Though she initially declined Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine , Kareena Kapoor ended up doing it. While many are seeing the project as Kareena’s The Dirty Picture and also her answer to ‘Sheila ki jawaani’ (through the song ‘Halkat jawaani’), the actor feels there’s no denying that it is the most important film for her in years. Excerpts from an interview:
After cast changes, you are finally Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine. Would you say you were destined to play this character?
It has been my dream since childhood — I always wanted to be a ‘heroine’. I used to listen to Madhuri and Sridevi songs on my Walkman, thinking I would become an actor one day. The journey wouldn’t have been complete without Bhandarkar’s Heroine . I am so glad this film was in my destiny.
Why did you not agree to do it earlier? Were there any reservations?
No. I was shooting for Bodyguard, Ra One, Agent Vinod and Talaash , and could not accommodate dates. When I have to do a film like that, I want to dedicate all my time to it. I have shot this film at one go. I am happy the makers came back to me.
The film talks about an actor who faces a downfall after success. How do you manage your life so you don’t end up in a similar situation?
I just don’t read the morning papers.
Are you scared of the day you won’t be offered films?
I haven’t even thought about that. Probably, there will be a time, but I hope I am happy and content. I will be like Zohra Sehgal; I’ll work till 90. I am not giving up my place for anyone.
Is ‘Halkat jawaani’ your answer to ‘Sheila ki jawaani’?
No, it’s mine. please don’t compare it with the work of anyone else.
How realistic is this film, did you identify with any of the aspects of your character?
It is fictitious; we are not portraying anybody as such. It is a biopic, but it is based on a screenplay and story he has thought up. We haven’t followed anybody in particular. My character, Mahi, is bold, edgy and aggressive, but I don’t think I am like that in real life.
Vidya Balan has provided competition for all heroines. After she had done a film like The Dirty Picture , was it necessary for you to accept this film?
I am very comfortable in my own shoes. Nobody fits into my size. And Heroine is not a dirty picture. The two are two different films. I accepted the film because of its script, not to compete with anyone. Making comparisons is senseless.
In one of the scenes you pose as a sex worker, what kind of research did you do for it?
I am not the kind of actor who does research. Yeh sab bina research ka hai yaar. Main itni bhi boori nahin hoon . (All this is without research. I am not so bad.)
Are heroines just the way they are portrayed in the film?
At least, I am not like that. As for the others, even I want to know if they are like that or not. But I am sure they are a bit over-emotional, because even I am over-emotional.
If you, as a heroine, have to face the same circumstances as the character you play how would you react?
My character is a little more aggressive and edgy. But I will deal with situations in life in a more thoughtful way.
On September 21, apart from Heroine , Sridevi’s English Vinglish and Preity Zinta’s Ishq in Paris are releasing.
These are different films. I think the audiences will go to watch all of them.
Just before your film releases, your cousin Ranbir Kapoor’s Barfi! also hits the theatres. Do you see it as a competition?
The Kapoors will always rule. I just hope his film does well and hopefully he wishes the same for me. His film should also work, but hamari film thodi zyaada (our film is a bit more than that).
Bollywood News Service
