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Mumbai, Jun 25: Voted the ‘sexiest’ woman in the world recently, Katrina Kaif hardly finds herself all that “hot and desirable”. She insists that it’s just her girl-next-door cuteness that works. Lounging in track-pants, she reveals that all her sisters call her “boring”!
You’ve been rather busy.
Oh yeah! I just got back from IIFA. I am quite tired. And now the rains (moans).
Looking at the brighter side, you won yourself the Style Icon at IIFA. You must be happy about that.
It feels nice to be awarded the Style Icon trophy. Such functions are meant for getting together, for having fun and celebrating.
What was your first reaction to be the ‘Sexiest’ woman on the earth?
I started laughing. Then I said, okay, it’s good that people like and appreciate me. I don’t think they necessarily mean I am the sexiest woman in the world. I think they just find me desirable as a whole package.
What must have prompted the voters to hail you as the sexiest? Could it be anything to do with your mod style of dressing?
It’s not about how you dress or look. People get to know you through your character and songs in your films. Also, the way you express yourself in films and they make a judgement based on that. Maybe people like the girl-nextdoor image of mine. Perhaps they also like the fact that I am not too unapproachable, not too perfect. That’s why they can relate to me.
How sexy do you rate yourself?
I don’t consider myself to be sexy at all, but being voted the ‘sexiest’ is funny and sweet. But frankly, I think I am just normal. I love my work and the opportunities that I have. I feel blessed that things are going rather well. It’s sweet that people think this way about you. But sexiness is not something I think about.
What kind person are you really?
What I come across in films is the way I am. My sisters often tell me that I am pretty boring, they think I am like our mother. They aren’t voting for me, thank God for that!
Do you think the sexy tag will have any bearing on your acting career?
No! I have worked hard to get where I am. I work to the best of my ability. But one thing I have learnt after my first two films is that I want to have family audience. Kids must like you. I am very happy being the sweet-girl-nextdoor. I don’t want to get away from that at all.
Aren’t you miffed with some media observers who say that the sexy crown is not due to you at all?
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. This poll was just nice fun, a good joke, not to be taken too seriously. It's for that moment — come and gone.
Point noted. After Race, which is your next screen outing this year?
The next release is Singh Is Kinng. It is a great film. I know both director Anees Bazmee and producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah well. I am very excited about this film and hope all goes well with it too.
And then comes the much awaited Salman starrer, Yuvraaj.
Subhash Ghai’s Yuvraaj releases on August 15. It will be my big film with Salman, it represents me in a classic mould. People will get to see me in a different role altogether.I sport a new hairstyle, a high-fashion look. Subhashji was very generous, he spent a lot on my clothes. Each costume cost about Rs 2- 3 lakhs. He’s a master of presentation.
You are off to the US for Kabir Khan's next opposite John Abraham.
Oh yes, I have to go for Yash Raj's film to New York. The director Kabir Khan just won a National award for his last film. It is important to work with directors like him who will bring out a different aspect of you and bring in more realism. After that in September I will shoot for Blue.
I am also excited about Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani and Atul Agnihotri’s Hello next.
Your emphasis has always been on hard work, diction and looks. What else do you work upon?
I work hard on everything I do, I have worked on my diction. I have figured out which form of dancing suits me, resultantly I am enjoying my song-n-dance routines and it's showing on screen. Like in Race, I had a blast shooting for the songs.
Every film is a learning experience, you take home something. That’s the attitude I go on the sets with — what can I learn from this, what can I learn from the director and what can I use to my advantage in future. Well done, that’s the attitude of a winner.
But have you seen Sarkar Raj yet?
I haven’t, but I want to really see it because Sarkar was a great film and I was lucky to be a part of it. I loved the way Ramuji directed me in the film. I enjoyed working with him. I love his sensibility and approach to filmmaking. He’s extremely settled and a dream to work with. I am sure he’s made a brilliant film. He went and made the sequel with an appropriate cast. I am sure we will work together again when the opportunity comes.
Lastly, Ms Sexy, what’s your fitness mantra?
I am what I am. I try to be fit and I work out, but then I have never been a skinny girl and never will be one. I just maintain myself and try be healthy. I eat sensibly.