Katrina Kaif speaks about preparing for the role of a lifetime in Raajneeti, and how she enjoys light-hearted roles
She's Bollywood's hit machine, who has a great strike rate at the box office, playing the typical Hindi film heroine with flou rish. Now, Katrina Kaif changes track with a realistic portrayal in sensitive filmmaker Prakash Jha's Raajneeti. In a freewheeling chat, she talks about the movie, what politics means to her, and more.
Raajneeti is supposedly inspired by the ‘Mahabharata'. Have you read the epic?
I have heard a few stories from the ‘Mahabharata'. As for Raajneeti, only the characters and the narrative in the film are inspired by the epic.
What made you sign Raajneeti?
During my first meeting with Prakashji, I thought I would say ‘no' to the film. It was not my kind of film — many people ask me why I don't do some serious roles; it's because I don't enjoy them. I like my dance and laughter and masala. But, when I heard the story of Raajneeti, I realised the film had as much excitement as any of my other films such as New York or Ajab Prem…. When you see Raajneeti, the film will grip you, not bore you. So, I decided to stop being prejudiced, and give it a try.
Did you have any reservations about playing a role sans glamour?
Just because I'm wearing a sari and not a short skirt in the film, it doesn't mean that the role is not glamorous. I play a very strong and adamant woman. It is one of the most ‘extrovert' characters I've attempted.
Were you comfortable in a sari?
I love wearing a sari, and I'm very good at draping it. Every morning while shooting, we would have a ‘luxurious' 15 minutes to get ready!
Would you have done a Raajneeti at the beginning of your career?
When I entered the industry, I didn't have many choices. So, if the offer had come, I would have done it. I think it is more difficult when you have more choices. I don't over-analyse.
How did you prepare for the film's emotional scenes?
I tried to look within and see if I could connect with the character's state of mind.
I feel you cannot merely act in such scenes; you have to find a connect.
Is it true that you would rag Ranbir and remind him that he is junior to you?
The truth is he is a year older to me … but I have done more films than him. He would rib me back saying that he needs guidance. (laughs)
Is it also true that in-between shots, the boys would play cricket and ask you to get your own bat and ball if you wanted to play?
Men think it is their birthright to play cricket; they assume that girls can't play the game.
Which is your favourite Prakash Jha film?
I have seen Gangajal and Apaharan; I preferred Gangajal.
If you were allowed to swap your role in the film with someone, who would that be?
I love my role, but I also like Nana Sir's role. The character is aware of the present, and can sense what will happen in the future. He is a man of few words, but when he speaks, he successfully drives his point home.
What does politics mean to you? Will you take the plunge someday?
For me, politics is empowerment and the ability to help other people. And, no, I don't see myself joining politics. But, if I ever do so, I will aim to connect with the people and help them out.
What's the latest on Anurag Basu's Silence?
Anurag and I have known each other since the days when I was supposed to do Saaya; we still laugh about that. He is a lovely person and has a great mind.
We have been discussing the film. We've also discussed whom to cast, when I told him that it is not my kind of space. We will definitely do a film together … he knows what I do best and I know what he does best!
(Bollywood News Service)
