With her career not making much headway after her second innings in Bollywood, actor Karisma Kapoor is not in a tearing hurry to sign new films. But at the same time the actor, who made her debut in films before she turned 18, is open to the idea of doing a project under her family’s banner, which gives her an added incentive to go that extra mile and create ripples at the box office.
The actor, who took a sabbatical from acting after her marriage a decade ago, made a comeback in Vikram Bhatt’s supernatural thriller “Dangerous Ishhq” in 2012. Though the filmmaker complimented her by stating that her face has a “certain timelessness” and she made her presence felt in the film, the movie didn’t do well.
Over the years, Karisma delivered several box office hits, including “Jigar”, “Anari”, “Raja Babu”, “Suhaag”, “Coolie No.1” and “Jeet”. In 1996 she received her first Filmfare Award for “Raja Hindustani”, her biggest commercial success and the National Award for Best Supporting Actress in “Dil To Pagal Hai”.
The passage of time has not diminished her fan base which was evident with many taking selfies or autographs when she turned up in the Capital to endorse McCain’s new snacks. She spoke to Friday Review about her film career at the event.
Excerpts from the interview:
Your last film “Dangerous Ishhq” did not work at the box office. Do you plan to make a comeback possibly under the RK banner as your father Randhir Kapoor recently announced he is producing a movie next year?
I do not know when my dad made that announcement but yes I would love to do a film by him. In our family, we all are professionals and if my father feels I or my sister Kareena could do justice to a particular character he has in mind then certainly we would go ahead.
I am extremely happy with the way Kareena’s career is progressing. It is rare to see two successful actresses in one family. We have worked hard to achieve the success we have got. I believe with hard work anyone can achieve a lot.
At 17 you debuted in “Prem Qaidi”. Looking back, do you think the break at an early age worked towards your advantage? or there were some disadvantages?
Getting an early break helped me to blossom into an actor. It helped me to understand how the film industry operates. It was a great learning experience for me to know what acting is all about. I have had a good journey in Bollywood and I would like to thank my dedicated fans who have supported me all these years.
I would like to share my experience in movies in a book. My first book is already out and another one will soon be out.
Do you think “Dangerous Ishhq” did could not become a commercial proposition because its contemporaries films like “Ra. One” and “Don 2” got converted from 2D to 3D?
I am not that technologically savvy to answer whether it was 3D that led to the failure of our film. We cannot predict the fate of a film. Right now, my two children are my priority. If I get a script which motivates me to go there on the sets I would okay it.
Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt complimented you by stating that your face had certain timelessness. Will you be doing another project with him?
I have not decided on this. Maybe I will do it but I must get the right script before giving my nod. Motherhood comes with a certain responsibility. After having two children, my priorities have changed.
For the past two years you have been brand ambassador of McCain. How do you identify with this brand?
I am a big foodie but am also health conscious. I look after my two children by cooking food for them. Earlier my busy schedule was preventing me from doing all this. I want to cook a satisfying meal for my children. At times even neighbourhood kids drop by. McCain has produced snacks which gives me the option of preparing them for my kids in a jiffy. I can also fry food and grill it.
