I can't see the Katrina in me: Zarine Khan

Zarine Khan, who was in Patna recently, on her equation with Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan

Zarine Khan, who made heads turn with her debut in Veer for her striking resemblance to Katrina Kaif, is at ease with her looks. The actress, who will now be seen in the lead role in Partner 2, looks hot to the hilt even in traditional garb. TOI caught up with this her to talk about her films and more during her recent visit to Patna.

You are constantly compared to Katrina Kaif. How do you take such comparisons?
I feel very happy when I'm compared to Katrina. I'm a simple girl who's trying to make her presence felt at the box-office and comparisons like this are nothing but compliments. But, to tell you the truth, when I look in the mirror, I can't see the Katrina in me.

If you get a chance to work with Katrina in a movie, will you agree to it?
Why not? I am always ready to work with Katrina. But you should ask Katrina whether she wants to work with me or not...

There was also a time when you were criticized for your looks and some people started calling you 'Fat-Kat'. Did that affect you then?
(Smiles) Well, no, there was no effect of that entire episode on my life. Before my modelling days, I used to weigh more than 100 kilos and I had to really work hard to look like a model and lose weight. But for Veer, again I was asked to put on weight. So, I never took the criticism seriously.

Do you have a filmy background, given the relative ease with which you made yourBollywood debut opposite Salman Khan?
I have no filmy connections at all. I was modelling because I had to sustain my family. I consider modelling as my destiny and it was like I hit a jackpot that such a big film was offered to me (smiles).

Is this where you always wanted to be?
No, I was a very bright student and it was my desire to serve the society as a doctor, but unfortunately, because of some personal reasons I had drop those plans. Destiny had something else in store for me, and I'm here now.

How was it working with Salman Khan in Veer?
Oh, it was a dream comes true for me. I have always been a big fan of Salman Khan. Even, while working on Veer, Salman Khan has been a really wonderful co-star. He has helped me whenever I was in need. He's not only my co-star but a mentor too.

Any filmmakers in particular you want to work with in the future?
Well there are lots of directors with whom I want to work. But I will be very happy if I get a chance to work with Rajkumar Hirani, Yashraj, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and David Dhawan.