Birthday Special: ‘My birthdays are less stressful for me now’, says Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is known to be a reticent person who prefers to let her work do all the talking. She is celebrating her 35th birthday in the British countryside with her family. In a no-holds-barred interview, she tells us how she has stopped fretting over things, started living her life to the fullest and become more practical. Over to her...

Was this trip a much-needed break?

Yes, I think it was all about the timing. The last show of Dabangg: The Tour — Reloaded was on July 9, and it was close enough for me to take two days off and meet my family for my birthday. Had it finished earlier, I would have returned to Mumbai to finish my work. I went to meet some of my friends like Nitya Mehra and Zoya Akhtar in New York and then came to the British countryside to spend time with my family. 

Have you always been excited about this day? 

I guess I had the normal, mature amount of excitement (smiles). I wasn’t giddy about it, but it was a pleasant experience each year. My birthdays are less stressful for me now. Earlier, I used to get stressed and panic about what I was going to do, wear, etc. Now, I’m more at peace about it (laughs). It’s been really fun this year because it’s come at a good time. 

I’ve just finished shooting for Thugs Of Hindostan. Zero is almost complete. As soon as my birthday celebrations are over, I’ll shoot a song for Aanand L Rai. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m looking forward to it. 

What has been your fondest birthday memory? 

Last year, my sister, Isabelle, and I were in New York. The weather was beautiful. I love the summer there because, for me, it’s a magical time. 

How have you evolved as a person? 

Over the last two years, I’ve done a lot of self-introspection. When you are single, you get to know yourself more and discover the things that you like. Apart from that, workwise, it has been a really satisfying year for me. I’ve enjoyed being on the sets again because there was a phase where I wasn’t super inspired. But 2017 has been creatively satisfying for me. Working with Aanand (L Rai) sir has been a learning experience. Also, over the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking quite seriously about the kind of work that I want to do. 

Have you ever had any regrets professionally or personally?

No. I feel everything happens for a reason. You may not like it, but it is meant to bring something else towards you that is going to be better. 

A lot of things have been written about you on social media. Some trolls have even called you a non-actor. Has all of this ever affected you? 

There will always be a certain amount of negativity towards everybody and we shouldn’t give such people any mileage. It’s unproductive. It’s not that I will put my head in the sand and pretend that I don’t know what’s going around me, but I have a good understanding of what’s good and what’s not. I just have to be true to who I am. I can’t change what people think about me. 

Do you believe in forgiving and forgetting? 

You have to forgive and forget. If you keep that bitterness in your heart towards somebody, you are holding that emotion inside you, and you will experience its effects. So, even if you have been wronged, it will still be you facing those negative emotions. Also, most people are doing what they think is right for them, at that point. It’s hurtful, but that’s the way I see it.

Last time, you had said that although you are ready, you’re not looking out for a relationship. Has your idea changed?

Love will happen when it has to. There’s no sense of urgency. The time that I have spent alone has been very important to understand myself better. So, I do believe that it will happen at the right time.