Imran, Kangana live by Katti Batti

In a candid conversation the lead pair of the upcoming flick ‘Katti Batti’ open up about the chemistry between them during filming and their experiences in the tinsel town

The interview is scheduled for noon and interestingly both turn up for the appointment before time. “I’m always on time,” says Kangana Ranaut dressed in a short dress that makes her look like a teenager. Imran Khan is honest, confesses he arrived on time in fear because he knows Kangana is obsessed with punctuality. The actors have a lot to catch up and from what appears are familiar with each other’s temperament and taste.

I start by asking if that is natural and if they are always as observant about their co-stars or is this time an exception?

Kangana: Observations are involuntary. Actors deal with people all the time - on an average we work on a film for a year and in the course of time we become familiar with our co-actors, the creative and the technical team. I have done films, where I have not been friendly with my co-stars too but with Imraan it was easy from the first day.

Imran: I agree with Kangana. I have also done films, where I have not been best friends with my co-star, but that has not affected our work but when you click as individuals then the process of making a film becomes all the more enjoyable.

Katti Batti is a phrase we associate with our growing up days.

Imran: Yes, we have all used the phrase some time or the other with somebody or the other. In English when literally translated it means now on now off and it is perfect for the story and the characters.

Kangana: Because we used the phrase in childhood we think it is frivolous but it isn’t, in fact it expresses so much and there is an innocence to it too because it is all about being transparent.

The film is a story about relationships so how different can relationships get in every film?

Kangana: It depends on the scriptwriter, the director and on the actor. I can tell you that this is the most challenging role for me as an actor. It is my most difficult role and has churned my intestines and you know that I will never exaggerate about my performance.

Imran: It may sound like a cliché but it is a different kind of a love story and the protagonists share a unique relationship. By temperament I’m not a very intense or a hyper person so I was quite chilled out on the sets but Kangana was affected and it shows in her performance.

This is your first film together and you’ll make an unlikely pair, so how was the experience of discovering each other?

Kangana: I’m a very hard working actor and will not rest till I have given my best. I noticed on the first day that Imran is very chilled out. He is the kind of actor who does his home work and once before the camera he leaves it to instinct. I do my homework too but it is important that I deliver to my expectation.

Imran: I must tell you something about Kangana, she is very determined and when she works hard she is never a liability on the co-star or her producer. She works quietly and unobtrusively and when it is time for take delivers 150 per cent in one take. That I feel is remarkable.

Both of you have been through many ups and down in your short career, was there any hesitation in working with each other?

Imran: You are right, I saw success, I saw failure, I went out of focus and hopefully I will back in focus. I’m proud of Nikhil Advani who stuck to me and refused to get me replaced. I’m told there were heroines who said drop Imran and we will do the film but Nikhil Advani said no. Then I learnt that the ‘Queen’ was doing the role and I feared I would be dropped but she had no objection and so we are here today.

Kangana: I don’t suggest heroes for my films, it is the writer and director’s job to decide what is best for the film. I liked my role, the script, the director and I said ‘Yes’.

Most projects in show business happen among equals, are you anxious about how the trade will react to the disparity in status?

Imran: I’m not self-conscious about my current position at the box office. I know I don’t have a hit behind me and I know that Kangana is numero uno and I’m happy that this disparity does not make a difference to her.

Kangana: What matters is good content and to create good content I will fight with my director. I have offered to rewrite scenes in my earlier film and I have done a little bit in ‘Katti Batti’ too with the director’s approval and permission of course. I’m often asked if I want to turn writer/ director, my answer is I don’t know anything can happen anytime.

By: Bhawana Somaaya/ @bhawanasomaaya