (MID-DAY; July 10, 2019)
Training for reel
[My routine is crafted] to achieve the required look for a film. In Tiger Zinda Hai, I wanted to look like someone who is capable of pulling off that kind of action, so, I needed the tone and definition. For Bharat, [where I played a] girl from the ’70s and ’90s, I could not look like someone who goes to the gym. So, I stopped functional training entirely for that period, and did only pilates and yoga. I enjoyed the break. For a film that demands a [heightened] level of fitness, a stage show or photo- shoot, I will tweak my routine to include high-intensity work, cardiovascular exercises, and swimming. I mix it up. I find it exciting to mould my physique based on the demand. Yet, I am always in touch with some fitness form.
Watching what I eat
I realised early on that fad diets like Keto neither interest me nor work in my favour. I adopt [basic] principles like cutting out refined sugar, dairy, gluten, and oily foods. You follow these and you can have an enjoyable [meal plan]. I stay away from foods that are inflammatory, and eat a good amount of protein, vegetables, and carbs like rice and sweet potatoes. I keep my meals light after 7 pm. But, if I’m trying to achieve a target or prepare for a role, I follow a strict diet.
To women who look up to you as a fitness icon
I am not blessed with a high basal metabolic rate. In fact, when I started training, I was advised to increase my resting BMR. I’ve been lucky to get great advice. Each woman must decide what is right for her. Don’t make fitness about another person. It shouldn’t feel like a struggle. Women must understand that if there are targets, there are ways to achieve them. Choose something that suits you and makes you feel good.
How action and dance training affects fitness
You increase your energy output with dance or action training. When you are training for an activity for three hours a day, you’re burning so many more calories. So, if I undergo that training, the body will respond. Also, the level of fitness achieved via such movements is hard to replicate in the gym, because dance and action employ natural movements from the body. They are hard to mimic in a gym [set-up]. So, one will be in better shape when doing such training.
When not shooting
As of today, [while prepping for a role], I do high-intensity functional exercises, which include plyometric jumps, box jumps and other similar dynamic movements. These are difficult. So I don’t do them all the time. When I’m in between achieving a goal, I take it easy and give my body time to relax. I prefer pilates, which is gentler, and provides a wholesome [workout]. Also, I like classical weight-training; not one that increases the heart rate too much. I enjoy swimming and movement oriented workouts [that combine] yoga and functional training into a cardiovascular pattern. I literally decide the night before what I’m going to do the next day.
------------------
What works for me
A mix of pilates and cardio has always been great
On scheduling
I enjoy a mix of workouts, including swimming, HIIT, pilates and functional training. I literally decide the night before what I’ll do the next day
Things I’ll never eat
Refined sugar, dairy and gluten
If I had my way, I would have never spoken about my relationship-Katrina Kaif
7:53 AM
Basking in Bharat's success, Katrina Kaif on handling continuous scrutiny into her personal life
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; June 19, 2019)
With her last release Bharat emerging as one of the biggest hits of the year so far and Zero (2018) winning her critical acclaim, Katrina Kaif is enjoying a career-high. However, the actor's personal life continues to be under scrutiny — over three years after she parted ways with Ranbir Kapoor, Kaif often finds herself fielding questions about her former flame. While she has maintained a dignified stance about the break-up, she tells midday that she opened up on matters of the heart as she understood the demands of stardom.
"If I had my way, I would have never spoken about my relationship. I chose to talk about it because the media was interested in it. I couldn't have dodged the bullet every time. I would have sounded rude if I did that. So, the best thing was to share the bare minimum I wanted to, and be frank enough to accept the reality. We [Kapoor and her] still have respect for each other, and that will not change," says Kaif.
The actor adds that while the heartbreak was one of the toughest phases in her life, it helped her evolve as a person. "When I was going through separation, one of my sisters was also in the same phase. That's when I realised that since my life was out in the open, the ego was more bruised, but at the end of the day, we both felt the same pain. I found solace in reading. My friends were also a strong source of support. I don't have any regrets [about that chapter]. I have come out of the experience a lot more mature."
We have had no time to celebrate the success of Bharat-Katrina Kaif
8:11 AM
Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; June 17, 2019)
She has just delivered a Rs 150-crore movie, Bharat, at the box-office alongside Salman Khan, but Katrina Kaif hasn’t taken a break. The actress has already started shooting for her next, Sooryavanshi, with Akshay Kumar. Here, she tells us why the character she played in the period drama is close to her heart, and how the response has been exactly what she wanted.
How did you celebrate the success of Bharat?
We have had no time to celebrate. We will probably do it this weekend with something special. I am looking forward to it. But, yes, the response has been fantastic, it’s been exactly what I wanted.
And, what did you want?
I will be quite honest, I really wanted the reviews for my performance to match up to those that I got for Zero. So, when my friends were sending me the reviews, it felt very nice. There was a happy satisfied feeling.
What do you cherish most about the movie?
This film and character is always going to stay with me. Kumud (my character) is closest to my heart from everything that I have done so far. It was the best experience I have ever had as an actor in the creative process. I learnt so much and met so many good people who helped me in my journey. The first step is getting the character on paper. When you get the skeleton or frame of it, you have to see how you can bring the character to life. I saw such an opportunity to explore and worked on how to make it more real and true for me and the audience.
Did you prep for it by reading about the Partition?
Not just the Partition, but every era, especially those in which I am in the film. For the ’70s era, I took a lot of inspiration for small things to bring the look and mindset of the character. When I play a news reader, it is inspired by Salma Sultan ji who was a famous Doordarshan news reader. When the character gets older, Ali wanted the look to be like Nafisa Ali ji, who was so elegant.
Do you feel that with Zero you came into your own, and Bharat has validated it?
If that’s what people think, then that’s fantastic. Acting and my own journey go hand-in-hand. When I started acting, I was 18. You gain experience on set, you gain life experience working with good directors, writers and coaches, etc. The biggest learning for me is how to give more of myself and merge with the character, how to make it real for me, which will translate to audiences.
Was there any scene you found challenging?
There were lots of scenes — the one where madam/sir proposes to Bharat and she kind of realises that this will be tough and it’s not going to happen. That was a difficult scene. The introduction scene was tough because right from the word go, I wanted to project a strong, unique and dynamic persona to her character. Another scene that was challenging was at the end where the sister comes — it was emotional.
Talking about madam/sir, the term has become popular...
(Laughs) Yes, it’s a cute phrase. Also, people nowadays like to see a woman of today, of substance, a woman who can hold her own, be strong and in control, and at the same time doesn’t lose her femininity.
You are reuniting with Akshay Kumar in Sooryavanshi...
He is a lovely person to work with. He is a great co-star. When I was just starting out, he instilled a lot of confidence in me right from day one. He gave me immense support saying, ‘You can do it’, which helped me.
The Eid clash between Sooryavanshi and Salman Khan’s Inshallah has been averted. Did you have a word with Salman about it?
It never came up in any conversation. I am not a producer of either of the films. I just come in as an actor. But there is space for all movies. Everyone is friends and everyone is just a phone call away.
Will we see you reuniting with one of your other co-stars, Hrithik Roshan?
If a good script comes my way, I would love to. He is a fantastic actor.
You are now planning to produce films, have you got anything in mind?
I have heard a few concepts to which I want to lend my name. They will be smaller, passion projects. I will get a clarity on that soon.
Going forward what roles would you like to do?
My ambition would be to play a unique character that will take me one step ahead. Of course, you have to maintain a balance with fun films and serious character-driven movies. I just have to make sure that whatever I do, I am in a new space to keep myself interested.
Films under my banner may be a little off beat-Katrina Kaif
8:39 AM
Katrina Kaif on her plans to turn producer, reuniting with Akshay Kumar after almost a decade and her long-standing dream of doing woman-centric films
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 8, 2019)
Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif who are reuniting nine years after Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan, started filming for Rohit Shetty’s cop-drama, Sooryavanshi, at a city studio on May 6. It was a brief schedule, with Neena Gupta who plays Akshay’s mother, joining in. Rohit has since flown to Thailand where he is filming his leading man’s larger-thanlife introduction with guns, bikes and a helicopter. It wraps up next week, after which everyone heads to Ramoji Filmcity in Hyderabad.“I start shooting the next schedule by June-end,” informs Katrina, elated to be a part of Rohit’s cop universe. The team will finish a substantial portion of the film in Hyderabad by July-end, after which a couple of songs will follow.
The Eid 2020 release is Katrina’s seventh collaboration with Khiladi Kumar whom she describes as a “chilled-out person to work with”. She adds that their first shot together was so easy that it didn’t seem like they were working together after almost a decade. “He’s a thorough professional and very accommodating with his co-stars,” she avers.
Over the years, Katrina has often spoken about her desire to do a women-centric action film on the lines of Kill Bill but admits that these things are not in her hand. “I hear almost every script that comes to me and besides action, I also want to experiment with other genres, like a psychological thriller and a comedy. But you can only select from what is offered to you,” she points out.
Meanwhile, after Anushka Sharma and Deepika Padukone, Katrina now plans to turn producer and is looking for the right script, something which connects with her immediately. “The films under my banner may be smaller and a little off-beat but they will be a journey we can go on together,” she explains. And will she act in these films? “Of course,” she replies, then amends her answer with a smile, “For now, it’s a yes.”
Apart from Sooryavanshi, Katrina has another action film in her kitty—the third installment of the Tiger franchise, which sees her reprise her role of ISI agent named Zoya.
Ali Abbas Zafar has confirmed that the film is being scripted and will take off sometime next year while Salman has said that Katrina will always be a part of the Tiger franchise.
The leading lady however is not in the loop. “Ali has not shared his idea with me but then with Ali, I’m always the last one to know,” she laughs. “He is very secretive and keeps his scripts close to his chest till the last minute despite me being a good friend.”
The most compliments I have received for Bharat are for my curly locks-Katrina Kaif
8:37 AM
Deepali Singh (DNA; June 8, 2019)
On Wednesday, Bharat opened to a resounding Rs 42.3 crore at the box office, making it superstar Salman Khan’s biggest Eid release till date. Along with the Dabangg Khan, it’s also Katrina Kaif’s achievement, who, as Kumud, plays his love interest in the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial. The actress, naturally, is over the moon with the response the film has generated and also grateful for the love that the audience always showers on her and Salman’s jodi.
“Ali and Salman have such a successful pairing with Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai and now, with Bharat. Salman and I have Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai and now Bharat. But it doesn’t make us complacent. In fact, it makes us more conscious, that so many people have come and seen us on screen. Now, the story has got to deliver a better and newer experience and take it one dimension higher,” she states. Over to the actress...
The film has opened to such good numbers. Are you happy with the response?
Yes, all of us are extremely happy. Bharat has truly been a team effort. Everyone working on the film has put in their best, starting from Atul (Agnihotri) who bought the rights for the remake of Ode To My Father. It’s always been a passion project for Atul and Alvira Agnihotri who are the producers. There is a lot of heart and passion behind the decision to make this film. I loved the script from day one. It was a joy to be on the sets. I was having such a good time playing the character; I felt confident that people would respond positively to it. I was able to find the enjoyment and connection with the character.
You’re finally getting appreciated for your acting skills, something for which you got flak for in the initial years. But Zero, and now Bharat has changed that. Does it feel good?
Very much! Getting the right role and the right director to guide you and walk through the journey with you plays a crucial part. And of course, with each film and role, you try to take it a notch higher. You dig deeper within yourself and better yourself as an artiste. That’s the only way you can keep your interest alive in your work.
In the initial few years, there is a lot of glamour and other things about being an actor that excites you. At this point, it just has to be the role. Now, it’s about trying to explore the character and create something out of it. My greatest desire now, when I’m doing a film, is to see how much the audience can connect with my role.
You played an older character in Baar Baar Dekho (2016) and the film didn’t work at the box office. Was there any apprehension in your mind about sporting grey hair again?
On the contrary, I loved it! I was so excited to get that look right. Ali and I went to London from Malta after shooting the schedule there. We met the prosthetics team and attended their workshop, which was absolutely fascinating. Ali had shown them references of Nafisa Ali ji and Rekha ji to show how gracefully and beautifully these ladies have maintained themselves. He was clear that we wanted the look to be delicate. We also used my mother’s pictures as a reference. We had a three-day look test, which lasted for eight-nine hours daily. We tweaked each look to see how it appeared on camera. Once we got that right, I felt so comfortable in my skin. Later, it was a whole new experience to find the right body language and attune to the mindset of a senior citizen. It’s the pace at which you move, even if you’re active. But there is a certain stillness you reach in your mind and body. That was the main thing for me.
While there have been positive comments, there has been some criticism about your look as well, especially the curly locks...
Honestly, I’ve only seen positive comments. In fact, the most compliments I have received are for that. I think it’s just worked fantastically for the character.
While Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ exit from the film had created headlines, even now, Salman’s comments about her are making news. Have you spoken to Priyanka on what’s your take on the situation?
Priyanka is a dear friend of mine and this is a professional decision of hers. Everyone respects that. Very frankly, these are just highlighted things in the media. This is a complete non-issue for me, for Priyanka, for Ali and for Atul and Alvira. We all know how Salman is. He likes to joke around. Honestly, it’s a non-issue for him as well.
Next, you have Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi with Akshay Kumar, another star with whom you share a great on-screen chemistry. Do tell us about that.
It’s been eight long years that I worked with Akshay, so I’m really looking forward to being back on set with him. Rohit is another person whom I admire a lot. He’s worked his way up from the ground and built this huge empire and brand of cinema people have come to follow. And I’m hoping we can create something great together. Akshay and I have always tried to do something nice on screen and that’s the effort this time as well.
Bharat is the best role of my career-Katrina Kaif
8:33 AM
Katrina Kaif on why she is willing to play supporting acts in male-dominated offerings like Salman Khan-starrer Bharat
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; June 5, 2019)
Excelling in parts over her 15-year journey in Bollywood, Katrina Kaif, it may be argued, has only come into her own, recently. Despite the mixed reaction that Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) drew, cinephiles were pleasantly surprised to see the actor shine through with her athletic display.
In a bid to prove that the acting prowess she made evident in the Salman Khan-starrer was no fluke, she went on to put up a power-packed performance in Shah Rukh Khan’s Zero (2018). But even as she finds herself in the good books of critics who may pan her films, Kaif continues to green-light projects that bank heavily on their leading men. Even then, she considers herself 'lucky' to bag the roles that she does.
"I could be wrong, but Bharat is the best role of my career, on paper," says the actor. "There are instances when [an actor] doesn’t get too much screen time in a Salman Khan-movie. But, I have been fortunate to get films with strong roles."
While director Ali Abbas Zafar had told mid-day that he wouldn't amend for her the character of Kumud, initially designed for Priyanka Chopra, Kaif says she too set a condition before signing on the dotted line. "I told Ali that I'd join the cast only if the character is strong enough. Kumud is that character. I went through a lot of prep work and attended workshops, because this role was challenging. The character spans 40 years in the film. Also, it’s a big-budget holiday release, so it will reach a wide audience."
With her next, Akshay Kumar-backed Sooryavanshi taking further Rohit Shetty's cop-universe, it could safely be assumed that the male protagonist will be the centre of this film as well. Interestingly, Kaif refers to this offering as one that will help her strike a 'balance' between her distinct film choices. "I desire to play interesting characters, but, at the same time, I can balance [that] with films that are simply about having fun. Rohit and I have been planning to work together for nine years. We felt this film could be one that we could collaborate on. I like [the message] he is trying to portray in it. It's not just another glamorous role," she promises.
I had to dance on gravel and sand for Chikni Chameli, and by the end of it my bare feet were bleeding-Katrina Kaif
9:01 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (June 3, 2019)
Kumud from Bharat was a challenging character to play because it spans over 40 years and you watch her go from her 20s to her 60s which is something I’ve not done earlier, barring a couple of scenes in Baar Baar Dekho. In this film, I get to depict the life of this woman and her journey with Salman’s (Khan) character Bharat. The prep was different for every decade depending on the era, for instance during the 1970s, when Kumud is a feisty young woman, it was all about getting the tone and dialogue delivery right. But as she grew older, it was important to understand her state of mind at every phase, identify with her primary thoughts and fears, and align myself to her emotional graph as that would help mould my body language.
We shot the film in chapters and I did a lot of workshops to understand Kumud and her mannerisms. She speaks ‘saaf’ Hindi and I wanted to be fluent and comfortable with the language so I rehearsed my dialogue with experts.
For Zero’s Babita Kumari too I had several discussions with Aanand sir (producer-director Aanand L Rai) and a few others to ‘feel’ her emotions. Analysing her fears at times made me break into tears during my interactions with Shah Rukh (co-star Shah Rukh Khan). Initially, Aanand sir had wanted Babita to be like the actresses in our industry, but later she turned out to be diametrically opposite, a self-destructive character, and I would shut myself away from the world because the set was not a happy place to be at.
Physical prep is easy for me as that’s all about discipline and execution. So, for the Tiger franchise (Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai), in which I play ISI agent, Zoya, it was all about strength and flexibility training for a certain number of hours and repeating the process till I had perfected the action. It was a mathematical process which, if done right, gave you the desired result.I wanted longer rehearsals for Tiger Zinda Hai, but Ali (Abbas Zafar, director) was adamant about filming my solo action scene on a pre-decided date. I trained with a team of professionals from the West. They taught me how to lock a gun, load and fire it. I also took sniper training. Agents also walk in a certain way and have a way of communicating messages and conveying commands—everything was a part of this workshop.
For Farah Khan’s Tees Maar Khan, I took some belly dancing lessons for “Sheila Ki Jawani”. The training enhanced my core strength. I rehearsed the moves for around two hours a day, then, separately, with the belly dancers. We would stand, roll up our sleeves, learn and practice continuously and rigorously to get control over the core muscles because that’s what belly dancing is all about. I later used that trick in other films. We shot the song in just two-and-a-half days.
As compared to “Sheila Ki Jawaani”, “Chikni Chameli” in Agneepath was a lot more difficult. It was shot over nine days, I had to dance on gravel and sand, and by the end of it my bare feet were bleeding. By evening, when my energy was flagging, I would cheer the background dancers to get myself going. There’s so much energy in the song, and that’s the emotion which you get to see on the screen.
Being in love is beautiful, but it’s important to not lose your identity-Katrina Kaif
8:00 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; May 28, 2019)
While Katrina Kaif has always been known for her beauty and dancing skills, her last few outings had even her worst critics praising her acting chops. And now, she is all set for another content-driven character in the upcoming Salman Khan-starrer, Bharat. Ahead of the film’s release, the actress talks about preparing for the role, why she does not dwell in the past and how she has become wiser when it comes to love. Excerpts…You stepped in for Priyanka Chopra Jonas at the last minute after she exited Bharat for personal reasons. Since you were busy shooting for Zero around the same time, did you get enough time to get into the skin of your character?
I had two months to prepare for the part. Ali (Abbas Zafar, director) told me that Priyanka would not be doing the film anymore. He is a close friend, but when it comes to work, he is very straightforward. Our personal equation never seeps into the work space. He sent me the script; I read it and told him, ‘Ali, I am going to give you a brutal reaction to the script — I love it’. I love the character of Kumud — it’s so strong and unusual. I was happy that he wrote the film with someone else in mind, as certain nuances of the person seep into the writing unknowingly. And, since Kumud was written for someone else, it ended up being unlike anything I have done before. Personally, it was a challenge to immerse myself into it and give it my all. The journey of Kumud’s character spans from 1975 to 2010. Ali wanted specific and authentic looks, and had already done his homework. Visually, I knew who he was referring to and I just had to make her come alive. The first thing I had to do was to have a stronger command over the language.
Talking about your last outing, Zero may have failed to set the cash registers ringing, but you were appreciated for your performance. How does it feel to be noticed for your acting chops than just being praised for your beauty and dancing prowess?
It’s the best thing to have happened and I am happy about it. But I am also putting in that much effort. Unlike earlier, when I was trying to balance home, life and work, my focus is just on work now. And I think that it reflects on screen. There is an emotional connect because the viewer feels what the actor on screen is conveying.
Before the success of Tiger Zinda Hai, a few of your films had not done well at the box office. In an industry where destinies change every Friday, how difficult did you find that phase?
Someone told me a few days ago that you should learn from your past. I said, ‘Yes, but the past is past. We don’t necessarily need it to dictate how our future will be’. The road I want to carve ahead doesn’t need the baggage from the past because after a while, it feels heavy. Sometimes, it’s okay to let it all go, just focus on today and what I am doing right now. It is also okay to keep looking ahead, rather than dissecting the past so much. I feel happy with success and low with failure. But I also feel it’s important to adopt a balanced approach to both. A film works or fails on the basis of the script, so, I don’t personalise and make it all about me. Filmmaking is an unpredictable business. Nobody in the world can give you 100 per cent guarantee that yeh script hit hai ya flop hai. It’s a risk. You have to have nerves of steel to be in the film industry.
But, isn’t it disheartening that actresses can be written off more easily, as compared to their male counterparts?
I don’t believe that. Just because a few people say so, that doesn’t make it true. It will become true for me the day I believe it. It’s up to me to decide my path and not let others dictate it.
Bollywood heroes can switch from one genre to another, but that’s not often the case with actresses, who are either slotted as commercial and glamorous heroines or those who can pull off intense roles. We hardly see these lines blurring for an actress in Hindi cinema...
It’s easier to slot and typecast. I feel these labels are allotted more to women, however, not everyone is walking that path. I personally feel that it’s important to do both. Kareena (Kapoor Khan) does it quite well. She does a Singham 2 and Good News or Veere Di Wedding. I think she is striking that balance nicely. You don’t have to dedicate yourself to only certain kind of characters and negate all others. It’s a personal choice.
When do we see you take up a heroine-centric film?
For me, that’s less important than the character. Today, I see Babita Kumari (Her character in Zero) as a character; whether she is the protagonist or not isn’t important. I see Kumud as a heroic character. Tomorrow, if a role like what Deepika (Padukone) is doing in Chhapaak is offered to me, I would jump at it. But you have to choose from what is offered to you. Out of what is offered to me, I am choosing the strongest characters as well as what seems right for me. But it’s not that ‘Oh! I am in a female-centric film, so that automatically makes it a good character’. What’s the emotional graph of the character? Is it well-written? Does it have a proper arc? All these questions have to be answered. I can sign five female-centric films tonight, but the stories may not be correct. I look for those flaws in the script. You have to have a strong script to take it up.
Is there any genre you would like to explore?
I would like to do a biopic or a sports film. I also want to do something more in the action space, or a film like Gone Girl, which is in the psychological thriller space.
Indian cinema has become more content-driven. Earlier, working with the Khan troika was seen as an achievement, but today, there is no guarantee that a film featuring a Khan will be a hit at the box office...
I feel that all these labels and tags of working with X, Y, or Z are generated by the media. We are not jars on a kitchen shelf, but living and breathing beings. If you ask me whether I have a strategy (which I often read about myself), then no. That’s not how it works. Different people are on different paths, which we have not constructed on our own. Some things just come your way and happen, like this film. Sometimes, things are just in your destiny. My focus right now is not on who is in the film or what’s in the film, but trying to be a part of good work and being a representative of who I am today. If I feel bored or am in a space, which is boring me, then I feel scared because I know that the audience will be bored, too. I feel that Bharat has excited me and inspired me, and hence, I feel excited for the audience. That’s the only barometer to understand whether I am going right or wrong.
At one point, you wanted to get married at the peak of your career. What are your thoughts on love, relationships and marriage today?
At heart, I continue to believe what I have always felt about love and relationship. I think being in love with another person is beautiful. As a person, I have a lot to give in a relationship, but it’s important to not lose your identity. I can’t hand over the whole burden of my happiness and sadness to another person. No matter how much you may want to throw yourself at the feet of another person, retain the control of your self-worth. Don’t blame the other person if that goes away.
You said that you give your all to everything — be it work, or relationships. However, have you come to terms with the fact that things will not always go in your favour?
I have come to terms with both the things. I know that everyone is not going to reciprocate in the same manner, and also, that it does come with a heavy price. I also know that you shouldn’t be afraid of what you feel. I don’t think I will ever be able to change — change feeling the life, the lows (pain, disappointment, the heartbreak, the rejection and the betrayal) as well as the highs. But the only thing you can do is not be afraid of it.
Have you become wiser in love?
I think this is the phase where I am growing up a little bit and becoming more balanced about it. But the real test will be the next time I am in a relationship and how much I can hold on to that balance.
At this point in my career, I am not looking for something glamorous-Katrina Kaif
8:01 AM
Completing 15 years in the industry, Katrina Kaif says her appetite for taking risks has just increased
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; May 27, 2019)
It is easy to notice the shift in Katrina Kaif. She doesn't want to play second fiddle in a hero-oriented script, nor does she want a song-and-dance routine. Having silenced her detractors last year with her uninhibited act as an alcoholic fading superstar in Zero (2018), Kaif says she is ready to take on roles that will tap into her acting potential.
"As actors, we evolve and keep learning new things. [We need to channel this] experience in our work," says the actor, who has completed over 15 years in the industry. "I am in a position where I want to take risks and want to be part of things that are layered. At this point in my career, I am not looking for something glamorous or a song-and-dance routine. I have already done those things. What appeals to me today is finding the characters and the complexities that my character goes through. And that's because of who I am today."
Point out how her next, Bharat, is as mainstream as they come, and she reasons, "Bharat is a larger-than-life film, but for me, that is incidental. When I was part of Sheila Ki Jawaani or a film like Dhoom 3 [2013], it was because those things appealed to me then. [But now] I want to find roles that I haven't attempted before."
Even as she sifts through multiple scripts that come her way, Kaif has only greenlit Akshay Kumar's Sooryavanshi after Bharat. Reuniting with one of her first co-stars has been a cherished experience. "Initially, I was a little hesitant, but things went smoothly from the first shot. Akshay has been so supportive throughout my career."
I have learnt more about love and betrayal-Katrina Kaif
8:18 AM
Meena Iyer (DNA; May 13, 2019)
Katrina Kaif is currently on a high with some of the biggest movies such as Ali Abbas Zafar’s Bharat with Salman Khan and Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi with Akshay Kumar in her kitty. She says a lot of the renewed vigour she feels at the work place has to do with her ‘personal’ journey of the recent past. The lissome lass, whose performance in Aanand L Rai’s Zero was much appreciated, is grateful to the director as he helped her discover her real potential as an artiste.
The Bharat actress mentions that she is more positive today than she has ever been because she has begun to enjoy her time on a film set. She says, “I am feeling really inspired; work is giving me a lot of joy right now. I’m in a new phase of unlearning, re-learning and learning a lot of things. There are many interesting makers and creative people whose paths are crossing mine. And they are teaching me a lot of things. This is something I didn’t expect.”
She adds that having spent a certain amount of time in the industry, one usually tends to feel saturated or perhaps even jaded. “But believe me, none of that is happening to me. Instead, I’m feeling rejuvenated. At this point, to be experiencing so much of new learning, new energy around me is really nice. It was most unexpected, but I am glad it’s happening,” she states.
NOVEL DIMENSIONS
The pretty actress continues, “When I hear from people like you that there is a growth in me as an actor or that you have spotted a new dimension to my screen characters, it feels good. You have done interviews with me from my first film until now. You know they have been watching me over the years and you have an unbiased opinion about my craft.” Katrina reveals that now, she has a distinct approach and is a different person on the professional front.
A NEW PERSONA
Katrina admits, “I have changed as a person. I have always been honest to who I am. You were there when I was doing Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009) or for that matter Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011). Everything then was beautiful, wonderful, fun and happy. I was so full of energy. Life was wonderful, there were roses and flowers everywhere. Everything is beautiful in my life even now but I have seen a lot in the last few years.”
TREADING AN UNCHARTERED TERRITORY
The glamorous star mentions that the emotional highs and lows have been a learning experience. She adds, “Life has put me on a journey that has put me on unchartered (very unexpected paths) territories emotionally. That has taught me about myself. I have learnt a lot about emotion, pain, love and betrayal. But at the same time, I have also gained an understanding about positive things like trust. I have begun to see life in a deeper way. And I have brought all of this to my work. Having that platform and then having fantastic directors like Aanand sir has helped.”
Katrina is all praises for the filmmaker for helping her tap the performer within her. “Aanand sir was very specific. He was able to guide me with an emotional scene so beautifully. He would encourage me to reach deep within to bring the needed emotions to the fore. In Zero, for me, it was a world that Aanand sir and I discussed and discovered so deeply. When I got on set, he pushed and helped me to stay in the zone, which was required. That is what I would have hoped for. And I am happy that it happened.”
She signs off, “Such experiences and encouragement from a director have helped me evolve as an actor. I have definitely started to understand more of the craft. Eventually this is what every actor wants. We all want to constantly grow at work. And, if someone somewhere makes a note, it makes the whole process worthwhile.”
I have a separate equation with Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt-Katrina Kaif
9:11 AM
Actress on the aftermath of her last relationship, why she didn’t hang out with Salman Khan on set and playing ‘cliched’ Babita
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 29, 2019)
She’s sitting in the atrium of a suburban studio, pretty as a picture, waiting for her Bharat to arrive so they can take some promo shots together. And while she waits, Katrina Kaif uses the time gainfully to do some interviews for her upcoming Eid release. Even when Salman Khan strolls in, telling her with a straight face, “I’ve been waiting for you all my life and you are sitting here”, she is all business, discussing the shoot and a scheduled Twitter chat. Watching Katrina in work mode, it’s obvious that she is at the top of her game. The first trailer of the Ali Abbas Zafar directorial has just released and she’s curious to know the reactions…
Your character Kumud Raina has sparked off a series of memes stemming from one of your dialogues, “Bharat ji is daftar mein chunav ka namankan patra nahi bhara jata hai. Aur jis naukri ke liye aap aaye hain, usme itne bhari gyan ki zaroorat nahi hai.” Tell us about Madam Sir.
(Laughs) ‘Madam Sir’ is a term Ali came up with for my character who works at an employment exchange, hiring men for an oil refinery, probably the only female in a male-dominated environment. For a woman like that to hold her dignity… her own… in the world today is tough, back in 1975, it was even tougher. Ali had some strong references for Kumud in real-life role models. When Bharat sees her for the first time, he likes her, but then she puts him in his place like a domineering man, and becomes ‘Madam Sir’ in his mind.
What was it about the script that got your nod?
The best thing about my friendship with Ali is that we don’t hold each other to account for anything. It’s not as if either of us feels bad if we choose to work with someone else so there’s never the burden of expectancy. I know he will come to me if he has something interesting. This time it was somewhat different because Priyanka (Chopra) had been signed for the role earlier. But this is Ali’s best script so far and Kumud’s character was just right for the person I am today. So, I grabbed the opportunity and immersed myself into the role. I had two months to prep and I used every minute of it. Bharat has been one of my most inspiring experiences at work.
Salman had said that you were his brother-in-law and co-producer Atul Agnihotri’s first choice for Kumud but Priyanka called Ali saying she wanted to play the role and so got cast. Atul has reiterated this and recently described Salman and your chemistry as “incomparable”.
Atul has always been very supportive and really wanted me to do the film. And in the end, that’s what happened. Yes, Salman and I share great chemistry, but when I walked onto this set, I was very clear that the script demanded a different kind of dynamics between us and I had to maintain it. So, I would not have lunch or hang out with him. It’s different with an action film like Tiger (Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai) where you can chat… chill. But here, I wanted Bharat and Kumud to appear like two people meeting for the first time and forging a connection. I hope you see that in the film.
You’re showcasing top form as an actress. Your performance in Zero was impressive.
I’ve learnt a lot and have a lot to offer now. I’m excited to collaborate with good directors on interesting characters. I’m looking for opportunities like Zero and Bharat.
Apparently, Zero was originally titled Katrina Meri Jaan and revolved around your character...
The original draft, which was discussed two-and-a-half years before the film started, had a version titled Katrina Meri Jaan. At that time both the boy and the girl had double roles. There were two dwarves. But that script changed and evolved, as it happens sometimes, and what came about was a film in a different space and genre.
Aanand sir (L Rai, director) who is a phenomenal director, was clear that my character was a struggling actress battling insecurity and heartbreak who used alcohol as a crutch to cloak her feelings and numb her pain. Despite the film not working at the box-office, I had the time of my life playing Babita. She was so cliched, so filmi! Who walks around in boxer shorts with a bottle of vodka in a hand? But as Aanand sir would point out, the challenge was to feel for this outlandish character and make her real.
Did she come out of real life?
Everything that I bring to my work comes out of my life’s experiences. I try to find a way to connect it with something I have seen, heard or something someone around me has faced.
Many women break after a break-up, but you have come out of it looking gorgeous, you’re doing good work and we see you at more events and parties now.
I had to break before I could proceed to rebuild myself. I had to unravel and feel everything that had happened… I had to take full responsibility for my part in the equation, what I could and should have done better… And accept that the parts that I was not responsible for were not my problem. One thought that helped me when I was at my lowest was something my mom told me, “So many girls and women go through the same thing, you feel you are alone, but you are not.” That thought was very comforting.
Has what happened changed you as a person?
I’ve always been emotional. I’m a Cancerian and a sensitive soul. I’m not going to lose that or change that for anyone. But what I have learnt is that as a woman, you must protect and maintain your identity. Your sense of self-worth comes from within and not from another person. You come into this world alone, and you leave alone. That’s something you should not lose sight of. I’m not saying be guarded in love. No, love with all your heart. Being in a relationship is beautiful and I have a lot to give to a person. But I know now that nobody else gives you your identity.
Today, if a relationship works out or doesn’t, does it really matter?
No, it doesn’t. Fifty per cent of marriages end in divorce and that’s not a great track record. But that’s not to say that you should be prepared for the worst. Hope for the best and hopefully everything will happen for the best. But you must understand that your value, your self-worth, cannot be dictated by how much attention and affection your partner gives you. The reins to that have to be in your hands.
At the Filmfare Awards and publicly greeted someone who had once been a part of your life and his present partner gracefully. It takes a very mature person to do that...
I have a separate equation with Ranbir (Kapoor) and Alia (Bhatt) which I maintain regardless of anything else. They have their own place in my life and as individuals I have great warmth and regard for both. When I meet them, I behave the way I feel for them.
You have also found a new friend in Ranveer Singh…
(Laughs) He is such a darling!
...who said you made Deepika Padukone and his wedding reception special with your presence.
Life can get a little heavy at times and holding on to grudges makes the burden heavier. If you can let go of the past, let it go. I have, because I want friends around me… I want happiness and positivity.
Varun Dhawan says you are the most interesting person on the social media today…
No, Varun said I was the most interesting person on the social media but in real life I have blinkers on and I only work. I have to get back at him for that! (Laughs) The social media is a great platform to share your work and some other stuff with your followers.
But you joined social media pretty late...
I was one of the last actors to join. Sometimes I can be stubborn, I get ideas in my head and it’s hard to get them out. But I’m enjoying it now.
Any regrets that you had to opt out of the Varun musical, Street Dancer 3D?
It was impossible for me to do the film because the schedule conflicted with Bharat’s. And I was so consumed by that film, that I didn’t want anything else to distract me. No regrets though; I’m at peace. Varun and I will do something else together in a good space.
There’s talk of a P T Usha biopic...
I’m in talks for quite a few interesting projects but I never get into details unless a deal is signed, sealed and delivered. Sometimes some projects become discussions which don’t materialise and then, when they go to another person, they get burdened because your name is attached to it. So, I don’t talk about a film that is under discussion.
I’d love to do a biopic based on a woman who fought such intense battles, who has seen such heights and crashes. Actually, there are quite a few interesting biopics I’d like to do. But the only film I’ve signed so far is Sooryavanshi.
Why Sooryavanshi?
I’ll be working with a director (Rohit Shetty) who has created his own universe, built it up from scratch. And I’m excited to be teaming up with Akshay (Kumar). He taught me so much at the beginning of my career. He was such an important part of that journey.
But in a Rohit Shetty and Akshay Kumar film, the heroine doesn’t have much to do and Katrina’s just starting to peak as an actress…
I understand what you are saying, but in this case the heroine’s role is central to the story. I’m passionate about the work I’m developing, some strong female characters... that’s the path I’m moving towards. But it’s also important not to take yourself too seriously. Look at Scarlett Johansson, who along with big franchises like The Avengers also does smaller films like Her and Lucy. The right mix is some entertainment and some character-building roles.
Buzz is, Aditya Dhar is thinking of reviving Raat Baaki with you and Vicky Kaushal stepping in for first choice Fawad Khan?
Raat Baaki was to be Aditya’s first film before Uri: The Surgical Strike, but it didn’t happen. It’s a cool script but I don’t think he’s reviving it. He’s already doing another film.
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