Katrina Kaif: riding high with plum assignments

Mumbai, April 24 (IANS) Katrina Kaif, who is definitely one of the most talked-about newcomers in Bollywood, says her recent release "Humko Deewana Kar Gaye" is very crucial to her career.

"It's been quite a journey. 'Humko Deewana Kar Gaye' is of course director Raj Kanwar's vision. I hope he is happy with what I have done," she says.

"My other films so far were all like a learning process. I never went through an acting school. I am still in the process of finding a footing. This film is crucial because here I have a pivotal character to play," Katrina told IANS in an interview.

"I am glad it came along after some films. Earlier I'd have never understood the responsibility of shouldering a film like 'Humko Deewana...' At this point I am a little more experienced as an actress," she maintained.

David Dhawan's "Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya" must have been cakewalk in comparison with the heavy-duty drama in "Humko Deewana..."?

"No, I wouldn't say 'Maine Pyaar...' was easy. There I was, a complete novice, trying to get my bearings right... trying to understand the industry, the way it functions."

She is currently riding high with assignments with the top-most leading men including Salman Khan and Saif Ali Khan.

"I'm happy with the way my career is going. I never had any expectations. I never planned anything. I am being given some great opportunities. And it is up to me to make the best of those opportunities I am getting.

"It's not just about being professional. I want to add something to every film and role that I do. I am making sure I am all there on my sets, giving 120 percent of my concentration, trying to learn and absorb as much as possible from every co-star.

"To be given supportive co-stars is a special blessing for comedies where everything depends on the rapport and timing."

Katrina was all praise for her co-stars.

"Everyone is supportive. They are constantly trying to see the larger picture. They know the film works only when everything else does. I've shot with the Deols (Dharmendra and sons Sunny and Bobby Deol) for Anil Sharma's 'Apne'. And they are wonderful. I can't say much about Sunny. But Bobby I know for some years. And Dharam-ji is really sweet."

Katrina is happy making space in an all-male film like "Apne".

"I have a good feeling about the film. Half the battle is won because a real-life family plays the family in the plot. The emotions look real. The director is shooting the film on a grand scale. And yes, I am central to the dramatic conflict between Bobby and Dharamji."

She rises to the defence of the "Apne" director whose last release "Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyo" was a complete washout.

"I think Anil's last film didn't work for some reason. But I saw the first-half. It was shot extremely well.

"I feel 'Apne' is shaping up very well... so's (Anees Bazmi's comedy) 'Welcome'. He is a writer himself, so knows exactly what he wants, and how to get it. We shot a schedule in Dubai recently. I am sure it'll be a crisp comedy.

"Working with Akshay, Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar is a lot of fun. Every time I am with senior artistes, I observe them closely and try to learn from them. From Anil Kapoor you can learn a lot about dedication. He is one of the hardest-working professionals in the world."

Katrina isn't really surprised that a looker like her is getting more than just cosmetic roles.

"I was pretty sure that they'd see me for what I am. Sure, to begin with, I was bound to be perceived as a face. But I knew people would eventually relate to the real me, who was bound to show up in my performances.

"And the real me is not just a glamorous person. That's to do with the profession. I am a simple homebound girl in real life. I live in my own dream world. Most of the time I am trying to cope with the fact that reality doesn't quite match up with dreams. But I am learning and coping. Everything can't be pretty and perfect in real life."

She's now off to Canada to shoot a song with Salman, Govinda and Lara Dutta for David Dhawan's "Partner".

Asked her about the unusual pairing with Govinda, Katrina explained: "It's actually a very funny film. The casting will make complete sense once people see the film. For this plot, this is exactly right.

"I'm 2,000 percent convinced... Then there's Abbas-Mustan's film with Saif in September. Abbas-Mustan's films are always intricate and interesting."

She is happy with what is on her plate.

"I recently got three weeks off because of delayed schedules. I got the time to give some attention to myself. I finished work on my new house. I have just finished doing it up.

"It gets slightly hectic when you have to leap from one long schedule to another. To be honest, I am enjoying my work. I feel I am in happy position."

Does she miss her modelling days?

"Not really. I worked very hard as a model for two-and-a-half years doing ramp shows, ads... A modelling career for a girl starts at 16 and ends at about 24. In between I went to college. I think I have grown up, as everyone does. I want everything to go as smoothly as possible.

"I am an outgoing person. But I am an extremely sensitive and private person. I need that little bit of space for myself even with close friends and family... I don't know what the future holds. I only know, I have to be true to my work. Tomorrow anything can happen. You never know. This is a very unpredictable business."