‘SALMAN IS IMPORTANT IN MY LIFE’

Actor Katrina Kaif says ‘there is a connection’ between her and Khan, her costar and longtime associate

She was a true-blue outsider, who rose rapidly to stardom. Now, even after a decade in Bollywood, Katrina Kaif remains a name to reckon with. As she gears up for the release of Tiger Zinda Hai (TZH), we catch up with her about life, career and more.

You’ve worked with Salman in seven films now. How has your relationship with him grown?

Everyone has a few people in life who’re important to them and hold a [special] place. I can definitely say that’s the way [my equation with him] is. He is a very important person in my life. There’s a connection. For instance, there have been days when I went through tough times, and although I’d never tell anyone, bizarrely, he’d land up at the same place where I’d be. That’s uncanny.

You have spent over a decade in Bollywood. How has it been?

If not a book, my journey has been like a few chapters (laughs). With the constant ambition and drive to succeed, achieve more, be part of better films and become a better actor, you often forget to enjoy the little moments and things that you achieve. I always wonder, ‘Could I have done more?’ or ‘Could I have done things differently?’ Maybe or maybe not! But I’ve always made decisions that I thought were best [for me].

So, no regrets?

It’s not just pointless but also wrong to think about moments from the past or regret certain things. I feel the universe puts us in those situations for us to learn [from them]. I genuinely feel happy and blessed to have done whatever work I’ve done. When I’d go to places such as Fatehpur Sikri or Ajmer Dargah, I’d pray for things that I’ve achieved today. But along the way, I forgot to stop and realise that so many of my dreams have come true. Even in the future, in terms of work, I hope it all comes organically. I’ll not chase anything.

You’ve achieved a lot of fame, success and money. But at this stage, do you miss the presence of someone special in your life?

Love is the most beautiful thing in life and it brings a lot of peace in your heart. It’s almost as if love feeds your soul. But you can find love in different places, different forms, and at different stages of life. It doesn’t always need to come from a person. Being in a relationship will happen at the right time, in the right space.

You have a stellar lineup of films alongside the Khans — Salman (in TZH), Aamir, and Shah Rukh. You must be really content...

We should [be content], right? All of us are so busy in our pursuit of passion and ambition that sometimes we forget [to stop and feel happy].

It’s true especially for a person like me, who’s really driven to do many things, to make everything perfect. I feel sometimes, I must take a pause and say, ‘OK, I’m happy now’. Honestly, I’m in a great space, working with people who’re passionate about their work. No need to complicate things. I feel, ‘Put your heart and soul into your work but be at peace once it’s pack-up time’.

Are you happy with all your decisions till now — personally and professionally?

I believe that all my choices were the right ones at that point. Life puts us in situations that change [us]. If we do everything perfectly all the time, it means we’re perfect and the universe doesn’t need to change anything about us. There must be some people who’re Zen-like — they don’t need to experience or learn anything. That’s not me.

PHOTO: HTBS