‘Shah Rukh Khan encourages the women in his films to shine’: Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif has been in the industry for 15 years now. However, despite the highs and lows in her personal as well as professional life, one thing that has remained constant about her is that she’s not pretentious. Those who have worked with the Tiger Zinda Hai actress claim that what you see is what you get. Not surprising then, when industry colleagues praise her perseverance and hard work, one can’t help questioning her choices when it comes to certain roles and movies. Given the hits she’s been part of, she could have bargained for stronger parts, than say, a Thugs Of Hindostan, which didn’t exactly justify her presence. When we catch up with the actress, who plays a superstar in the Shah Rukh Khan-Anushka Sharma-starrer Zero, for a candid chat, she tells us what governs her choices. Excerpts…

When Aanand L Rai started working on Zero, did you have an inkling that you would be a part of it? 

Yes, I had been in talks with Aanand sir from the time of its conception. In fact, I was in touch with him since the release of Raanjhanaa (2013) as I had loved the film and its music. At that time, we spoke about doing a movie together. One day, he told me about this film (Zero). At that time, it was just an idea he had. Since then, I’ve been with him on this journey. I got the experience of working with him and getting a chance to create something that we wanted to do together. Now, that we’re putting it out there, I hope the audience likes it and it connects with the world the way we wanted it to.

In her interview to this paper, Anushka had mentioned that you wanted to play her character Aafia Bhinder. Do you still wish you had essayed that role? 

What happens is that we go through a journey in life where different things appeal to us at different times. At present, I feel my character, Babita Kumari, is apt for me. 

However, at some point in my life, I would love to play a character that requires me to do the kind of research and work with a team that Anushka did for Aafia. It was a wonderful experience for her. But Aanand sir was convinced that I should play Babita. In the end, I followed his conviction and vision. Initially, I didn’t see it as he saw it. Over a period of time, I understood the character and realised that it was a lot more complex. So, it was also a journey of discovery.

Was the role of Babita challenging enough? 

Yes, it was. We would shoot one schedule, have a break for a few days and then come back to it. Sometimes, in the middle of the night-time shoot, I would tell Aanand sir that I didn’t feel like going to an unhappy dark place. My character may behave obnoxiously, but it all comes from a place where she is trying to persuade herself and others that she is not hurt or insecure. Likewise, there were occasions when I was feeling happy and I would ask Aanand sir if we still had to go ahead with this sad character and he’d be like, ‘Yes’. 

So, it was a challenging yet a learning experience. A lot of times, you feel a certain emotion, but that’s not what you show. And that’s what makes a character interesting. For instance, if you’re sad and heartbroken, you depict something else. That’s usually what we do in real life, too. If we’re feeling a little vulnerable, we start being defensive or aggressive. Human nature is complex and that’s what Aanand sir wanted to show. Also, he was clear that my character shouldn’t wallow in self-pity. She would rather have people hate her than sympathise with her.

Being an actress yourself, were there any similarities between you and Babita?

No, there were none whatsoever. In fact, it really would have made no difference if she was a doctor, lawyer or a politician. It was kind of irrelevant that she was playing an actress, in this particular context. It just happens to be an example. I think what Aanand sir was trying to say is that often, things are not what they seem. Even though you’re a successful superstar who is loved across the world, deep down, you might feel incomplete. It was that feeling of vulnerability that he wanted to depict.

How was it working with Shah Rukh Khan after Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)? 

Shah Rukh played a huge role in me landing a part in Zero. He said, ‘I want Katrina to do this role’. He always wants you to push yourself. He encourages the women in his films to shine, which is great.

Anushka mentioned that both of you got along from the first day you shot together.

Whenever we meet, there’s a great vibe between all of us. We’re at ease with each other. Anushka and I bond on a lot of levels. Even if we don’t see each other or speak to each other quite often, there is a lot of comfort and trust between us.

Did you feel you weren’t given enough scope to perform in your last release, Thugs Of Hindostan?

It was my choice. I’ve a wonderful equation with Aditya (Chopra), Aamir (Khan), Victor sir (Vijay Krishna Acharya) and all of us worked together as a team. I knew exactly what I was doing in the film. I’m sure everyone wished it could have done better. It’s okay, you learn and keep trying.

You signed Bharat after Priyanka Chopra exited the film. Given your friendship with director Ali Abbas Zafar and Salman Khan, it’s strange you weren’t cast first.

Ali wanted to do the film with Priyanka. When she exited, he said he would like to go ahead with me. And I’ve no qualms about it. It’s not that I’m his best friend, so I should be there in every film that he makes. It’s his journey and vision as a director. I don’t mix that with our friendship. He sent me the script and told me that I should react to it after reading it. I fell in love with the character. I feel fortunate that it was offered to me and I’m enjoying playing the part.

You’ve been in the industry for 15 years now. How do you look back at your journey? 

I believe there’s no point in looking back. I’m only interested in looking forward, what battles I’m fighting internally and what I want to achieve in future. The only thing that makes sense now is knowing where I’m trying to head from here. Maybe I needed to do it before, but everything was happening too fast. There is a time and rhythm in life, sometimes things progress so quickly that you can’t see anything. Then, there’s a time when you breathe easy and you find happiness in learning what life teaches you.

The last couple of years have also seen drastic changes in your personal life. Reportedly, you said in an interview that your break-up with Ranbir Kapoor was a blessing.

I didn’t say that. I would never comment directly on something personal in my life. I said I believe that everything that happens in life is a blessing. Also, nothing happens in isolation, everything is connected. Even if you don’t understand it now, you will do so later. I think I’m in a good place as long as I’ve an opportunity to learn, explore and be excited about life. So, I’m fortunate.