Meet the Bandra girl, who wanted to become a doctor landed up in films by fluke, compared by looks to Katrina Kaif and now ready to enter the mad world of Bollywood
BY SUPRIYA DAVDA | FEB 5, 2010
Xeher’s entertainment correspondent Supriya Davda caught up with the lead actress of Salman Khan's 'Veer', Zarine Khan.
Q: How did 'Veer' come to you?
A: See I never planned to become an actress; I in fact wanted to become a doctor but due to family struggles I had to start work. During my modelling days, I got a call one day from someone at Mukta Arts and they asked me to come to the sets of 'Yuvvraaj'. Being a struggling model, I didn't ask too many questions and immediately left for the venue. When I reached the sets, I saw Salman Khan whom I have been a big fan of since a kid. After the shoot, I got a chance to speak to him and told him that I was a big fan of his and even requested for his autograph. He gave me his autograph but also told me, "Sweetheart, very soon you will be signing autographs." I didn't quite understand what he meant but understood about it later when I was offered 'Veer'.
Q: Weren’t you called to the sets of 'Yuvraaj' to play Katrina’s double?
A: Well yes initially I was, but that didn’t happen in the end since I was offered to do 'Veer'.
Q: Were you then offered 'Veer' instantly without having to audition for the part?
A: Well there were no auditions as such, but I had several look tests. The role that I play is of a princess who is seen in Western and Indian clothing so I succeeded in both. I do know that other girls had auditioned but some would only look good in the Indian wear and not in the western way, vice versa.
Q: You said you were a struggling model in your early days, what kind of work did you do?
A: Well nothing that people would remember me for (laughs) but I did a lot of saree modelling.
Q: Had you been offered films before 'Veer'?
A: No I wasn’t, 'Veer' happened by fluke.
Q: Born and bred in Mumbai your Hindi is impeccable. Why was your voice dubbed in 'Veer'?
A: To be honest, it was dubbed without my knowledge. I am presuming it was dubbed because I am a newcomer and I don’t come from any filmi background.
Q: Surely that’s not a good reason to why your voice was dubbed when you can speak perfectly well?
A: I didn’t question why it was dubbed. The producers know what they are doing.
Q: A lot of comparisons have been made with you and Katrina Kaif, how do you feel?
A: Katrina is stunning and to be compared to her is an honour. She is doing really well for herself. But I don’t think I look like her. I just take it as a compliment.
Q: What is your relationship with Katrina like?
A: Katrina is a lovely person, we are cordial to one another and in fact she has given me many pointers on makeup and how to pose for photographs. She really is very sweet.
Q: When the 'Veer' teaser appeared on TV the rumour mill was strife that you've taken Katrina’s place on and off screen, insinuating a relationship with Salman and you? How have you handle this?
A: (Laughs) Really were people saying that? Obviously this is not true. I haven’t really had to deal with it here. Best way is to ignore it.
Q: From the out set you’ve work with not just Salman Khan but veteran actor Jackie Shroff, did you feel like a small fish in a big pond?
A: Honestly speaking, not at all. It was great working with Salman Khan, Jackie Sir, Mithunda and the others too. I was treated like a baby. They have been around for years and years and I learnt a lot from all of them. They have taught me a lot.
Q: Did you undergo any kind of preparation for the role as the Indian princess?
A: I didn’t do any hardcore preparation, but I was told to watch movies, I read books of this genre and saw a lot of pictures. And the queens and princesses of this era were plump and it was suggested that I put on some weight. In that era there were no gyms and being royal they’d have grand meals, so that was the only kind of preparation that I had done.
Q: It's evident that period films don’t seem to work well at the box office, despite that what made you sign 'Veer'?
A: See there was no reason for me to sign the film; Salman Khan was offering it how can I say no.
Q: The film has not been received very well, has this put you off at all?
A: It hasn’t put me off films at all. I have had a great time working on this film. As far as you all are concerned – the critics it wasn’t liked. But here the masses are loving it and it's still running.
Q: In your past interviews you've commented that you were slightly over weight. How did you lose it?
A: (Laughs) I weighed over 100 Kg’s. I was a fat child. See modelling was not in any way on the cards for me; I studied science at college and wanted to become a doctor. However, due to family and financial problems, I couldn't complete my education so I had no option but to lose the weight and give a hand at modelling. That was the only way I could bring some money home. So I lost 40-45 Kg’s. Thereafter once I signed 'Veer' I had to put at least 8 Kg’s back on so that I could look like the princess of that era. Now I have lost that access weight since in other films that wouldn’t be acceptable.
Q: What diet regime did you follow to lose the weight?
A: I just eat well, sleep well and 20% of exercising.
Q: Whom do you idolise?
A: Well I idolise my mum for sure. No one as the industry as yet, but I think I should since I need to follow in someone’s footsteps.
Q: Who would you really like to work with?
A: I would like to work with Salman again. And I’d really like to work with Aamir Khan.
Q: Finally what’s next for Zarine Khan?
A: Lots of things hopefully. I have just finalised on a script and I’m waiting for the film makers to announce it.
Click to view images for:
'Veer' Movie Stills
Screening of 'Veer' in London
Pictures of Zarine Khan
'Veer's Music Release
