As the lights dim and the camera focuses, we find ourselves in conversation with the star whose name has become synonymous with Bollywood extravaganzas, Katrina Kaif. During an intimate interview with mid-day’s entertainment editor, Mayank Shekhar, Katrina opens up about her two-decade-long journey in the film industry, marked by unexpected turns, trailblazing success, and personal growth.
Katrina’s narrative takes us back to the 2008 film ‘Bachna Ae Haseeno’, a theatric release that marked a pivotal moment in her career. Despite having a minor role, she expresses how it was her entryway into the coveted Yash Raj Film banner. Soon after, producer Aditya Chopra approached her with a different kind of project, one that did not align with her expectations of glamour and dance—a small film directed by documentary filmmaker Kabir Khan, titled ‘New York’.
Initially reluctant, Katrina was convinced by Salman Khan to embrace the role in ‘New York’, a decision she now credits as one of her most enlightening. The film, set against the backdrop of post-9/11 America, moved her professionally and personally.
The actress details the poignant wrap day of ‘New York’ in the bustling city renowned for its dreams; tears of connection and newfound artistic confidence streaming down her face. It was this film that shattered the silent obedience she adhered to on sets and equipped her with a voice that resonated through her subsequent choices.
Fast forward to 2010, and Katrina is cast in Prakash Jha’s politically charged ‘Raajneeti’, a contemporary take on the Mahabharata. She recalls a significant scene amidst thousands, assuming a political stance, commanding a presence she once doubted she possessed—further evidence of her evolving artistry.
Exploring her filmography, Katrina’s diverse selection showcases her reach beyond the archetypal roles that typically anchor Bollywood heroines. Her association with Salman Khan often tags her as the quintessential commercial actress, yet she reflects on her film with Shah Rukh Khan, ‘Zero’ (2018), where she originally cast in a double role which evolved into an emotionally nuanced single performance, redefining her career once more.
Perhaps nothing speaks to her versatility more than her role as Maria in director Sriram Raghavan’s dramatic thriller, ‘Merry Christmas’ (2024), where she stands at the center of a seemingly unending mystery, the camerawork orbiting her portrayal of a character enmeshed in complexities unfathomable. This part, as Kaif suggests, carves out a niche for her, drawing parallels to the riveting performances by cinematic legend, Tabu.
During the preparation for this role, Katrina crafted an elaborate backstory for Maria, an exercise that received Raghavan’s accolades and enriched the film’s dimensions. It is notable, indeed, how she was engulfed in a whirlwind of emotions during the production, a testament to her dedication and her transformation into an intensely deep character that contrasted her off-screen joy emanating from her recent nuptials to actor Vicky Kaushal.
Discussions shift to Katrina’s cinematic palate, which boasts an eclectic mix, acknowledged during a casual chat highlighting avant-garde Tamil cinema. Her recent works and personal life, especially post her marriage, demonstrate how her horizons, both cinematic and personal, have broadened, with Katrina engaging in a multitude of genres and fostering connections uncommon in her early career.
Her analysis of co-stars Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar offers a window into the everyday life of film sets, where punctuality and improvisation coexist with her methodical preparation, once again emphasizing her adaptive prowess in the ubiquitous world of cinema.
As our session ends, Katrina’s reflections are steeped in maturity and acceptance. Unlike the 19-year-old who stepped into the dazzling yet daunting world of Bollywood, her vision is clear. An inclination towards avoiding repetition guides her, with a compelling desire for progression and growth in her roles. Her journey from the wide-eyed debutante to the seasoned actress who continues to defy norms is a compelling narrative, one she prefers to tell through the lens and scripts rather than autobiographical musings.
Indeed, Katrina Kaif’s tale is more than a rags-to-riches story; it’s a chronicle of sheer perseverance and relentless adaptation in an industry that ceaselessly ebbs and flows. It is one of a non-Hindi speaking teenager transforming into an inimitable force in Indian cinema, a narrative highlighted not only by her blockbuster hits but equally by her subtle yet powerful performances that showcase her depth and tenacity. Her work—contemporary yet timeless—serves as her lasting statement, a testament to an artist who has carved her own indelible niche in Bollywood lore.
