Playing it safe: ‘Mainstream actors look for commercial films’

Kareena Kapoor-Khan says Bollywood stars shy away from movies addressing relevant subjects

NEW DELHI: Actor Kareena Kapoor-Khan said it’s a rarity for popular stars to take up movies on relevant subjects. She, however, agreed to do a “small special role” in Udta Punjab for the strong message that it conveys.

Kareena will be seen essaying the role of a doctor named Preet Sahani in the Abhishek Chaubey directorial, which has been in the midst of controversy over its theme.

Talking about what made her sign the film, she said: “It was the subject... I think actors like us don’t take up relevant subjects like this. Mainstream actors constantly look for roles that are a part of commercial films. I have done a lot of that,” added the 35-year-old diva.

It was when the film’s director approached her with the script of Udta Punjab that she said she was very clear that she wanted to be a part of the film. “It has a strong message and it’s a small special role. I wanted to be part of something good out there for my fans,” added Kareena, who dedicated 20 days to the film.



A bonus for her was the preparation that Abhishek had for a movie which is based on a subject as serious as the escalating issue of drug abuse in Indian Punjab – something that she also felt needs to be brought out on celluloid.



“The director was very well-prepared. He came very well-prepared on the set. Abhishek was clear on the subject. He was very clear on the kind of film he wanted to make and his characters. It was interesting and I am happy that I am playing a small part in this film,” the Jab We Met star said.

Udta Punjab makers have gone through their share of struggle in seeking a release certificate from Indian censors that first suggested as many as 89 cuts in the movie. After the Revising Committee persisted with 13 cuts, the film-makers approached Bombay High Court that overruled the excisions and cleared it for release with just one cut and three disclaimers.

Kareena says it’s been a great victory for the team of the film. “It’s one of the greatest triumphs to have happened in recent times. It’s just so wonderful for the people who have put in the hard work. Abhishek had believed in the brave film he wants to make. So, I think it’s really his moment of triumph that finally his baby is hitting the big screen,” said the wife of actor Saif Ali Khan.



Her co-actors from the film, Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, have been at the forefront of media conferences regarding the controversy around the film but Kareena has been missing. “I was there for the trailer launch ... [As far as] press conferences and talking to the media every day [is concerned], I know it’s a part of the job and I love doing it, but constantly being seen everywhere is something I am really not keen on doing,” she said. “I am sure I wasn’t missed because there was so much commotion happening anyway.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17^th, 2016.

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