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From Ishq Vishk to Haider, Shahid Has Grown as an Actor - Kareena Kapoor Khan
She is warm yet blunt. Candid and frank. We are talking about the begum of Bollywood - Kareena Kapoor Khan. Her last film Ki and Ka was appreciated for its hatke content. Her upcoming movie Udta Punjab is a gritty drama which has everyone talking about it. However, Bebo, as she is fondly called, hasn't spoken about it. But that is solely because 'I wasn't asked about it' she states! In an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla, Kareena opens up on the success of Ki and Ka, the obstacles that Udta Punjab has faced, what she thinks of Shahid and Alia in the movie, speculations around her pregnancy and more. Excerpts from the interview:
Ki and Ka received a thumbs up from the audience, but it opened to mixed reviews from critics. Did that disappoint you?
No I was not disappointed. I was happy that I did a film like this. The topic was such that it would have diverse views. Not many people are comfortable with this kind of a concept of a house husband and a working woman. It is a movie at the end and I don't dissect the kind of films. The audience go to see the film to enjoy, so either they like it or they don't. The film has made money, which means there is something in it that the people have liked it.
Amitabh Bachchan wrote a letter to you after watching Ki and Ka. What was your reaction?
I mean of course, one looks up to him and he is one of the greatest actors of Indian cinema and I don't think there can be another Amitabh Bachchan. Lot of actors will come and go, but he will remain the most amazing actor. I feel small even saying this because no words can describe the kind of actor he is. This entire generation of actors, look up to him. In fact, both Saif and me have deep regards for him and it is always great to get a compliment from him. It is always special.
Udta Punjab faced lot of issues with CBFC. But now the movie is finally releasing with just one cut. Are you equally relieved like your other team members?
Of course and I had utmost confidence in the film more than anything else. And the kind of support and response that it has received is outstanding. People want to see the film and it is amazing. I had confidence in the product. It is such an interesting film with an interesting topic and it is a great relief for the audience and the actors.
You stayed mum over the entire Udta Punjab controversy. Any reason?
No, the problem was that when this controversy was happening, I was out of town. And also, just because I am not hashtagging and I am not on instagram, and I am not posting #UdtaPunjabSupport, I am very sorry to say, but it doesn't mean that I am not supporting my film. It is very derogatory to judge an actor... like I said, I am not putting it up on twitter and I am not in a panel discussion of 45 people or I am not putting it up on Instagram but I don't think anybody has the right to comment that I am not supporting the film. Because if you ask me a question in an interview, then of course I am going to talk. But nobody asked me a question. I was unable to attend the press conference, because the first time I was in London, and the second time, I was very unwell. And the Producers were aware that I was running on high temperatures and there was nothing that could get me out of bed. I am sorry to say but I would like to tell everybody - the fans and the media - do not misinterpret support just because I am not on Social Media. What about people who are not there? Are they supposed to be shunned because they are not hashtagging people?
Shahid Kapoor said in an interview that your character is the conscience of the film. What do you have to say about it?
I think it is an amazing character and though it is a small role, I would look at it as a special role. If us mainstream actors don't do small roles like these, Udta Punjab won't be out there. The film wouldn't have been told the way it is currently. When Abhishek Chaubey came to me with the script, my first reaction to it was that it is a brave script. I told him that though I have a small role, I want to be a part of it. He was overwhelmed with my response and this will always be a special film for me. And I am so happy that a movie like this is being told on the big screen. Otherwise, like I said, people will only be discussing it on the social media or in bedroom conversations but no one will make a movie out of it. Hence we all actors wanted to come together and do a film like this.
Will this role add another feather to your cap?
Well, I think so. It has been a while since I attempted this kind of a gritty cinema. Whether it was Ki and Ka or Bajrangi Bhaijaan, they have always been more commercial and mainstream. But this will always be different. My character is a lot more real. Preet is very believable when you see her fighting for the problem in the movie. Also, I think she is the only character in the film who doesn't do drugs (laughs).
Shahid found it difficult to do Tommy Singh because he has never been into substance abuse or for that matter even alcohol. And all have appreciated his role. What is your reaction to it?
Yeah I completely believe that everyone is perfectly cast because of the director. It is a director's film and he has done it brilliantly. And also, besides that, I don't think you need to do substance abuse to play that part. Tomorrow, if I am playing a murderer, that doesn't mean I need to go and murder 10 people to get into the skin of the character (laughs). I am actually one actor who actually believes that! An actor's job is to always make one believe it and I think Shahid has always been like that. From Ishq Vishk to Haider, he has just grown from strength to strength and I have always thought he is a wonderful actor. And in this film as well, he has done really really well.
Alia Bhatt said in an interview that being with Kareena in a film is a big deal. How was your experience of working with her?
Unfortunately, we have no scenes together. I meet her more at Karan's house and elsewhere, practically more than what we met on the set. I think she is a great actor and it is very brave of her to take up this role. In fact I think, she has done superbly well in the film. And people's excitement to see her in the film is natural because I think both Shahid and Alia are the protagonists of this film. They are being the substance abusers and they have done very well, both of them.
Lastly, there are speculations about your pregnancy....
(interrupts) Of course, everyone has to ask me if I am pregnant or not. It is amazing, everywhere I go, even normal people are asking me. I think it is fine you know, I honestly don't feel bad about it or I don't even judge people for making comments or saying things like may be, is she, is she not. Of course, I have never denied the fact that motherhood is a part of me. I don't want to be the PM or President of USA, I don't want to own the world but I definitely look forward to having a child. But when it does happen, Pinkvilla will be the first to know, that much I can tell you. That can be anytime, I am not giving a timeline. I am not saying yes or no, but you guys will know at the right time. I saw the video and I was like 'Was I? I was stiff, because I had been on a holiday'. Like I said, I look forward to it. I have always said, I will work after marriage. I got married and I am still working. Now I am saying I will still have a child and my work will never suffer.
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