Katrina, Imran create frenzy in Abu Dhabi

The frenzy at the press conference alone was indication enough that the Abu Dhabi world premiere of "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" will be a full house.

Fans, sponsors and even some of the esteemed members of the fourth estate pushed and shoved each other in the lobby of Hilton Abu Dhabi, just to catch a glimpse of Bollywood stars Katrina Kaif, Imran Khan and Ali Zafar.

The celebs in question didn't seem to be concerned by the melee, with the trio, along with director Ali Abbas Zafar, happily joking their way through the press conference and showing everyone that their camaraderie was not limited to the shoot alone.

"We had a great time having fun together; we even managed to shoot a film in between," quipped the actor, Zafar (not to be confused with the director), with a deadpan expression.

Co-star Imran Khan echoed the sentiment, adding: "Both Ali and I saw Katrina Kaif in the film and decided to jump in without having a concern over the script.

"Seriously though, the script entertained me like no other; Ali has written a great film and all of us were drawn to this project for this very reason."

Kaif, who's acting talent has raised quite a number of questions amongst critics, said "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan's" appeal to her lay in the fact that it shattered stereotypes of your typical Bollywood caricature of a female lead.

"In most Indian films, the character of the woman is presented in a clichéd format," she stated. "It was great to finally be part of a film that breaks such a stereotype."

The film, which closely resembles the story of another Bollywood film titled "Sorry Bhai", sees Khan fall for Kaif, the woman he has chosen as a bride for his brother, played by Zafar.

However, director Ali Abbas Zafar, who has also penned the script, was quick to point out that the film is anything but a love triangle.

"It's a simple family film, and not a love triangle. It just has a quirky name that appeals and implies that," he stated.

The actors have been on a promotional blitzkrieg, with the trio making repeated appearances on reality shows, entertainment shows and travelling the globe with their film.

When quizzed about the importance of such aggressive marketing campaigns for a film's success in today's times, the director defended these actions, saying: "We make a film for the audience. And such marketing campaigns are imperative to create a buzz amongst the masses.

"Plus, filmmakers are ultimately creating a product and they need a return on investment, especially when the concerned capital is increased along the way."

However, when questioned further, Ali Abbas declined to indulge in the film's overall budget, saying it wasn't a policy of the production house, Yash Raj Films.

Incidentally, "Mere Brother Ki Dulhan" is YRF's 50th film in 50 years.

The movie premieres in Abu Dhabi at Vox Cinemas, Marina Mall on Wednesday, September 7, with the romcom going on general release across UAE the following day.

Kaif, who is no novice to Abu Dhabi, took the time also to gush about the city and plug in her brand, Etihad Airways.

"This city has always been special, as I've shot my earlier films, "Partner" and "Race" here," she stated, adding: "Plus, Etihad and I share a close relationship too.

"With the large Indian community here, it almost feels like a second home."

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