For an actor who was labelled ‘just another pretty face’ at the beginning of her career, Katrina Kaif seems to have remained unfettered. From starting off as a model to venturing into the competitive world of acting, Katrina has managed to maintain a notable presence, if not by way of acting, then by her stints as ‘Sheila’ and ‘Chikni Chameli’.
Despite the fact that her Bollywood debut film Boom (2003) bombed at the box office, Katrina has been able to sustain her ‘bombshell’ persona in the industry. She got her first major break opposite alleged former beau Salman Khan in the comedy Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005), reported the Times of India. “Many actors had a say in almost all the films I was a part of at that time and, of course, Salman was very supportive of me,” she said.
As she gears up for the release of her upcoming film, the Hrithik Roshan-starrer Bang Bang, she takes a look back at the 11 years she has spent in the industry. “I would go for auditions everyday and stand in the long line, holding a placard with my name and number, and audition for all kinds of ads,” she said.
“I have invested a lot of time from a very young age in actively pursuing work and wanting to establish myself in the world. Financial security was important to me… and I wanted to find my identity, which I finally found in films,” said Katrina. “I worked with so much focus and passion that, maybe, it not only helped consume a lot of my headspace from a young age, but also made me discover who I am.”
Having been in the news more because of her alleged affairs and less because of her acting stints, the “extremely emotional and sensitive” Katrina finally opened up about her relationship with actor Ranbir Kapoor. “I care a lot for him and feel protective about him. I guess, to connect with a person at such a deep level, our souls must be connected,” she commented.
“During the time I have known Ranbir, which is since the release of his film Saawariya (2007), I have seen changes in him as a person. The film industry is where he belonged and was immediately accepted,” she said, adding, “He has the capacity to be an extremely talented actor and a deeply evolved, highly intellectual and sensitive human being at the same time.”
Pointing out the similarities between her and Ranbir, she said, “He is like me in the way that he is loyal to and emotional about the people he cares about in his inner circle, which is very small. He can come across as detached to the people outside of that.”
Katrina, who shared screen space with Ranbir in Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani (2009), said he is “incredibly charming and polite towards everyone he comes in contact with.” “I don’t think he realises what an important and amazing trait that is.
I get tired after saying ‘good morning’ to just three people,” she said.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 24th, 2014.
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