Mumbai:
Karisma Kapur, who returns to Bollywood after a six-year hiatus, admits that she actually enjoyed her time not doing any film. "I've been working since I was 16. So I needed time away," she states. The actress talks about returning to the big screen and giving priority to her two children, Samaira and Kiaan Raj.
Having been in the centre of attention during your reigning days, how was it keeping away from it all?
I loved my time away from the limelight. I was very clear that once I have children, they would be my priority. Having worked since I was 16, I needed a break. In fact, Vikram Bhatt was after me for the last two-three years saying he had an amazing idea. But then, I told him I was not keen on working.
So what changed your mind?
The script. Last year he called me again, saying I must at least hear it. And I was bowled over by it. I have played amazing roles and characters in the past and this is something I haven't done before. It is a supernatural thriller with a plot that people will identify with because all of us at some time have been intrigued by karma, destiny, crystal ball, astrology, tarot card reading. And it's the first time a woman-centric 3D film is being made in India.
But going by RA.One and Don 2, 3D hasn't really worked well for Bollywood.
Those films were converted into 3D. Haunted was made in 3D and we had a similar crew, shooting with a different camera. This story required 3D and this format will enhance the audience's experience in going into past life.
How much do you think filmmaking has evolved in the past few years?
Not much actually. The magic of being on a film set remains the same. Technically it has evolved a lot and people have become more professional. But as far as just giving the shot is concerned, it remains the same.
What do your children Samaira and Kiaan Raj think about your films?
They like the entertainers. They're very excited about my forthcoming film too.
What are your plans for the forthcoming trip to Cannes?
I don't think we'll be going, as I'm not sure if we're making the deadline for our film.
In one of her interviews, Kareena said that your grandfather Raj Kapoor was biased towards you and she envied you. Comment?
It was all made in good humour since I was the first born and have my grandfather's light eyes. Everyone in the family was loved equally.
Having been in the centre of attention during your reigning days, how was it keeping away from it all?
I loved my time away from the limelight. I was very clear that once I have children, they would be my priority. Having worked since I was 16, I needed a break. In fact, Vikram Bhatt was after me for the last two-three years saying he had an amazing idea. But then, I told him I was not keen on working.
So what changed your mind?
The script. Last year he called me again, saying I must at least hear it. And I was bowled over by it. I have played amazing roles and characters in the past and this is something I haven't done before. It is a supernatural thriller with a plot that people will identify with because all of us at some time have been intrigued by karma, destiny, crystal ball, astrology, tarot card reading. And it's the first time a woman-centric 3D film is being made in India.
But going by RA.One and Don 2, 3D hasn't really worked well for Bollywood.
Those films were converted into 3D. Haunted was made in 3D and we had a similar crew, shooting with a different camera. This story required 3D and this format will enhance the audience's experience in going into past life.
How much do you think filmmaking has evolved in the past few years?
Not much actually. The magic of being on a film set remains the same. Technically it has evolved a lot and people have become more professional. But as far as just giving the shot is concerned, it remains the same.
What do your children Samaira and Kiaan Raj think about your films?
They like the entertainers. They're very excited about my forthcoming film too.
What are your plans for the forthcoming trip to Cannes?
I don't think we'll be going, as I'm not sure if we're making the deadline for our film.
In one of her interviews, Kareena said that your grandfather Raj Kapoor was biased towards you and she envied you. Comment?
It was all made in good humour since I was the first born and have my grandfather's light eyes. Everyone in the family was loved equally.
