Raajneeti is about politics not politicians

The Bollywood potboiler Raajneeti, which opens across the UAE cinemas today, is not about India's Gandhi dynasty, according to lead actress Katrina Kaif.

She told Emirates Business that the Indian politician Sonia Gandhi's life cannot be portrayed in a few scenes as that would be denigrating her achievements.

The actress was in Dubai with actors Ranbir Kapoor,?Arjun Rampal and producer-director Prakash Jha.

Looking relaxed as he sat in a corner at the It's Mirchi nightclub at the Ramee Royal Hotel, Jha fielded questions about the controversies surrounding his film.

Asked about the spat that resulted in actor Nana Patekar walking off the sets and Jha having to shoot some of Nana's scenes without him, Jha said: "The media has made up the bit about some scenes in the film being shot without Nana. They were all shot with him and I am happy with the results. Also, we have made up after the spat. Misunderstandings do happen when you are working on such a large-scale project with so many actors, but now everything is fine."

When asked about the fuss being made by some Congress workers about Kaif's role and their objections that the movie reflects badly on the Gandhis, in particular Sonia Gandhi, Jha said: "The movie is not based on the Gandhi family. It's a new story set in the present day and portrays today's world and its politics. Also, Katrina's character in the film has been unfairly compared to that of Congress President Sonia Gandhi. It's not based on Sonia and, in fact, Katrina has been portrayed as the daughter of an industrialist in the movie."

Kaif added: "I think the comparisons with Sonia Gandhi are but natural as my mother is British, so they are to be expected. However, my character in the film is not based on her. It is not possible to portray Sonia Gandhi's life in a few scenes. The fact remains that Sonia Gandhi's life demands a full movie based on it otherwise we will be denigrating it."

Rampal added: "You know all artists, take inspiration from life. We research it, study it and are inspired by it. In the same way, we have studied the present day politicians for this film, but are not copying anyone."

Jha said: "This movie is my dream project. It was so long in the making and it was my dream to make a contemporary, comprehensive and deep political movie. And I have done it."

Asked about his choice of stars, especially the young and glamorous Kaif and the youth icon Kapoor, who until now have played light, romantic parts, Jha said: "I work by instinct and I choose my cast according to my gut feeling. After that, it's all a matter of working hard with them, getting them into the role and getting the kind of performance out of them that I want."

Kapoor said: "I am not aware of the fact that I have an image of a youth icon. I believe that an actor's image changes with each movie he does. Until now I have been getting roles where I have played young, romantic characters, maybe, if people like me in this film, I will start getting more serious roles."

On the flip side, Kaif said it was tough with Jha.

"He always wants things to be just right and drives us relentlessly until he gets what he wants. [But] he had to be firm to get the job done."

The young Kapoor butted in with a big grin on his face.

"He used to whip us and not give us food until we got it right." Rampal also joined in the joke: "He used to hit me on the leg repeatedly until I got the part right and see I am still limping." For good effect, he got up and hopped around for a bit.

Asked about her expectations from the film, Kaif said: "I hope this film does well, so that people can see that I can do justice to serious roles.

"I want people to go and watch the movies and give me their feedback on katrinakaif@gmail.com."

The future

- Prakash Jha

I have no plans of crossing over to Hollywood. This is my Hollywood. In fact, for me, the Indian film industry is bigger than Hollywood.

- Ranbir Kapoor

I am so new in the Indian film industry. I have so much to learn and right now I want to make my mark in acting. However, I would like to follow in the footsteps of my grandfather Raj Kapoor and one day I would like to producea film.

- Katrina Kaif

"I don't worry about where my career will go or what heights I will achieve. I just love acting and go to the sets and have fun while working. I don't worry about the future."

- Arjun Rampal

I hope that the public will appreciate my work in this movie and I will get more serious roles in the future. I don't think there is anything wrong with acting in a multistarrer and not playing a lead role in it as long as it is a meaty, meaningful role. However, I would love to do a lead role that is meaningful too.

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