How did you prepare for your role in Matru Ki BijleeKaMandola?
All actors used to do table-readings. We used to sit together and do readings with Sir (VishalBhardwaj) and he being the director knows his characters so well that with his assistance we gradually got into the skin of our characters.His films revolve around relationships between characters and they are not ordinary, always a little different. So that matter was present for me in the script and then you build on your character on sets and your co-actors.
How was it working with Imran Khan?
It was a great experience. I was doing a film with Imran for the first time. I never knew I would do a film with him and that it will have this particular kind of storyline. So it’s a fresh and interesting pairing that will always be special. On top of that Imran has looked his hottest in Matru Ki BijleeKaMandolawith the beard and all that.
You have a MeenaKumari complex in the film. Off screen, do you have any such complex?
I don’t think I have a complex off screen or you can say I have a complex from everyone.
You are working with Shah Rukh Khan again in Jab TakHaiJaan, four years after the release of your debut film with him (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, 2008).
Yes, I did not think I would get to work with him again and that I will get another opportunity to do a film with him and that too in a Yash Chopra directorial venture. So I am very happy. Shah Rukh is lovely, he is so gracious, witty, funny, great to work with. He always has so many stories to tell and it’s so much fun when he is on the sets. You don’t feel as if you are working, when he is around, hours just pass by.
How was your equation with Katrina Kaif who plays the main lead in the film?
It was a refreshing experience working with Katrina. She was friendly and we got along really well. We shot quite a bit in London. We went out also a few times. From what I have observed, she is a very hard-working girl. It’s not easy to be in a place that she has achieved for herself. So I give her a lot of credit andappreciation for her achievements. She is a cool girl.
What will be your next film after Jab TakHaiJaanand Matru Ki BijleeKaMandola?
I am doing RajuHirani next – Peekay – with Aamir (Khan).
Given that you are working with all big names in the industry do you think the No 1 tag helps to ensure box office collections?
I don’t think it matters. Four years back, when I was also an audience, before picking up a movie to watch I never thought I will go to watch the film of the No 1 hero or heroine. You go to watch films, performances; who watches No 1 or No 2 (hero or heroine)? If a film is damn good, even if a No 10 heroine acts in it, every one will watch it. (TWF)
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