Katrina Kaif on her B-Town friendships

Katrina Kaif has been in the industry for 12 years. She is known to be the reserved sort. Perhaps it springs from her London upbringing or maybe she is just an introvert. But these are just guesses and that’s because Kat chooses not to talk about her friends. But this once, she makes an exception. The actress holds forth on buddy-buddy baatein. Read on to find out why she gets upset when they don’t cast her in their films, her special connection with Salman Khan’s family and what she thinks of working with Ranbir Kapoor...

Who would you say are your friends in Mumbai?
Today, I would say, Kabir Khan and his wife Mini Mathur, his assistant director Karishma Kohli, directors Ali Abbas Zafar and Ayan Mukerji, Reshma Shetty (her manager) and Alvira Agnihotri. I would also say Karan Johar and Aditya Chopra, too, but in different ways. Adi is not my bosom buddy. I can’t call him on a Friday and tell him ‘Let’s go watch a film together.’ He’s not a pal, but he’s definitely someone whose opinion and advice matters. And if I need it, I would go to him for advice or help.

Alvira and you have remained friends despite your break-up with her brother Salman.
I have that relationship with the whole family because what I shared with them was genuine and will always be genuine. They are a very gracious family. I have known them for so long and we will always be that way. What is genuine and pure will always remain so.

When friends like Karan Johar don’t cast you in their films does that bother you?
I did the song Chikni Chameli in Karan’s Agneepath and now I am finally doing Dharma and Excel’s co-production opposite Sidharth Malhotra. I’d noticed that Karan and I never worked together. There were talks, but it would never materialise. I would feel irritated when they didn’t, but then what to do?

Your best friend Ayan didn’t sign you opposite Ranbir Kapoor in his next.
But that has to happen, ya. Ranbir can’t do all his films with me! You want him to do back-to-back films or what? Everyone needs to balance their work with other actors. These things are  the law of nature and filmmaking. We have done some really great films together and now, are working on a third, very interesting one, Jagga Jasoos by Anurag Basu, who is one of my most favourite directors. I couldn’t have asked for a better film.