Expectations were set sky-high for the much-hyped Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra film Baar Baar Dekho, which was released on Thursday.
The easy camaraderie and chemistry between the leading pair is romantic-movie box-office gold – and Kaif has seldom looked better than she does in the film’s promos.
Baar Baar Dekho, a romantic drama spanning 30 years, is the perfect platform for Kaif, 33, to re-establish her position as one of Bollywood's leading ladies, which has been slipping of late. With three back-to-back flops – Fitoor, Phantom and Bang Bang – in the past three years, Kaif can't afford another box-office dud. She told The National about her new film, her hopes for the future and her decision to take things slow and live in the moment.
What is so special about Baar Baar Dekho?
aIt is one of the most emotional stories I’ve heard in a long time. It moved me on a very elemental level. My character Dia’s journey resonated with me, which made playing the role a deeply personal and special experience.
Tell us more about your character.
Dia is an artist. She’s a modern, independent woman who knows her mind and is very determined. But at the same time she’s very passionate about love, and is dedicated to her man. I believe that like me, a lot of women will see themselves in Dia when they see the movie.
Don’t you get bored, working on one romantic film after another?
Each film is unique. The story sets the tone and pitch for you. And then, of course, a director has to be able to guide and steer you to complete their vision. No actor can just go off on a journey on their own, saying: “Watch me because I’m doing something different.” With every film, you learn and grow. Emoting is not easy – you have to search and find the character in you.
Since this movie involves time travel, what would you like to go back and change in your life?
I spend a lot of time worrying. I’d go back to the times when I was having fun and tell myself to just enjoy the moment instead of worrying about what might go wrong.
You say you could identify with your character – has this movie taught you anything about yourself?
It’s taught me to value happy moments. We’re never truly present in the moment. I never hear anyone saying: “Take a step back for your family and loved ones, focus on your relationship.” We’re all in this digital trap, moving at a breakneck speed. This film gave me perspective on how I want my life to look.
What’s next for you?
In the past few years, I consciously took less work. I want to see what happens going forward. I want to step out of my comfort zone and take up roles and genres that challenge me. I'm very excited about Jagga Jasoos next year, because Anurag Basu always tries to push the envelope and I find that exciting.
artslife@thenational.ae
