Bollywood star Katrina Kaif recently praised Sriram Raghavan, the director of “Merry Christmas,” stating that his films exhibit a distinct rawness and authenticity in their characters.
Despite having entered the Bollywood industry over two decades ago, Katrina Kaif remains driven by a sense of continual growth and exploration within her craft. Reflecting on her career journey, she acknowledges that while she has achieved significant milestones, she perceives her path as an ongoing voyage, rich with opportunities for learning and evolution.
Presently, Katrina is actively engaged in seeking out collaborations with directors whom she admires and respects. Among the directors on her wish list was Sriram Raghavan, whose distinctive storytelling style and nuanced character portrayals had captured her attention. This aspiration culminated in their partnership for the film “Merry Christmas,” a noir venture that premiered earlier this year.
“Merry Christmas,” a cinematic adaptation of Frédéric Dard’s French novel “Le Monte-charge” (Bird in a Cage), presented Katrina with a captivating narrative canvas. She found herself drawn to the depth and complexity of the story, describing it as a blend of tenderness, poetry, and enigmatic intrigue reminiscent of Hitchcock’s signature style. In her conversation with Variety, Katrina expressed her deep admiration for Raghavan’s directorial prowess, particularly his ability to infuse his characters with a raw authenticity that resonates with audiences. She lauded his skill in crafting flawed yet relatable characters, whose humanity and emotional depth transcend the screen.
While “Merry Christmas” holds a special place in Katrina’s heart, she acknowledges the significance of several other films that have left an indelible mark on her career trajectory. From the heartwarming romantic comedy “Namastey London” to the high-octane action comedy “Singh Is King,” each project has contributed to shaping her identity as an actor. Films like “New York,” “Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani,” “Rajneeti,” and “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” have showcased her versatility across genres, earning her critical acclaim and adoration from audiences alike.
As Katrina Kaif continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Bollywood, she remains committed to embracing new challenges, exploring diverse narratives, and collaborating with visionary filmmakers who inspire her artistic journey. Her unwavering dedication to her craft and her willingness to push boundaries serve as a testament to her enduring passion for storytelling and her enduring quest for excellence in cinema.
“I wouldn’t describe them as just films; they’re more like pivotal moments in my life,” Katrina reflected. “Each one was enveloped in its own emotion, its own atmosphere. It wasn’t merely portraying a character and then going home; it became intertwined with my life at that time. The film, the crew, that moment, that environment – they became my entire world. I was completely consumed, and then when the film was released, there would be a sense of emptiness and loss. And then, it was on to the next one. These are all incredibly significant moments for me, both as an actor and as a performer.”
She also reminisced about the rigorous training she underwent under the guidance of the late guru Veeru Krishnan, a renowned Kathak exponent, on the recommendation of filmmaker Dharmesh Darshan.
“Dance is one thing, but Kathak is about expression. It’s about conveying emotions, expressing oneself through music,” she explained. “For me, it served as the foundation for my journey in movies. It helped me understand the emotions and the language of cinema. At that time, I was somewhat reserved, a bit timid, very naive, unsure of my identity in terms of my voice, my expression as a girl, as a woman. I was quite young. So, I believe Kathak truly helped me find my voice.”
“I’ve always prioritized the audience and have strived to do so throughout my career,” the Tiger 3 actor added. “And now, it’s about striking a balance – choosing stories that resonate with the audience while also resonating with me personally, as an actor. What will facilitate my growth? What will bring me fulfillment? This is precisely where I want to be right now.”