“How would you appraise your career so far?
People feel that I became a star after my first film, I don’t think so. Indeed Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi was a huge launch and I’m fortunate to have had it. It allowed me to not just look pretty but also perform. But there was very little hype about me. I didn’t become an overnight star. I didn’t go on a spree of signing big banners. There were no magazine covers proclaiming me as the next big thing. Nobody called me the “New It Girl”. My recall, for all intents and purposes, will remain Band Baaja Baaraat. All the love and recognition came after it.”
“You sound hurt. You feel you didn’t get your due?
It’s not about being hurt. I’m telling you as it happened. Today, I’m in a good place. I’m working with the best in the business. A couple of years back, I made a list of directors I wanted to work with, and next year I’m working with two of them — Vishal Bhardwaj and Yash Chopra. But it hasn’t been easy. I never enjoyed the feeling of having arrived, unlike Ranbir (Kapoor), Ranveer, Deepika (Padukone) or Sonakshi (Sinha). These guys became overnight stars. My struggle started after my dream debut, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, and went on till Band Baaja Baaraat.”
“Why do you think you were left out? Is it because your PR is weak?
I think I was too new. It took me a while to understand how this works. I was a real outsider. Look at today’s newcomers, they are so polished and networked, they know what to say in front of whom, they have observed actors all their lives. I come from an army background. I’m from Bangalore. I cleared an audition and was put on the main stage in an Aditya Chopra film opposite Shah Rukh Khan. I was like a lost lamb.
The perception about you is that you are very aloof. Has that gone against you?
I can’t hardsell myself. Mujhe sharam aati hai. I have a major pride issue. I feel if I’m good, you’ll see it and give me what is due to me. People mistake this for arrogance. It’s just that I’m proud of my talent, not of my stardom. With BBB, my talent got validated. I’ve decided to become selective about my work. I’ll do one thing at a time and cater to the audience that has welcomed me. I don’t think actors should have images. I don’t think I need a PR to survive this industry.
Shah Rukh Khan told me that you are the only actress in his entire career to have told him on his face that she doesn’t like him. What made you do that?
(Blushes) I feel that people like Shah Rukh and Mr Bachchan who have achieved so much in life are good judges of people, so I shouldn’t fake it in front of them. I couldn’t lie to Shah Rukh and tell him that I was his fan because I hadn’t seen too many of his films. I liked him in Swades and Chak De! India. But I’ve always said that he’s my favourite co-star. I’m glad to be working with him again in Yashji’s film.
The Yash Chopra film’s press release says that the film stars Shah Rukh Khan with the “very beautiful” Katrina Kaif and the “very talented” Anushka Sharma. Does that take off the pressure to look good or put on the pressure to act well?
(Laughs) I didn’t know how to react when I read that. I didn’t know whether I should be happy that I’m talented or be sad that I’m not beautiful. I remember having this conversation with my father. I guess I’ll have to find solace in Adi’s words who told me, “We chose you because you can act and that beauty is not your USP.” If you have to compare us, Katrina is definitely more beautiful. Being beautiful is important for films since it is a visual medium but the women I love have been such stellar performers that it adds to their beauty, like, Nargisji, Kajol, Rani Mukerji.
Ever lost out on a role because someone said you’re not beautiful enough?
Yes. I’ve met directors who said they were looking for an actress who is “stunningly beautiful” and that I didn’t look the part. It happened before BBB.”
“Ever feel you’re getting typecast as the Punjabi kudi?
I think people should appreciate that even though I’m from Bangalore, I get the Punjabi kudi role so right. My dad is from Uttar Pradesh, and my mom is from Garhwal. We have no connection with Punjab door door tak. It’s too soon to typecast me. I just picked the best films that were offered to me. I’m happy to be perceived as an honorary Punjabi though.
But didn’t you lose out a role in Habib Faisal’s Ishaqzaade because your off-screen image is “too loud”?
It’s so silly. I don’t think my acting is loud, I rather think it’s too subtle sometimes. Clearly, someone who doesn’t like me made that comment which was carried in a newspaper. I was never supposed to act in Ishaqzaade. They always wanted a new girl.
What can you divulge about Vishal Bhardwaj’s Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola?
Vishal is just so amazing. He’s an actor’s delight. He elevates you to a level where he says, “aap performer hain aur ab 3 second mein aap perform karne waali hain.” The film is a rustic set-up but I’m the modern factor. My character is a firebrand and rebellious. I’m confident I’ll walk out a better actor after this film.”