I don't stress over failure - Katrina Kaif | Interview

It may have been a mixed year for Katrina Kaif, with two unsuccessful films, a few highs and lows in her personal life and unnecessary media attention; but the actress is not among those who give up easily. A self confessed workaholic, the 33-year-old is quick to shift her focus on professional commitments, be it some digital buzz for her recent Dream Team tour or promotional activities for films. When we caught up with the actress on a rainy Saturday evening at Mehboob Studios, she was busy with back to back interviews since 10 am. Notwithstanding the long day filled with scribes throwing questions and fans requesting selfies, the actress was all excited to discuss her upcoming film - Baar Baar Dekho. Looking her stylish best, Kaif walked in, grabbed a cuppa, and settled down for an interesting chat. Excerpts from the conversation:

How different is Baar Baar Dekho from other romantic films that you have done in the past?

It's an extremely emotional love story, which is told in a new way and is not a linear story. While most people are talking about the time travel part, it's not as much about that as it is about Jai and Diya's relationship. It spans from the time they are 8, all the way up to turning 60. Baar Baar Dekho explores the different stages of relationship an individual goes through - right from dating, to getting married, settling down with family and the problems faced during all these phases. The film is definitely gonna be a new experience for the audience. 

Fan Question

What was it about your character (Diya) that attracted you the most and made you take up this film?

Thank you for the question, guys. I have always believed that when the story and character connects with me, it has the potential to connect with others as well. I think Diya is certainly one of the best characters I have played on screen. She is extremely relatable, someone who every girl or woman can associate with. Also, I can relate to Diya in more ways than one. Like I said, the main reason I took up Baar Baar Dekho was the fact that several moments in the film were very close to my life and relatable. I could connect to Diya's feelings in the film. For me, Diya is one of the most challenging, deep and emotionally expressive characters that I have played till date.

Do you think the physicality of an actor plays an important role in making a character memorable?

Physicality, costumes and glamour gets a lot of attention during the promotional stage. Since the trailer and songs are almost around 2 mins long, these things quickly catch your eye and helps make an instantaneous connect. But, when you see the film, the audience walks out with emotions and the character's overall personality. Not just the physicality.

Diya is one of the most challenging, deep and emotionally expressive characters that I have played till date.

Looking back at your journey in Bollywood, is there any phase where you felt you had hit a low or did not perform as per expectations? If yes, how did you work on getting back on track.

Honestly, it's extremely difficult to dissect your own career. But, if I look back at my journey, the only thing I have done is work hard and allowed destiny to play it's role. I am a big believer in destiny. There was probably just a small phase where I wasn't able to focus on my work, and I know that very well. But, I believe that it's important to give your best in everything that you do. I have done my best in every film or project that I have worked on. It's important to know that there will always be someone out there who will be better than you. But, you should go home knowing that you had given your best. Your competition should always be with yourself. The moment you think that things are not going as per your expectations, you must pull yourself up and start working hard towards your goal. I always believe in this!

If you could go back and change something about yourself, what would it be?

I would go back and tell myself to worry less and not stress too much. I tend to take too much stress sometimes. I have realised that one must learn to be easy on themselves. You may have done your best and probably, something may have gone wrong here or there. But, that's okay! Sometimes, it is necessary to let go. Be easy on yourself and others.

So, does failure affect you in anyway? Does it leave you feeling stressed, especially about your next films?

I don't stress over failure. If a film doesn't work, that's the way it is. It was probably the wrong choice or a film that didn't connect with the audience. There are people who say things like, "Oh! It was a commercial success." or  "That was a glamorous hit." Personally, I think there are just two ways to look at a film - either it's a hit or a flop. In my career, I have done some films where the audience hasn't felt a connect. And I completely respect that. For me, the audience can never be wrong. The productive way to look at failure is to learn from it and see how you can make things better next time.

Fan Question

If given a chance, which moment from your life would you like to relive or dekho 'baar baar'?

 That's an interesting question, Rita. But, I try not to hold on to one moment for long or get attached to it. So, I can't really pick any one moment as such. But, I think my career and the whole experience in this film industry has been mostly of immense happiness. So, that would definitely be the one (smiles).

The moment you think that things are not going as per your expectations, you must pull yourself up and start working hard towards your goal. 

Image Credit: GQ India magazine

Do you think good chemistry between the lead pair plays an integral role in a film's success?

I personally believe that it is the story that is extremely important. Your chemistry will reflect if the story is superb and your director is guiding you in the right place. Of course, you can't rule out the fact that there are some people who have perfect turning and look good together on screen. I have always worked with and enjoyed sharing screen space with people my age. For the most part, I have shared some great equation with pretty much everyone I have worked with. But, personally I feel that several aspects come together and play an important role part in a film's success.

Fan Question

How was the whole Dream Team Tour experience?

 I am overwhelmed by these amazing twitter handle names (smiles). The tour was amazing and we had great fun. There was great unity and love among all the performers. But, what was really important is the amazing response from the audience. Despite the fact that all the boys [Sidharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan and Aditya Roy Kapoor] have relatively come in the last few years, it was incredible to see their huge fan following. I had great fun with Alia and Parineeti too. It was a beautiful experience and I look forward to doing more of such shows.

You recently took the plunge and joined social media. What made you choose Facebook for your social media debut?

Honestly, I realised that it was necessary for me to have a platform where I could connect with my fans and have a voice. Otherwise, a lot of times, certain sections of the media decides to throw up a lot of things about you, which they think is very newsworthy. Almost everyone is now on a social media platform, so I too felt the need to have a place where I can share something, whether a trivia or piece of news. So, that's how Facebook happened. Twitter is definitely a part of our next plan and is very much on our agenda. My team is looking at it, but I don't really know when it will happen. 

Love,
The Dancebee