The actress seems in no mood to entertain questions pertaining to her alleged ex.
From being a pretty prop to a promising actor... Katrina Kaif has certainly come a long way. The blue eyed girl of various popular filmmakers in Bollywood today, prefers to call a spade a spade.
The outspokenness however starts to fade the moment 'Ranbir Kapoor' comes into the picture.
As per various reports, Katrina had allegedly turned down Wake Up Sid director Ayaan Mukerjee's forthcoming film, to be produced by Karan Johar only because Ranbir Kapoor was cast opposite her in the lead.
A press release was however sent by Katrina's publicist soon after which cited date issues to be the real cause (and not Ranbir).
"Katrina Kaif had to opt out of the film due to prior commitments. Katrina was very keen on working with Karan Johar but couldn't rework the dates to allot for the film, thanks to schedules already set in place", stated the press release.
We met Katrina recently and just to clarify asked if she was open to working with Ranbir in near future. In a chat, Kat reiterated, "I didn't have dates and thus couldn't do Ayaan's film. I prefer doing not more than two films in a year so that I can focus on those films completely."
The actress answered part of our question but conveniently remained tight lipped on Ranbir Kapoor as she chose to avoid the topic altogether. The silence definitely implied a lot more than what was stated.
Guess unlike Deepika and Sonam, Katrina seems to have taken the high road and has chosen to maintain silence about her equation with the Kapoor heartthrob.
Katrina seems to enjoy the bachpana and nonsensical fun she can have with younger co-stars like Imran
Katrina Kaif is candid enough to confess that it is more fun working with the younger heroes than the older ones.
In the beginning of her career she worked with senior actors like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar.
She was paired with the younger actor like Ranbir Kapoor in the recent past in films like Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani and Raajneeti that were successful, and then she did a Yashraj film with Imran Khan - Mere Brother Ki Dulhan which is about to release.
"I don't think anyone will mind if I say that it is very different working with older heroes because the age difference is of about 20 years, and just about two to three years with the younger heroes with who you can even do nonsense on the sets.
For instance, Imran would come on the sets, he would kick me playfully...at times there would be nothing constructive what we were doing..there is so much bachpana.."
And one senior actor Katrina is terrified working with is Salman's arch foe Shah Rukh Khan. She will soon romance Shah Rukh on the big screen.
"I don't know what it will be like working with Shah Rukh but I have heard that he makes his heroines very comfortable which is good.
I am only on hi, hello terms with him and now I am doing Yash Chopra's romantic film with him! I look at him longingly but am always short of words while in his company," says Katrina.
When pointed out that lot of actresses of her age claim to have grown up watching SRK movies, Katrina says that she is an exception.
"I have not grown up watching his movies at all. He is now, he is there and I am here now and I look at it from that angle. And I definitely don't think Shah Rukh Khan has seen me growing up either," she jokes.
Amitabh Bachchan tweeted that he cried when he watched his new release Aarakshan at its premiere in Mumbai on Thursday. But it wasn't the film that brought tears to his eyes.
'The first public showing of "Aarakshan" .. and I have cried throughout .. not because of the film ..yes the film does have those moments too .. but because an art form of such intense creativity should be kept away by banning it in certain States of this our beloved country. I stood, as did all of us at the beginning of the show when the National Anthem was played, and sang along with perhaps a handful of others in the sincerest of emotion and belief in an anthem that brings all of us to our feet in respect dignity and most importantly, our pride,' he tweeted.
He also questioned the government. 'Without any knowledge of what the film contains, without any desire to determine the trust and the most basic principles of law of democracy, it has merely strengthened my and many others' fear of the weakness it conveys of our belief in governance and its ethics,' he wrote.
The film's acting trio - Saif Ali Khan, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik - talk to Meena Iyer about their film that hits theatres tomorrow
2011 is an interesting year. Your films Aarakshan and Agent Vinod are very different. n Yeah true. On the one hand I have an issue-based film like Aarakshan that is releasing tomorrow, and later this year I have a suave Bond-like thriller with Agent Vinod.
Are issue-based films important to be made and watched? I don't think you can make anyone pay money to watch anything that is not entertaining. The deal is that Prakash (Jha, the director) manages to find an issue-based subject that is inherently dramatic and gives his unique take to it. These films can be interesting, but you cannot imply that issue-based films are boring. Aarakshan is a nice movie.
You also have Race 2 and Cocktail coming up. Cocktail is a sweet film and Race 2 should go on floors later this year. I've realised that an actor must keep working. I didn't work for a short period in between because I was also involved in production. People noticed the break, but I was okay because I have worked for 20 years continuously. Now I enjoy being on a set. When I get the occasional two days off, I love spending it with the people who matter.
Workaholic Saif, haan? No! Honestly, I have started to enjoy the process of acting much more now. I know some films will run, some won't. I feel I am good at what I do. I'm lucky to be in a profession that I enjoy and I should quit worrying about success and failure. It's rewarding to come home after a good day's work, read a book, watch some television, call it a night, then go back on set the next day.
Deepika and you seem to be quite an on-screen pair after four films. Without any offence, I must say there are only four major leading ladies in Bollywod today. That certainly doesn't leave me with much choice. Deepika and I in four films...I certainly didn't engineer it. It just happened. She is a lovely girl, but I am hoping to team up with other girls too. Currently, I am in a good space. Life is balanced. I can focus on my career with no distractions, which is a nice feeling.
You have become a Prakash Jha favourite... I am fortunate. It is not about being another Bihari. He chose to work with me in Rajneeti and then I suddenly landed up working with him in Aarakshan. Earlier he spoke to me about something else that didn't happen, and then this role in Aarakshan came about. He told me it is a negative role and no one else can do it. I said ok... I enjoy working with him so much. He gives me the freedom to creat something new. We really got along well during Rajneeti. Somehow we agree on more points than we disagree on. He is an expert on the milieu that he puts in his film, and listening to him is an education for an actor. I listen to him and then I explain to him how I am going to portray my character and wait for his value addition. On the set, he lets me do my thing.
One hears the role is really black... Yes it is a negative role; not a grey role. Cinema is not about heroes and villains anymore. It is about characters. I always felt that there is nothing good or bad in this world. Grey gives you so much scope. Even Bhiku Mhatre (Satya) was grey, but this guy in Aarakshan is black.
You also have Anurag Kashyap's Gangs of Wasseypur... Anurag and I have grown together professionally. I can say he is one of the most evolved directors I have worked with. It was like going back to theatre workshops and reinventing. I also have Chittagong and a Vikram Bhatt movie coming. Reports of these films from the editing room are very encouraging.
Life is good at 40? Yes... I'm not in a hurry to go anywhere. I love spending time with my daughter. I am enjoying myself. On Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Aniston said that once you are 40 you become easy in your skin. The desperation goes away and things become much more clear. I would say the same.
How was the experience of working with actors like Amitabh Bachchan, Saif and Manoj? The shoot of Aarakshan was unbelievable. I was blown away by Amitji's passion for acting and his undying energy on set. He is a living legend, and I got to work with him so early in my career. Working with Saif was great too. He took me under his wing and looked out for me. He made me comfortable and would help me with my lines, especially in scenes where there were hundreds of onlookers. Manoj, too, is an incredible actor and it has been my good fortune to work with such great talent. I was like a little kid on set, everyone was always looking out for me.
Tell us a little about your character. I play a young college student called Sushant Seth. He is from the upper caste, and an affluent family. I'm friends with both Deepak (Saif) and Poorbi (Deepika), and our friendship goes through major turmoil post the judgement for the reservation of seats. My character faces conflict by siding with the "youth for equality" movement as opposed to my friends. Then he goes through that journey of realising that nothing is black and white.
The character is very different from what you've done before. Each character poses its own challenges. Being an actor, getting to experience different perspectives, lives and points of view is arguably the most exciting bit. I would not want to keep playing one type of character. Acting in Aarakshan was a challenge because of the language. We're not used to speaking that kind of heartland Hindi. I enjoyed the process of learning my lines and mastering the nuances of the dialogues, along with creating a unique space for my character.
Ameesha Patel will be seen in her sexiest avatar in Ramesh Taurani's " Race 2". The film, that goes on the floors this year, is the sequel to the 2008 release.
The cast will also include Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Sonakshi Sinha and Anil Kapoor. She tells us more...
How does it feel to be part of a successful franchise like "Race"? It feels phenomenal. It's a great feeling. "Race 2" is a big film to be associated with. This year has been amazing for me, from turning producer to going back to working with Abbas-Mustan. I am also thrilled to be working with Saif after "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic". The sequel is steamier, racier, and with more twists and turns.
How did this role come to you? I've worked with Abbas-Mustan and Ramesh Taurani before. Since I have a great working relationship with the entire team, it was something that I accepted in a heartbeat.
Tell us about your character. I play a super sexy, glamorous girl. I can't reveal much, but this is definitely one of the most exciting roles I have done.
How are you preparing for it? Luckily, I have been in great shape, but I plan to continue working out and don't want to compromise on my fitness. I will follow the director's vision and adhere to the kind of look they want from me. I also have a strict diet with my workout schedule.
You are sharing screen with Deepika Padukone and Sonakshi Sinha. Will there be friction on the sets? Not at all. We get along like a house on fire. I am very friendly with Sonakshi as I have met her at Salman's place a couple of times. Deepika is someone I am looking forward to work with. We will have a great time and it is a superb star cast. I will be sharing most of my scenes with the girls, so there is a lot of anticipation and excitement.
Are you apprehensive about having to wear skimpy outfits? Not at all. I fully trust Abbas-Mustan. We have worked together in the past, so I have full faith in them. Even during "Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic", I was thrilled with the response I got to the "Lazy Lamhe" song. I don't have any inhibitions for the role.
What is happening on your production front? There's a lot happening. There are projects planned with David Dhawan and Priyadarshan. Also, Kunal (Goomer) has been a great support with his amazing business sense. He's a trustworthy partner and we have some amazing things lined up.
While Bollywood has been expressing solidarity with London during the ongoing riots, a bunch of big names from tinseltown flew to the city to be part of a corporate event on Tuesday. Shah Rukh Khan was among those especially invited for the event, which took place at the O2 Arena on the bank of the Thames.
Besides SRK, Akon and former tennis player Boris Becker too attended as special guests. From Bollywood, names like Anushka Sharma and Ranbir Kapoor added more starpower to the evening, while AR Rahman, who is currently in London, also made a brief appearance. Akon's DJ Benny-Demus, who is also good friends with SRK, joined them on stage for the performance.
A source tells us that the event was successful despite fear about fresh riots breaking out. We hear that Ranbir, who has been in London for a few days, couldn't step out much, while SRK landed just a day prior to the evening.
Says our source, "Everyone was obviously worried, but the event was successfully concluded. A day before the show, a few artistes were tweeting about it and trying to gauge how bad the situation is, but things were okay. Shah Rukh even danced on stage with Akon and his lively presence peps up every event he is a part of."
You could say that Deepika Padukone is one of the busiest actresses on the circuit currently.
While her next film -Aarakshan, with Saif Ali Khan - is releasing this week, she's got an interesting repertoire of upcoming films that's the envy of most B-Town actresses. There's the rom-com Desi Boyz, the action thriller Race 2, a new age love story Cocktails, Rajnikanth's Rana and an untitled big banner production that will be announced soon. She's way ahead of most of her contemporaries and industry opinion states that she is one of the next superstars of this generation. BT finds out what's been keeping her on her toes lately.
After Love Aaj Kal you are back again with Saif Ali Khan in Aarakshan and then Cocktails. Buzz is that there is a bond developing between you two.
Love Aaj Kal is a very special film for me. Post that, Saif and I are coming together in a couple of more films. I am glad filmmakers have offered us roles together. There is certainly a comfort level with Saif as we have worked together. There is always a certain comfort level when you have already worked with an actor and I'm glad that post the success of Love Aaj Kal, people want to see us in more films together.
Talking of the comfort level between co-stars, after Om Shanti Om why hasn't Shah Rukh Khan worked with you again?
SRK said to me once at a party that the film we did was so big and special that our next film has to be as big or bigger. He'll always be my most special co-star, and when the time is right I am sure something will happen.
You've said that Ranbir Kapoor is still a close friend, but on Karan Johar's show it didn't seem so. What has changed between now and then?
Nothing has changed. We were friends then and we are friends now.
If you sign a film with Ranbir, it will automatically become one of the most anticipated films. Do you see that happening?
Why not? It should happen.
Does Sidhartha (Mallya) watch all your films?
I don't think he's watched too many Hindi films.
What makes for a romantic relationship?
First of all to love with all your heart without expecting. Also, trust, compatibility, space, patience and no ego.
Do you have a 3am friend in the industry?
I would pick up the phone and call Shahana (Goswami), Neelie, Imran and Avantika (Khan), RK (Ranbir Kapoor), Ayaan (Mukerji) and Dinesh Vijan.
Recently in Zoom's popular star survey you featured high up. Your Dum Marro Dum song, though controversial, worked big time with the youth. What connects you so strongly with them?
I owe it to my choice of films and endorsements. Also as I mentioned earlier, since childhood I have been extremely focused, ambitious and sure of what I want to do. Today's youth is also focused and ambitious, so I guess they feel a connect in that sense.
Actresses are either beautiful or they are hot. You are one of the rare ones who is often referred to as both. What do you think helps more: being beautiful or hot ?
Being hot or beautiful is the way you feel at a given point of time, but what is more important is to be a good human. That's what people remember you for. That's what lasts.
You are 25 and have just bought one of the most expensive homes in the city. How does it feel to have achieved this at such a young age?
I do feel a small sense of achievement because I have worked hard for it.
Actress Lara Dutta is all set to become mommy and her happiness knows no bounds.She said, "It's a beautiful experience. Everyone is pampering me, and the dos and the don'ts just don't stop. It's a lovely experience."
So has pregnancy happened at the right time for Lara? "It was the next step, the most natural next step. We are glad that we've been blessed," the mommy-to-be is heard to have said.What's the preference then: A girl and pink ribbons, or a baby boy in a blue cradle? "Any of the two is welcome. There's no gender preference for me! We have thought up a few names - some boy names and some girly ones."
Bipasha Basu is surprising close friends by making friends with the unlikeliest of names. First it was Shahid Kapoor, who is currently shooting in London. Now we hear she's pallying up with Salman Khan, John Abraham's jaani dushman.
While Bips and Sallu weren't friendly, that status quo seems to be changing now. Basu wants to start anew, both personally and professionally. Buzz is the Bongshell is keen on working with Khan and might even shoot a song in his brother Sohail Khan's next production, Sher Khan. Bips and Salman's last film together was the 2005 hit No Entry.
A source explains, "While they were never friends, they weren't enemies either. She maintained a distance from Salman when she was seeing John. Now that he's out of the picture, she's keen on bridging the divide. In fact, she has been a regular at Galaxy Apartments (Khan's bastion) for Arpita's Ganesh puja for the last two years. She has been texting him quite often these days, and they even seem to have discovered a shared passion for poetry. She has introduced Salman to her favourite couplets and lines."
Sallu begins work on Sher Khan before Dabangg 2. And there's a good chance she may feature in the film if this friendship continues. "Bipasha definitely wants to work with Salman. She feels that several opportunities were lost in the past. Now, if there's such a chance, she'll grab it with both hands."
Malaika Arora Khan and Amrita Arora Ladak get teased as 'Backless Sisters' on the ramp, writes Nimisha Tiwari
Malaika Arora Khan aka Munni took to the ramp with her sister Amrita Arora Ladak for designer Mandira Wirk at Blenders Pride fashion tour in Mumbai on Sunday (7 Aug). Dressed in a blackless lacy number, the two made a showstopping pair for the first time after becoming mothers themselves.
Designer Mandira's collection showcased designs depicting the opulent era of 16-18th century of Rococo and Baroque. After the show, everyone teased the sisters as the 'backless sisters' and the two complimented Mandira Wirk for doing such a great job.
The actress seems in no mood to entertain questions pertaining to her alleged ex.
