She was almost written off when she arrived in Bollywood. Nearly a decade later, with three Yash Raj projects, three reigning Khans as her co-stars and endorsements galore, actress Katrina Kaif says reality is far better than dreams.
Katrina, 27, has teamed up with ex-boyfriend Salman Khan in "Ek Tha Tiger", Aamir Khan in "Dhoom 3" and Shah Rukh Khan for an untitled film -- all are being made under Yash Raj Films (YRF).
Not just that. Veteran director Yash Chopra is directing her film with Shah Rukh.
"Yashji undoubtedly is the king of romance and I have always admired the way he presents his heroines. It was always a dream to work with him and the reality is even better," Katrina, who was brought up in Britain and boasts of 28 Bollywood films, told IANS in an e-mail interview.
"He is very precise in his brief on what he expects from a scene and extremely perceptive. It has been amazing to work with him," she added.
YRF's untitled film is her first project with Shah Rukh. Katrina is bowled over by the superstar's energy.
"Shah Rukh is a thorough gentleman and it is a delight to work with him. I admire the sheer energy, hard work and passion that he puts into his work. It is also nice that my first film with him is a Yash Chopra film; they have done some great work together," she said.
If Katrina is getting into romantic mode with Shah Rukh, she will be doing a lot of action too with Aamir in "Dhoom 3".
" 'Dhoom 3' is a concept film and the characters are required to look a certain way and do physically strenuous sequences. So there is a lot of physical training involved to prepare for the role," said Katrina.
Today she is counted among the top Bollywood actresses, but Katrina doesn't believe in the numbers game and tries not to let anyone down.
"I don't believe in numbers; the fact that I'm getting to work with the best people in the industry makes me feel blessed. With every project I get to learn so much that I can't thank all the people around enough," she said.
"Every day in this industry is an experience in itself and I try to work hard not to let anyone down. It is a great feeling, but it does come with responsibility towards your colleagues and the audiences," she added.
When Katrina entered Bollywood with the 2003 release "Boom", trade pundits had predicted it was touch and go for her in tinsel town. But she has proved everyone wrong by giving hit after hit.
In a span of almost a decade, Katrina has given hits like "Maine Pyaar Kyon Kiya?", "Welcome", "Sarkar", "Race", "Ajab Prem Ki Gajab Kahani", "Raajneeti" and "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara".
"I am very fortunate that I have been working with some very senior and experienced directors almost from the beginning of my career - Raj Kanwar, Abbas-Mustan, Raj Kumar Santoshi to name a few," said Katrina, whose recent Slice ad "Ab Ras Barsega" is out and she is looking her ravishing best in it.
"As for the directors, banners, actors and projects I am working with today, I have just gone about doing my work to the best of my abilities and in as professional a manner as possible," she added.
