There are more strong female characters now, says Katrina Kaif

Mumbai: With back-to-back mega releases, Katrina Kaif is one of the busiest actors in Bollywood right now. In her latest film 'Bharat', the 35-year-old actress will be seen in a performance-oriented role. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Bharat is an official remake of Korean film An Ode To My Father. Kaif, who is teaming up with her first co-star Salman Khan in their fifth film together, said it is exciting for her to play strong characters.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle in an exclusive interview, Katrina said, "To be a part of the film where there is a strong character written for a girl is always very exciting. After being in lots of films, today what really excites me is what's written on the paper and what role I am going to play. When I first read this script, I just loved the character of 'Kumud' and it was definitely something I wanted to throw myself into."

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Does Katrina believe that the narrative around female characters changing in Bollywood? She said, "Well, it's not there were no strong female characters before as I have played some really fantastic characters in films like 'Namastey London', 'Rajneeti'. Those were really strong female characters. In today's time, there is a bit more open market for different kinds of roles in different kinds of films. It is maybe not on a huge scale of commerce yet but, there's more room for different kinds of films. There are definitely more strong female characters now."

Speaking about rave reviews she received for her last release, Anand L Rai’s Zero that also starred Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina said, "Just the unanimous feedback from everyone was very, very nice to hear. It is mainly because you want to know that your work is resonating with people. That's what the ultimate goal is. So, that overall feedback for me was really special."

Post positive feedback to her last performance, Katrina is on the lookout for interesting characters. In 'Bharat', the actress will be seen playing a no non-sense government officer named Kumud Raina. Speaking about what attracted to this character, the actress said, "Kumud is a very spirited person - that really worked for me. And because her journey spans to the entire film, it gave me an arc that I can hold on to. It was like living that process, that journey of who that person was. I like the fact she is outspoken, she is not soft, she's not really sorry for herself, she speaks her mind, she takes responsibility for her actions. I like all these qualities."

Like many of her contemporaries who have ventured into film production, Katrina too would want to create content. "Yes, it is definitely on the cards! With production, there are a few ideas which I am excited about and hopefully it will happen soon. The idea of putting my name on a project that I feel strongly about is amazing," she mentioned.

Also Read | Salman Khan's brilliant performance is my takeaway, says 'Bharat' director Ali Abbas Zafar

Katrina Kaif recently revealed that she is very much single, so does that mean there's no hurry in settling down? The actress told, "I do believe in the institution of marriage and having kids. But I am taking one day at a time. I don't know what would happen next."

Bharat is scheduled to hit theatres on Eid, June 5.