Katrina Kaif: I’d love to host a travel show

Fresh off the success of New York, superstar Katrina Kaif is relieved that the film has been a commercial and critical success. What’s even better is that her performance has been appreciated. She talks about New York, John Abraham, Salman Khan, being called sexy, travelling and everything in between.

On New York and her character Maya.
New York got good reviews and it’s a hit too. It was kind of poignant, almost symbolic, that the day we wrapped out our three-month schedule there, Barack Obama was elected President. Post 9/11 and the global meltdown, there was a movement for change. America was looking for a man who could pioneer this wave and found him in Obama.

Maya is a lot like me because she is an NRI who’d grown up in America. I know some may question her decision later in the film to stand by Sam but I endorse it because in love there is no right or wrong. When you are in a relationship, you forget acceptable social norms. You break all the rules and just follow your heart.

On her big family and sis Isabella’s Bollywood plans
It’s a great blessing to have the support of six strong individuals. My sisters are fearless, confident and content in their own space. Every time I spend time with them, I come back appreciative of what I have. My brother is like our big caretaker. We sisters are about a year apart and similar in height and build. It’s quite a sight when he’s out walking with seven girls.

Isabella is studying drama and is more interested in acting, singing and dancing on stage than Bollywood.

On her love for traveling
I grew up in eighteen countries, actually. That’s why I feel like I belong to the world at large and not any one country. I’ve met people from different backgrounds. And today, when I have the means and position, I’m reaching out to them. My mother is a social worker and I got actively involved with her orphanage last year. I would love to host a travel show because I have been around.

On Salman Khan’s show and the possibility of a film with him
Coming on the show again made me realise how comfortable a host Salman is today. He’s found his space on television. His energy was so high and unpredictable that it was hard to match it.

As far as us working together is concerned, the script has to be something special because that’s what determines the chemistry between co-stars.

On her alleged real-life chemistry with John Abraham
The nature of the film industry is such that rumours come with the job. They have been buzzing since the Marilyn Monroe days and there’s not much you can do but dismiss them with a laugh. As long as the people involved know the facts, it’s okay.

We’re professionals and since we know the truth, why would we be uncomfortable working with each other? New York was a big step for all of us. We believed in the film and supported each other. It helped that the whole team was under 33 and there were no starry tantrums or ego clashes.

On being voted Asia’s sexiest woman
I think it was Race that tilted the scale. My fans saw a different Katrina and they liked her. But I think here people vote for who they like as opposed to the west where they are governed by the definition of the word. Personally, I’d prefer being called desirable to sexy since I don’t want to alienate my family audience. Maybe 20 years from now, I’ll find it sweet.

On Rajniti, in which she speaks chaste Hindi
I’ve been working on my lines. More than content, I want to get the intonation right. Director Prakash Jha sits with me late and we work on the dialogue together. Rajniti is an interesting thriller. And wearing a sari made me feel so empowered.

On her plans to celebrate her birthday in London
I don’t know. My work could get delayed and I could end up staying here. But all my sisters will be in London on July 19 and it would be nice to spend the day with the family.