Katrina Kaif is back in her youthful avatar for Rajkumar Santoshi's AJAB PREM KI GAZAB KAHANI. Our correspondent catches up with the actor on films, Ranbir and Salman.
You have always worked with older actors like Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Govinda. How does it feel to be able to work with someone contemporary like Ranbir Kapoor?
I don't think the age factor is really worth considering. What is disturbing to me is, if the actor doesn't know his job, or is not passionate about his work. Working with people who are talented is always a pleasure, age doesn't matter so much.
As for Ranbir, we are like buddies and we share certain common interests; like both of us started our career almost at the same time, we both are film buffs-passionate about cinema, and both of us are crazy to some extent…we had a blast while shooting for AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI. I share same kind of energy with Ranbir and that's shows on-screen.
Rajkumar Santoshi is known as a serious filmmaker, with hits like DAMINI, GHAYAL and LAJJA. Why do you think he chose you and that too for a comedy flick?
'I share same energy with Ranbir.'
I think the entire film is a free-flowing, mad, whacky kind of a film…it's so energetic. And Rajkumar Santoshi wanted to maintain that same positive vibes in his characters throughout the film. He thought we (Ranbir and I) will be able to maintain it right …that wild energy, so that we actually become part of the ajab world and people have a ghazab feeling watching the film. On second thoughts, I think the ghazab element he found in me that I can work 22 hours non-stop. He thought other actors, in my place, would say: 'I can't work more…I need a break'.
Now-a-days we are seeing you mostly in comedy films. Is it just because they are coming your way or you want to make your mark in this genre?
I love comedy and comedy films. That's the reason you are seeing me in flicks by Aneez Bazmee, David Dhawan. I am not that type who will say that 'Ok, I had enough! I don't want more of this stuff!' Or else, I would have never got a scope to be a part of a Rajkumar Santoshi comedy. You know I have loved ANDAAZ APNA APNA…he has an unusual sense of comedy. But it doesn't mean that I do only comedy. My character in NEW YORK was not that of a bubbly girl. In Prakash Jha's RAJNEETI, you will see me in a serious character; she is not happy and doesn't even smile once in the film.
What is Salman Khan doing in this film?
I think it's best for you to wait and see (smiles).
During the shooting of AJAB PREM KI GHAZAB KAHANI, there were a lot of controversies regarding your relationship with Ranbir, and Deepika and Salman reacting to that. How do you handle such controversies?
It becomes easier to handle controversies when you are a part of the film industry. I just take them with a smile.
Salman Khan said your onscreen chemistry with Akshay Kumar is better than with him. Do you think the same?
I don't know what he thinks. But I think I should leave that to the public to decide. What do you think (smiles)?
Do you have any plans to try Hollywood like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?
No, no…I love the place where I am at the moment, I am happy with Indian films. If given a chance, I will act in regional films as well, but no Hollywood for me.
What will you say if you are not allowed to be politically correct about your beauty secret?
On-screen, it's the camera, cameraman and the lighting (laughs); off-screen its good food, good workout schedules and good mood…you have to be happy if you want to look good and don't want wrinkles on your face.
