From all the news made about Katrina Kaif’s personal life in the recent past, one would expect a morose side of the actress to come to the fore when I met her. But as I wait to speak with her about her upcoming film Fitoor and several of her other experiences, I see a figure emerge from the dark with a bright flashing smile.
Katrina is fitter than ever before, more joyous and even chattier. She took many details about how my day had been before we began the interview officially. And, believe it or not, looks like Katrina is perhaps witnessing the best phase of her life (or she’s turned into a phenomenally good actor in real life as well, we’ll stick with the former.)
Katrina’s Fitoor
How did you get into the skin of playing Firdaus (her character in Fitoor)?
The character is inspired from Great Expectations, so the basic traits and personality, even the experiences of Firdaus are similar to the ones in the novel. But I think one had to spend a lot of time with the director to understand what the character needed, and the good thing about Abhishek (Kapoor) is that he spends that kind of time with you. He has a special knack for understanding human nature and he had a complete insight about Firdaus. It’s amazing how a person who looks so carefree has a depth of knowledge. He really helped me be her.
You’re now working with a co-actor, who has lesser work experience than you. Do you think you’ll have to shoulder the movie? Also, if the movie turns out to be successful, you’ll claim the larger part of the success, isn’t it?
I might be a more experienced actor in this case, but I don’t take on a movie for critical or commercial success. I solely go by my instinct and take up a film that I know I would be happy to do at that point in my life. That’s what I felt when I agreed to do Rajneeti or Mere Brother Ki Dulhan or Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. And now, Fitoor felt right. It was a very romantic film and it has a lot of elements that the audience can relate to.
The film shows how when two people are in love, that in itself is complex enough and then people add pressure to that from the outside; family, society or status pressures. In India, this happens way more often than in other countries like England or somewhere in the USA. So, the movie becomes very relevant for our audience.
The Evolution
How have you evolved through your films?
Today when I stand on a set, I’m much more at peace and I enjoy my work much more. I always worked very hard but maybe I didn’t enjoy it as much because I was too nervous. There was just too much to learn and too much to be careful about. But now I have more experience and that gives me more control and hence, I enjoy much more.
Looks like you’re finally ready to shed layers in public. You’ve definitely changed on the inside and the outside in terms of the way you project yourself to the world. Am I right?
I’ve shed a few pounds for sure (laughs). See, dressing has become more important today. As actors, we have to put in more effort and look good. It’s almost a requirement. If I had it my way, denim shorts, a t-shirt and a hoodie is all I need to live in from morning to night. This for me is like playing dress-up like we did when we were kids. As for the rest, I think I do get very enthusiastic when talking to the media. During Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara promotions, a headline on TV said ‘Kat Ki Toli’ and everyone around me was like why not Hrithik or Farhan in there. Promoting a film is hard and very tiring. There’s just no time and it’s difficult to put forth your best but like I said, I’m more experienced now and hence, I manage to put up a better front.
Love and More
Have you ever been unlucky in love?
I think anyone who has ever been in love or has experienced it is lucky, regardless of the outcome. Some say they’ve never felt that obsession or fitoor and well, that’s why i say, if you’ve had the chance to feel it, then it makes you lucky anyway.
So, you’ve definitely felt it for someone, right?
(Laughs) Now, that I won’t tell you. But am I a passionate person by nature and do I believe in the intensity or depth of love? Yes. Some people are very pragmatic, very practical. I’m not like that.
For me marriage is the joining of two human beings; their souls and minds. The only factor involved should be the two people and what they feel. You can love your family and I love my mom but I know she will respect the choice I make. Love for me can’t be an arrangement or settlement. I think every love story can have a happy ending.
How far would you go for love?
Like the tagline of Fitoor says, “Ye Ishq Nahin Aasan.” That explains it all. Love is like going through fire, you’re either in it or not. I’d dive straight into the middle of it, (laughs) but I’m smart enough to apply some shielding solution and then dive. (Smiles)
About Salman Khan and Jagga Jasoos
It’s difficult to understand the relationship you share with Salman. It was definitely good to see you share the same space on the Bigg Boss sets where he went on to say that like the nation, he’s also crazy about you. What do you have to say?
A relationship between two people never needs to be defined. The two people sharing it should know and that’s enough. With regards to Salman, between us there’s a lot of respect and I’m sure you can see that. It’s very important to me that a relationship has that factor and saying that we share (mutual) respect is having said enough. There’s no need to say anything more than that.
And to call it a wrap, when is Jagga Jasoos wrapping up?
So, when I finish promoting Fitoor, which is post its release i.e. February 13, we resume shooting for Jagga Jasoos. From what I’ve been told, some 45 days are left and hopefully after that’s done, the film will be ready to release in July.
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