Katrina Kaif and Aditya Roy Kapur in an exclusive interview talk about dance, live-in relationships and publicity gimmicks as they get set for their next film 'Fitoor', a crucial film for their respective careers
Aditya Roy Kapur and Katrina Kaif
Q. The 'Pashmina' song has created a lot of buzz for the choreography. Looks like a intense practice went into it...
Katrina: It was a last minute addition. The choreographer, Bosco, was in Bangkok at that time and we had to start practicing the lyrical contemporary dance. But when he returned, he didn't like what we had prepared and we had to start from scratch. Shooting had to start in three days.
Aditya: Not even three days. We had two days. So, it was all in God's hands.
Katrina: But I left it in Aditya's hands (laughs).
Aditya: And luckily I didn't drop her!
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Aditya Roy Kapur and Katrina Kaif. Pics/Datta Kumbhar
Q. Dancing must have been a challenge for you since you haven't danced earlier...
Aditya: It was. And this dance form can easily look wrong on a guy. So, to find balance was a challenge. But sometimes it happens that you have limited time and you bring the best in yourself.
Q. What kind of prep did you do for the film?
Aditya: First, I had to physically change myself to look the part, at least the way Gattu (director Abhishek Kapoor) had imagined. I took the prep seriously as I had to lose weight after 'Daawat-E-Ishq' (2014). It was not easy and I took nine to 10 months to lose 18 kgs. But it mentally centered me. I became calm, single minded, which was needed for this character. I went to Kashmir for a recce with Gattu to meet the locals, observe them and their mannerism. I also took art classes since I play an artist.
Q. This is a crucial phase of your career. There is pressure on you both to deliver a hit. Is it getting to you?
Aditya: If I had to think of it as a crucial stage, I would be thinking too seriously about the repercussions and even taking pressures which is unhealthy. I don't want to look too much into the future. Of course, I have great expectations from this movie and it is important as it is, after all, a business. Everyone should make money and be happy. Definitely, I am hungry to deliver a successful film. But, I never felt that it is going to be the end of the world if it doesn't.
Katrina: I think I have been passionate for most part of my career. Every film is crucial and there are times when you realise that a particular film hasn't quite shaped up the way everyone hoped. In such situations, you learn to step over it. But, of course, 'Fitoor' is not one of those films. Also, I had large gaps between my last few releases, so getting acclaimed by the audience gives peace, reaffirmation, solace and contentment. One hopes and prays for that and you just have to hold your breath and wait. If it happens, it will give peace and contentment and if doesn't, try again. Every time I see a movie of mine, I feel like shooting it all over again. There are exceptions like Dhoom:3 because I rehearsed a lot for it.
Aditya: But sometimes it is important to pat yourself on your back and say 'well done'.
Katrina: No, I want to give my best and feel like 'Jo main kar sakti thi wo kar liya'.
Aditya: Maybe, the other way is to just let go because you have already done well and gotten so far and you have not done anything wrong.
Katrina: Someone has said complacency is the death of creativity.
Aditya: She sets such high standards for herself that she is never happy.
Q. Katrina, it is said that you get involved with the marketing of a film. The road trip for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011) was your idea. Now, with 'Fitoor' promotions...
Katrina: Not with 'Fitoor'. There have been some films where I have been involved. Mere Brother Ki Dulhan director (Ali Abbas Zafar) is my best friend and he had said, 'You guys sit with the marketing team and do whatever you feel like'. Of course, he knew we would be respectful to the film. So, if the director wants me to be involved then I think it's the best way. I was involved with ZNMD. The road trip was somebody else's idea but I jumped at it and said if nobody is going with Zoya (Akhtar, director) even then I am coming.
Aditya: She has a brilliant sense of marketing. When and how something will translate, what will work
and what will not work.
Katrina: But where I have contributed, I will take credit and where I have not, I won't.
Aditya: It not just comes from experience but also because she is interested in it.
Katrina: I think from the time of Namastey London (2007), I started taking interest.
Q. Was revealing the cost of your hair colouring for 'Fitoor' a publicity stunt?
Katrina: I don't believe in gimmicky publicity stunts. I hate them and that's one thing that the marketing people argue with me about. It does not work.
Aditya: Maybe it does. This was obviously a fake story, but it was everywhere. My non-filmy friends are asking me if it is true. Does this help?
Katrina: But it does nothing.
Q. But all such information comes from the PR team.
Katrina: You know there are many people in a film team, but not everyone has the facts right. Actors and directors never give information that are untrue.
Q. Aditya, your next film is about live-in relationships. What's your take on live-ins?
Aditya: To each his own. If it works for a couple then it's a lovely thing. I haven't been in a live-in relationship yet, so
I can't talk from experience. But I have friends who have been into it and found it a great way to know the other person. When you live with someone, you are going to learn a lot about them.
Q. What would you say about such relationships, Katrina? You lived with Ranbir Kapoor.
Katrina: According to whom? I never talk about my personal life. I am not playing a cat and mouse game. I am not going to be that juvenile. I am just trying to maintain privacy. I have had my share of tough times and hardships, and great times as well. We all need to find that balance of what works for you.
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