The most gorgeous actress of Bollywood is ready to shed her glamorous side for a serious role.

Katrina Kaif is not content being eye-candy in films and is intent on doing roles that challenge her as an actress. After umpteen roles that had her playing the proverbial glam doll, Katrina is now set to be stripped of her oomph.

The man who would do so is director Prakash Jha who wants to present Katrina as a simple, girl-next-door in his next semi-realistic political drama titled Rajniti . The buzz is that Jha wants Katrina to sport a non-make up look for the major part of the film. On top of it, Jha also wants Katrina to undergo training in voice modulation because she is supposed to deliver her dialogues in a different way in the film’s second half.

‘I’m doing substantial roles now’
Katrina speaks about her forthcoming films and the issues close to her heart

You finally find yourself in the big league with so many hits.

I have been lucky for the last year or so with all my films Namastey London Partner, Welcome, Race and Singh Is Kinng becoming hits. It gives immense satisfaction but I still feel there’s a lot to learn. I count myself among the new generation of actors and I have a lot to give.

Since you are in the top league now, would you become choosy?

I don’t want to be choosy but certainly I am looking for variety. My next few films see me in different roles and none have any similarity. Even my role in Race had shades of grey and I enjoyed that. It gives a lot of satisfaction as an actor.

What next?

I have Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani in which I am paired opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Then there is Prakash Jha’s Rajneeti, Blue, De Dhana Dhan and a film with Yash Raj Banner being produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Kabir Khan.

There are rumours that you are emulating Sonia Gandhi in Rajneeti.

I am flattered by the comparison, no doubt. She is definitely a powerful person but I’m not emulating her.

Tell us about your role in Rajneeti.

When Prakash ji told me the story there was instant response from me and I was blown away by the story. I think it is a fantastic script. As this is political film, I did a lot of research on how politicians go about the process of campaigning, how they deliver speeches before crowds of thousands, and how they grow into powerful orators.

You are sans makeup and in simple cotton sarees in this film. This is quite different from your glamourous image.

I have got to another level with this film. People will now know that I can do other type of films as well. I have been part of successful films and now I’m glad I’m doing substantial roles. I am so pleased that I can finally prove those people wrong who has branded me as a glamourous doll.

You have worked with most of the established directors; will you work with new directors?

The first thing that I see before choosing a film is definitely the director. If a new person comes to me with a script and says ‘let’s go for it’, I should be really willing to take risks to agree and I guess that will also happen sometime. Though working with new directors is risky. A right director is my priority not an exciting script. If a director who can’t pull off a good script comes up to me with a fantastic script and I love it, it is still a meaningless and futile exercise to go ahead with the film. For me, who directs the film is of utmost importance.

— TWF

Friendship between actresses in Bollywood is a rare phenomenon and avid watchers of the industry have observed that cat fights are more regular than girls' nights out in Bollywood. If any proof was required, then Priyanka Chopra taking potshots at Katrina Kaif's deglamourized avatar in Rajniti should be enough.

Speaking to media persons, Priyanka commented on Katrina's look sans make-up in the Prakash Jha directed Rajniti. Priyanka said that just by removing make-up one cannot become a better actor. She also said that removing make-up and acting is like hiding something, while claiming to be uninhibited.

It may be recalled that Priyanka's last two hits, Dostana and Fashion, had Priyanka playing extremely glamorous roles. Priyanka replied to this by saying that the need to appear without make-up never arose for her and if a role requires it, she would gladly sacrifice her glamorous image.

All the audiences can hope for is that the two actresses battle for the top actress' spot on screen and treat their fans to some power packed performances.

In life, they harassed her by making her Congress president and almost the Prime Minister of India; now, even on screen, there is going to be no peace for Sonia Gandhi.

The latest bit of news to cause the Congress bahu to go into a deeper frown is the one from Bollywood that compares Katrina Kaif to her in looks. The beautiful actress, flattered by the comparison — no doubt, is not anxious to take it further despite the obvious comparisons to Soniaji in Prakash Jha’s film Rajniti.

“She is definitely a powerful person but I’m not emulating her,” Katrina clarified to BT. However, for her role in the political film, the actress did do a lot of research on how politicians go about the process of campaigning, how they deliver speeches before crowds of thousands, and how they grow into powerful orators. And for which she happily faced the camera sans makeup and in simple cotton sarees!

Katrina is also pleased that she can finally prove those critics wrong who branded her as a glamourous doll. “I have got to another level with this film. People will now know that I can do other type of films as well. I have been part of successful films and now I’m glad I’m doing substantial roles,” said the proud actress, adding that she can identify with the character she’s playing. “She is a free-spirited girl and she knows what she wants. She has no ego hassles... it’s her determination that I could relate to,” said Katrina.

Strangely, for somebody who didn’t follow politics, Kats is now showing a healthy interest in the job of the politician. “Prakash Jha understands politics and he gave me an insight into the functioning of the system. Now I find it quite interesting,” said Katrina from Turkey where she is shooting for Rajkumar Santoshi’s film. So will she stand for elections if offered a ticket? “Never say never. There have been many things in my life that I thought I could never do, but they’ve happened. If a political party that I believe in approaches me, I might just join them,” said Katrina, showing that reel might become real for a change.

Serene beauty Katrina Kaif is flying high these days with one after another hit. Now she has developed a new love for speed. Very few know that Kat has a great fascination for cars. Katrina says, “I always had a passion for cars. I loved the thought of owning luxury cars. I told myself that the day I’d earn money I’d buy expensive sports cars.”

Today Katrina is hitting the headlines for her role in Rajneeti where she is playing the role of congress president Sonia Gandhi. In this film, Kat will get enough scope to showcase her acting talent. To fit to the role, she has undergone voice modulation also. She will be in ‘never seen before’ avatar with devoid of glamour. A clipping of Kat playing Sonia has been leaked in the media where she is looking very simple wrapped in saffron sari therefore donning the look of a perfect politician.

At present she is shooting with Ranbir Kapoor for Rajkumar Santhosi’s Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahini.

Goddess of luck, Katrina Kaif's dedication towards her career and professionalism is helping her win hearts of all the Bollywoodwala's and brandwala's. She is rapidly emerging as one of the most sought after faces for brand endorsements.

The lady's career seems to be going great guns. She has even decided to put herself through the acid test with her de-glamorized role in Prakash Jha's forthcoming film Rajneeti. Prakash Jha is already impressed with her effort to get in the character and sources say she is going to surprise the audience with her stunning performance.

The latest is that the beautiful diva has managed to dethrone one of the reigning queens as brand ambassador of a shampoo brand Pantene, which was a part of Former Miss Universe Sushmita Sen's kitty of endorsements. Earlier, she had dethroned another reigning queen as the brand ambassador of a diamond company. No doubt, she has become favourite of all the Brandwala's and they feel that she is really lucky for their Brands... which is no big surprise, the beautiful actress has really worked very hard to achieve this success.

Looks like Bollywood is finally getting its due recognition. Talks are that Katrina Kaif and John Abraham will be signed on for Jewel of India, the upcoming film of Hollywood Director Rob Cohen of The Fast And The Furious (2001) fame. Though neither is willing to divulge too much, the grapevine suggests that Katrina and John are only minutes away from the dotted line.


Jewel of India will be produced by Feroze Nadiadwala, with whom the irresistible Kats has worked earlier in Welcome (2007). The film will be her second pairing opposite John Abraham, the first being Yash Raj Film New York.

Jewel of India is slated to be a major release with Amitabh Bachchan appearing alongside Kats and John and Hollywood biggies like Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Monica Belluci and Eva Mendes.

Many times news of Katrina getting married to beau Salman Khan erupted but every time, it turned out to be a great joke. Recently when a Marathi daily published another such type of news and making it even stronger by quoting Salman’s father Salim Khan, Katrina reacted strongly and denied any such type of happening and asked the media to clear up the news.

Regarding the rumor, she says, "It's complete rubbish. When I marry the world will know. Right now I've no such plans." Katrina remarked about media frequently making their marriage a breaking news, "That's bound to happen. If you're a public figure and at the end of the day neither of the party is clarifying anything, there's bound to be a lot of speculation and unnecessary comment. But I'm not going to get provoked into giving explanations. Because once they start, they never end."

Katrina had a high expectation from Yuvraaj but everything shattered when the film fail to spell magic and she felt little disheartened as her combination with beau Salman Khan did not work. Currently, she is shooting with Ranbir Kapoor for Rajkumar Santhoshi's Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani.

Akriti Kakkar, who has sung songs like Dekhoon tujhe toh, Aanan fanan and Inshallah that were picturised on Katrina Kaif, says people often call her the voice of the Bollywood actress.

"I am often called the voice of Katrina Kaif since I have sung for her in films like Namastey London, Apne and Welcome and my voice suits her personality. However, my dream is to sing for Rekha and Madhuri," Akriti said.

Akriti has rendered chartbusters Move your body (Johnny Gaddar), Marjaani (Billo Barber), Freaky freaky raat (Kismat Konnection) and Dil vich lagiya ve (Chup Chup Ke), among others.

After playback singing, the 22-year-old singer has now ventured into composing music. She has composed for her new album that will hit the stands in March.

"I'm composing music for my non-film album where I am receiving help and guidance from Shankar Mahadevan and Himesh Reshammiya," Akriti said.

"My film songs have given me recognition, but I feel there is more to my singing than is being explored in the movie songs. That's why I decided that I'll come out with an album that will have my flavour," she added.

But is it the right time to venture into the non-film category owing to the shrinking market for such propositions?

"I know it's the most risky time to cut an album, but I really wanted to explore my singing abilities and I'm trying to churn out quality songs, which I hope will be appreciated by the audience."

Akriti started her career with remixes. She first went behind the mike to sing Rangeela re remix and later came out with her remix album Ateen. But soon she realised that singing remixes will not help her career.

The young vocalist got a head start and made her debut as a playback singer with composer duo Vishal-Shekhar's composition Chham se vo aa jaye in Dus.

But she says it was the title track of the film Johnny Gaddar with the trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy that became a turning point in her life.

"Getting to sing Move your body was a turning point in my career. It changed my image as a singer. I was so glad that Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy felt my voice will do justice to the song," said Akriti who often teams up with the trio for stage shows.

She has also participated in a reality show and said that she was approached for acting as well. However, she declined the offers due to lack of inclination.

She wants to 'stick to what I do best, music'.

Her forthcoming projects are Aa Dekhein Zara, Hello Darling and It's My Life.

Well, if you think the only spoilt birthday party that Katrina Kaif has suffered is the one gone by which is infamous for the Salman Khan-Shahrukh Khan tussle, then wait. Because the pretty young woman has been a victim of a birthday gone wrong in her earlier years as well.

In the chat show with Farhan Akhtar, Katrina reveals that she had cried most in the year when she had just entered the industry with Boom.

''We had just completed shooting for the film and it was my birthday. Since I was a rank newcomer, I didn't really have many friends or acquaintances. I was alone in the cabin and there was absolutely no one around. I would have cried most that day, I was feeling so lonely,” recollects Katrina.

She attributes her emotional trait to her zodiac sign being Cancer. ''Well, we are like that only. We can cry at any moment,” says Katrina. In fact she goes on to admit that she is a cry baby. ''I cry when I am happy or sad. In fact I also cry when I have nothing to cry,” quips Katrina.

In fact she also shares an interesting fact about her college days when she hadn't been asked out for a date. Unbelievable, but true! Confirms Katrina, ''I don't know why but it is indeed a fact. In fact even my friends from college too never asked me out.''

Well, one thing is for sure Katrina. Any man today out there would certainly do at least two things to keep you happy - a) Take you out on a date and b) never make you cry!

Bollywood's latest sensation Katrina Kaif is all set to play a character inspired by Sonia Gandhi in Prakash Jha's Rajniti, according to reports.

The actress is preparing to leave for Bhopal to join the unit of the film there.

According to sources, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif's roles are modelled on Rajiv and Sonia Gandhi's life.

Adds a source, "Like Sonia, Katrina in this film takes over her husband’s political career after his sudden death and goes on to become a political figure.”

Katrina's role in Rajniti demands that she sheds her glamorous image. So, for the first time, viewers would be able to catch the beauty sans make-up.

Another challenge that lies ahead for the stunning beauty is to deliver the long and impressive speeches as a political leader flawlessely. Well Katrina, be prepared for the acid test!

No, not right now — I look like a bum,” says a giggling pre make-up Katrina Kaif when asked to pose for photographs.

As she sips on that specific brand of water, maintaining a calm demeanour amidst a crowd of star-struck fans, it’s understandable what the fuss is all about. “I do lose my temper, get stressed or hyperactive... I’m a very emotional person. But I am far too privileged to complain about little things like someone taking a picture of me. That would be a crime,” she says talking about how hard it is to always be in the spotlight.

The actress, who confesses that “things have been moving forward, personally this year,” says that she deliberately avoids talking about her relationship with Salman Khan. “It’s true (that I avoid talking about Salman). I’ve always maintained that my personal life has to be kept private,” she says. As for rumours of past and present link-ups with co-stars Akshay Kumar and Ranbir Kapoor respectively, she attributes it to “the nature of filmmaking.”

She’s also dismissive about being replaced by Deepika Padukone as Akshay Kumar’s leading lady. “Akshay and I can’t do everything together. I don’t compare myself to other people — that’s something good about my nature,” she says. As she hits the panic button because she’s getting late for the airport, there’s only time for one more question. So valentine day plans? “I’ll be in Turkey shooting for a song with Ranbir for a movie.”