By Asjad Nazir
THERE is a strong British connection to this month’s biggest Bollywood release Fitoor, which has just been released in cinemas.
Apart from having British actress Katrina Kaif in the lead role, the story is an interesting Indian adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic Great Expectations.
The Kashmir-set, coming of age drama, directed by Abhishek Kapoor, also stars Aditya Roy Kapur and Tabu. Shot at colourful locations, Fitoor bridges the gap between classic literature and contemporary Indian cinema.
The trailer and music received a great response in the lead-up to the film’s release. That is perhaps why Katrina was feeling quietly confident when GG2 caught up with her to talk about the film, her character, literature, her passions, charity and work ethic.
You have achieved an incredible amount in your career so far. What is your biggest motivating factor today?
Whatever I may have achieved is inconsequential in the face of the adulation, love and support of my audiences. The motivating factor for me, therefore, would be to continue to do, to the best of my abilities, everything that I can to keep them entertained.
What did you like about Fitoor?
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens has always been among my favourite classics. I think it is one of the greatest romantic stories ever told in literature. The decision to be a part of Fitoor was quite instantaneous because I think, like me, everybody loves romance and passion.
So you had Great Expectations beforehand?
I have read the book and I have also seen the films that have been made on the book. But I must confess that I love the way Abhishek Kapoor has adapted it for the Indian audiences (and the Indian diaspora living overseas).
Tell us about the adaptation?
When I got the script from Abhishek, I was very taken by the romance he had added to an already romantic story. Setting the film in Kashmir, which lends itself as a character in itself with its varied seasons and pristine natural beauty, is yet another masterstroke.
There are slight tweaks and changes to the story, keeping in mind the Indian audiences, which I feel work brilliantly for the film.
And your character?
My character Firdaus has been raised to have a manipulative mind that, for me, was very interesting to explore, as she is so complex. One minute she’s distant and the other charming.
And she is facing and fighting so many inner demons that there is always an unrest and anguish inside her. She’s battling life constantly, whether to appease her mother or to fall in love.
How does this role compare to others you have done?
Well, I think it’s one of the most complex characters I have portrayed in my career to date. Firdaus encompasses a number of layers and nuances, and as you peel these back, it uncovers further complexities of her personality.
You look incredible in the movie. How was your look decided?
(Smiles) Thank you for the compliment. The entire look of the film, let alone my look, was Abhishek Kapoor’s vision. From the colour of my hair to the kind of footwear I wore, he knew the world he wanted me to belong to. There was obviously a fantastic team of experts headed by the phenomenal Anaita Shroff Adajania, who then helped put Firdaus together.
Do you have a favourite moment in the film?
It’s difficult to pick one because every shot of Fitoor where Firdaus appears is a different aspect of her character.
You shot at some amazing locations, but what did you like best?
To be honest, the entire schedule in Kashmir was breathtaking. It was not just the place – the people and their warmth made Kashmir a very special place to shoot in.
How does Aditya Roy Kapur compare to other leading men you have worked with?
There is always great comfort when you are working with someone you have known personally for a very long time. I think we connected really well and understood each other well enough to create the relationship we needed to on screen.
What was working with Tabu like?
I think the hardest part of my role was pretending that Tabu was my mother because she does not look like my mother from any angle, she’s more like a friend. I really enjoyed the days that we shot together. We spent a lot of time talking and she is really one of the warmest people I know and those conversations are some of my warmest memories from the shoot. And she’s a phenomenal actress.
When you are working with very good actors, you have to remember to not get lost in their performance but to contribute as well. I think we have been very fortunate to have her on board for the film.
Do you get nervous before the release of a movie after all the success you have had?
Gosh, yes. You never know what the fate of a film will be and I don’t think one should ever be so confident.
Have you got used to the expectations surrounding you?
I guess I have, since they generally are connected to bettering yourself in every aspect of your professional life, which is something I continually strive for. (Laughs) To be honest, I am probably my hardest taskmaster.
Fitoor is an adaptation of a classic novel. If you could be in another adaptation, which would it be?
Every single classic romance. If I am wishing, I might as well wish for it all, right?
How much of a literary buff are you?
When I was younger I did read quite a bit, especially the classics, but unfortunately now I just don’t seem to get enough time to do that. I should probably re-read all of them and figure the next adaptation now, though.
Fitoor means passion, but what are your biggest passions away from work?
Friends, family and fitness.
Which social cause or charity are you most passionate about?
My mother helps run a charity in India called Relief Projects India, which does some phenomenal work for rural development including, but not restricted to, eradication of the gender bias, education, hygiene and much more. I try to do my bit but more often than not, I can only contribute financially which I do feel sad about. My mother is an inspiration to me and I hope that I will be able to emulate her a bit more.
Finally, why should we all go to watch Fitoor?
As I said, Great Expectations, the classic novel that Fitoor is inspired by, is one of the greatest love stories ever written. I think Fitoor has done amazing justice to the story and in the most beautiful way. It has been made with a lot of love, and I promise you, will be an enthralling journey for you to take with the ones you love.
