Kareena Kapoor admits that with her next film, Heroine, she has gone where she never dared to venture earlier. She says it was also the most intense and most consuming of all roles that she has ever done. Excerpts from an interview:
It is said you have never attempted a role as intense as the one in Heroine. Did you have any apprehensions before taking up the project?
Yes, I would have to say that this has been the most intense, boldest and most consuming film I have done so far. But even before signing the film, I knew I was going to love doing the role. And I did love every minute of it. At no point of time I felt any hesitation or apprehension about doing this film.
Were you upset when you couldn’t take up Heroine the first time due to date issues? And how did you feel when it came back to you from Aishwarya Rai Bachchan?
One always gets upset if one has to give up a good project. Thankfully, things just fell into place and what’s more, they are even releasing the film (in India) on my birthday, September 21. What more could I ask for?
With controversies surrounding the film even before the release, do you think it will further kick up a hornet’s nest?
I don’t know. Right now I am more bothered about how the audience is going to perceive it. After all, we made the film for them.
What’s the plan for the big day – September 21?
First thing in the morning Madhur Bhandarkar (the director) and I are going to go to watch the film in a single screen and check out the audience reaction. Then I am sure I am going to spend the whole day, anxious to know how the audience has accepted the film. I would want to know if they have liked it. And of course, since it is my birthday, my loved ones will keep me company through the day.
Since this film took up a lot of your energy, do you plan to take up a lighter film next?
No, this film didn’t take up too much of my energy. Since I got into acting, I have learnt how to switch on and switch off. Once I finish shooting, I don’t stay in the character I am playing. On the contrary, Heroine was a wonderful experience because Madhur didn’t pressurise me to get behind Mahi’s skin. He just had the confidence that once I start performing, I will be Mahi Arora and not Kareena Kapoor.
