I don't discuss my bedroom stories

Model-turned-actress Katrina Kaif chats with Ram Kamal Mukherjee over lunch, but refuses to discuss anything 'non-vegetarian'

Your performance in both your films Maine Pyar Kyon Kiya and Sarkar was panned by the critics. Do you think that you should have worked harder on your acting skill before debuting?

I don't think the critics panned me for my performances. In both the films I had very little to do, and whatever I did, wasn't an Oscar-winning performance. It was not even worth mentioning. But frankly speaking, I don't take these random reviews seriously.


You are doing two films with a relatively older Akshay Kumar. Won't the age factor reflect on screen?

(Laughs) Akshay will kill you when he reads this question. I don't think the age factor should be a problem. Akshay doesn't look his age which is why directors are casting him with younger actresses. I share a good rapport with Akshay and he has helped me immensely. Even though he is a senior actor, he never threw tantrums nor was he impatient with me. I am still learning, so I take time in understanding a scene and delivering a shot. I think it is always better to act with a seasoned actor when you are a beginner.


What are the films that you are doing with Akshay?

Our film Humko Dewaama Kar Gaye directed by Raj Kanwar will be releasing soon. I admire Raj Kanwar's style of working as he treats his subject with care. The promos which are already on air look good; I am getting positive feedback for it. Another film which I have signed with Akshay is Welcome which is not a sequel to No Entry. Anees Bazmee is brilliant with comedy and I am glad that he signed me for the film. I always wanted to act in a comedy.


Is this the reason why you have also signed David Dhawan's Partner?

Absolutely. David Dhawan is one of the finest comedy filmmaker in Bollywood. So when he decided to cast me in this film, I was excited.


But why did they cast you opposite Govinda in the film, instead of Salman Khan who is paired opposite Lara?

To answer that question I'll have to narrate a story, which I am not allowed to do at this point in time. I think Govinda and I make a nice couple on screen. He is Davidji's blue-eyed boy and one can learn the art of perfect comic timing from him. He not only rattles his dialogues in a unique style, but has amazing body language.


Your move from modeling to acting was predictable.

Yes, I agree. But I think that's an obvious and natural progression for anybody who is into modelling. After some time you have nothing more to contribute to the world of modeling. Moreover I started getting offers from good banners; it's not that I went from door-to-door with my portfolio looking for work. If someone approaches you with work, it would be insane to turn it down.


Do you think being Salman Khan's girlfriend helped you in this industry?

What do you mean? (Sounds irritated)


It is said that most of the directors sign you because of Salman Khan…

(Interrupts) Hold on… you mean to say just because of Salman Khan I am getting the films that I am doing. Now, that's ridiculous. Give me one good reason why a producer would invest Rs 25 to 30 crores in a film with me if he is unsure about me. I don't think Salman is responsible for the films I am doing. Incidentally I have worked in only one film with Salman.


Why do you avoid talking about Salman Khan?

We both are individuals who respect each other's privacy. I am answerable to the media for my films and other professional queries, but I don't think that I need to discuss my bedroom stories with them. I am a private person and I avoid giving interviews because I know that after a point journalists will ask me about Salman and my relationship with him. But I am stubborn by nature, so you are not going to get anything out of me.


Are you conscious doing romantic scenes with Salman Khan? Does it take an extra effort to make it look believable?

If I answer your question you'll put it in the headline. I am an individual and I would appreciate it if people recognise me as an individual and not as someone who is a friend of another star. As far as the chemistry is concerned, I am very careful with all my co-actors, be it Salman, Govinda, Abhishek Bachchan or Akshay Kumar, I work hard on every scene.


Do you find it difficult to live life as Salman Khan's girlfriend, especially since he is controversy's favourite child?

This is too sensitive and personal and I would not like to comment on the issue.


How well-versed are you with Indian cinema?

It is true that I have not grown up watching Hindi films, but I have seen a lot of Hollywood films. I love watching films made in India. I have worked down south. Tamil films have really good subject matter. I loved the original of Tere Naam (Sethu). I have also watched Karan Johar, Yash Chopra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali films. They make good commercial films which are entertaining. But at the same time I appreciate a Mira Nair and Rituparno Ghosh film too. I think Black and Khamoshi - The Musical were very good films.


What are your forthcoming ventures?

I have signed Anil Sharma's Aapne with Bobby Deol where I play a doctor. I have also signed Abbas Mastan's next untitled film for Tips and am playing a pivotal part in Ram Gopal Varma's Sholay.


You play the role of Radha (played by Jaya Bachchan) in Ram Gopal Varma's Sholay. Will you be able to do justice to the role?

I think it's Ram Gopal Varma who should be worried about that and not me. He narrated the concept to me and on my part I will try my best to deliver. I have seen Sholay and I think Jayaji's character was very challenging. But there's no point talking about the film, because I don't know when he plans to make it.


Do you cook at home?

Why are you asking me this question? Oh! I know what you are going to ask next. Do I cook food for Salman? How predictable… (Laughs) Yes, I am a good cook but I hardly get time to exhibit my culinary skills.


What do you do on holidays?

I sleep in, pamper myself at a spa, and go to the gym. I am not a health freak, so I eat a lot of cheese and fatty food. I am avoiding chicken because of the bird flu scare, and am surviving on grilled fish. I love watching films with my friends on holidays.


• I do not think Salman is responsible for the films I am doing