Katrinan Kaif on her film 'Baar Baar Dekho'!

Katrina Kaif is one of the biggest stars of Bollywood, but when she enters a big hall of Mumbai’s famous Mehboob Studio, her vibe does not feel to be an intimidating one. She falls into that normal mould of celebrity who does not carry their stardom wherever they go. She is calm and composed and undauntedly focused on her job. And perhaps that is the reason she is still in the reckoning even after so many years of her entry into Bollywood. The actress, who made her debut in tinsel town with Boom in 2003, has played a variety of distinctive characters in a career spanning over a decade. Though her first film ‘Boom’ bombed at the box-office, she enjoyed great success in movies such as ‘Namastey London,’ ‘Partner,’ and ‘Ek Tha Tiger.’ Now she stars as Diya Varma in upcoming time-travel film ‘Baar Baar Dekho.’ She describes it to be one of the best characters she has played so far. In a freewheeling chat with Bollywood & TV Reporter Mohnish Singh, she talks openly about the film, her rapport with Dharma Productions’ head honcho Karan Johar, and what made her join Facebook after so long.

What Baar Baar Dekho is all about?

Baar Baar Dekho is an extreme love story with a sudden and new wave. It is not about time travel but you will get to see the love story of Jai and Diya from the age of 8 till 60. What we are mainly trying to say is about the different stages of relationship one goes through.  When you get married and have kids, the problems you face at different times and scenarios is what the film is about.

Do you have a particular way of choosing roles? What exactly do you look for in a script?

Something should connect to me. I feel if a story is able to connect to me personally then it has the potential to connect with other people. To me, Baar Baar Dekho is one of the best characters I have ever played. Diya is someone every woman will be able to connect with, personally.  There were so many moments that I could completely relate to.

 How was the experience of working on this project?

First of all, I feel privileged to be a part of this film as it is a new story that hasn’t been touched in Bollywood. Whether it goes well or not with the audience, we just have to wait and see.  But it is definitely going to be a new experience.

One incident in your life that you would like to “Dekho Baar Baar”?

I try not to hold on to one single moment to cherish forever. But my whole experience in this film industry has been of immense happiness.

How was it working with Dharma Productions for the first time?

My equation with Karan Johar is far beyond Dharma. I have known him very closely for the past so many years.  Karan is very genuine and connects deeply with everyone. He is also an incredibly bright and sensitive person.

Do you think chemistry between two actors changes the overall impact of the film?

I think the story is the most important. If chemistry is there in the story, then the chemistry will be there on screen. But, of course, how the two leads look together, how they get along with each other also plays a part in it.

Doing challenging films like Phantom , Fitoor and then immediately a light hearted film like Baar Baar Dekho, does it help you de-stress?

Just because the nature of the film is serious, it doesn’t mean it is a challenging role. For me Diya’s character in Baar Baar Dekho is one of the most challenging and emotionally expressive characters I have ever played. If you just see glamour and love in the trailer, it is not necessary that the film does not have soul and depth. Challenge is actually about how you see it. You can challenge yourself in something romantic or dramatic. It doesn’t have to be the genre that challenges you. Feeling no relatablitiy towards a character and still playing it is also a challenge.

Will Kala Chashma prove to be a career boost for you?

Every successful hit track, I believe, helps an actor. Music is huge part of our industry and successful films go hand in hand with successful albums. The physicality and the glamour in the song is what gets attention in the promotion phase. But I am sure when people see the movie in theatres they are going to leave with emotions and the character and not just glamour.

Who do you think the credit goes to for making Katrina Kaif a superstar?

It is hard to say a single person for you entire career. The only thing you can do is believe in destiny. I am a big believer of destiny and whatever you are given, work the best you can. Whatever has come my way, I know I have given my best. There was a time when my focus was not on my work and that was my lowest phase. Someone might always be better than or as good as you, but you have to go home knowing you have given your 100%. That is the most important thing. Your competition should be with yourself always.

You give your best and when the film doesn’t work, how does it feel?

If a film doesn’t work, you just have to understand that it was a wrong choice and it was a film that did not connect with the audience. They can never be wrong. I am extremely fortunate that the audience, more often than not, has supported me and when they don’t, there must have been something we did not get right. For me, the more productive way of dealing with it is to look at yourself and think what you could have done better. We do not control other people so you cannot just blame it on someone else and get it over with. That is human tendency and once in a while you have to go easy on yourself as well. It is as simple as that.

How was the dream team experience?

It was just amazing. It was a wonderful tour and there was so much unity and love between each one of us. The response from the crowd was just beautiful to see and I really hope to do more shows like this.

After a long time, you are finally on Facebook! What made you change your mind?

I believe it is now that you need to have a platform to speak directly to the audience because whatever they hear or know about is what the media has decided to tell him. It might be true sometimes and not otherwise. So it is important to make them know the real you and share whatever you want, whether small or big, directly with them. Facebook is a reflection of your personality but Twitter is also in the plan so you can see me there as well in the near future.

Do you keep a tab on your film’s box office collection?

Definitely, I always know what happens to my films. It is very important to know so that you understand what connects with the audience and what doesn’t.