“A bad director can make an awesome script into something really crappy.” Kriti Kharbanda

Kriti Kharbanda is an Indian film actress who predominantly works in Kannada along with Hindi, Telugu and Tamil films. After beginning her career as a model, she made her acting debut with the Telugu film Boni (2009). Subsequently she went on to become one of the top actresses in Kannada. She’s recently made her debut in Hindi film industry  with ‘Raaz Reboot’ in 2016. Since then she has acted in ‘Guest in London’ and ‘Shaadi Main Zarur Aana’ which really put her on the map. Her next film is ‘Veerey Ki Wedding’ and she is currently shooting for ‘Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se’.

Q. So your last film ‘Shaadi Main Zarur Aana’ did well. How does it feel?

Well, of course it feels great, plus it was screened at the Rashtrapati! When Vinod sir (The producer) messaged me, I was like “Yeh kya ho raha hai??”, “Kaise ho raha hai!?”. It was a great surprise! When a small film meets with such a positive response, the feeling can’t be explained. We often question ourselves whether people will watch such small films, or whether such films can survive, because often times low budget small films don’t see the light of day. Even we faced some hardships, but I would love to give all the credit to Ratna Ma’am (The director) because she didn’t give up. Usually if a film doesn’t work during the first week, like ‘Shaadi Main Zarur Aana’, the director would give up. But Ratna ma’am had confidence.

Q. So if a  ‘part 2’ happens with Rajkummar Rao, would you be up for it?

A. I will be in the film for sure, I don’t know about Rajkummar Rao (Jokingly while laughing). They better watch out if they make a part 2 without me (While laughing). But in all seriousness, Ratna ma’am loves Raj and me too much. She will make sure that it is both of us.

Q. In your last film you did a bit of a workshop to become Aarti (Her character in ‘Shaadi Main Zarur Aana’). Was there any workshop for your character of Geet in  ‘Veerey Ki Wedding”?

A. In this movie the main reason why the pressure was on is because the character of ‘Geet’ is from Delhi. I’m also from Delhi, but I was just born there, I didn’t stay there. So to pick up the lingo was very difficult for me. Since I was brought up in Bangalore, I can say dialogues in ‘Kannada’, or ‘Telugu’, because it’s much easier for me to bring in that accent. But for me to speak like a typical South Dehliite girl was a challenging. I used to get so angry at time (laughing), but managed. I knew I could manage the acting, and before the final dubbing, I interacted with many people from South Delhi. Dubbing was difficult because my characters voice was very high pitched, like a child. So I had to create that while keeping in mind that there is a fine line between being irritating and being in character. I tried to strike that balance.

Q. Pulkit is also from Delhi, so what did you learn from him? 

A. What will I learn from a guy? (laughing)

Q. How was the overall experience of being in Delhi during the shoot. 

A. It was great, I surprised my entire family at India Gate! Nobody knew I’m shooting in Delhi. I know you’re talking about shooting, but surprising my family was the best feeling!

Q. What is the main thing you consider before saying yes or no to a film? The script? The director?

A. I always hope that my gut feeling turns out right… But, I think the most important thing for me is the script. Because, for a very simple reason that if- Actually no, you know what (Changes her mind), it’s actually not the script. I’m sorry… It is the director. Because a good director can make an ordinary script seem awesome, and a bad director can make an awesome script into something really crappy.

Q. For example?

A. I’ll tell you after the interview! (Laughing)… I promise, right after the interview I’ll tell you!

Q. So if the script is fantastic, but the director is new, would you be willing to work with him on the film?

A. Of course. With a new director we do workshops. It also has a lot to do with the vibe you share with the person. When you meet a person for the first time you realize that either you can work with that person, or you can’t. If the first vibe is such that the person is arrogant, or not easy to work with, or not serious about his craft, or if there is any ounce of negativity, then I distance myself.

Q. Do you want to be a bigger star or a bigger actress?

A. Actress, because that will help me become a star! I would rather be a good actress because it’s no fun to do the same type of films and the same type of roles. I want to be a star also, but what is the point of being a star if I can’t be true to my craft.

Q. So Jimmy Sheryl is also there in “Veerey Ki Wedding’… On screen he comes across as very rowdy, so how is he off screen?

A. He is not at all rowdy. Sorry, there is no gossip there! In fact I’ve worked with him 5 years ago as well, in a mahindra ad that was directed by Shoojit Sircar, the director of ‘Vicky Donor’. We shot in Goa and Bangkok. So on the set when I met him I asked him if he remembered me, and he replied by saying “I know you.” so I had to tell him that I’m not asking if you know me, I’m asking if you remember me. He was a bit scandalized by that, so I had to remind him about the Mahindra ad. Then after that he remembered everything suddenly and the ice completely broke. He is very chilled and he is a fabulous actor. Jimmy sir is one of the most intelligent actors we have in the country.

Q. What do you miss the most after the shoot?

A. The food… (Laughing.)… Delhi ka khaana! But on a serious note, our field is very different where with each project we meet a new set of people. From day one we don’t have a choice but to be comfortable with everyone. But then you bond throughout the course of the film. Then the shooting ends and then you work with others. That is how it is. So you miss those moments with every new film.

Q. Any cat fight?

A. I’ve done all single heroine films so I haven’t been in any…. Even in the south I haven’t had any. I think it’s all made up to be honest, I mean how can anyone fight? When do you get the time and energy to fight on sets? If someone tries to fight with me I would ask, “Are you frustrated that you aren’t as talented as me?” (Laughs).

Q. Out of your 4 films (Hindi films), which one according to you is the best?

A. I haven’t seen ‘Veerey Ki Wedding’ yet, beyond the dubbing stages. So as of now ‘Shaadi Zarur Aana’ was hands down the best for me. I loved doing that film and I think I did justice to it, and I’m the best ‘Aarti’ in the world!

Q. Are you doing any web series? 

A. No, at the moment I am not because I’ve not had time.  You need at least 2-3 months for a web series. But I would take something up which excited me if I do get the time. It doesn’t matter to me if it’s a big screen or a small screen. The reach for a web-series is huge, which is the main reason I would do a web-series, but it had to be something that excites me. When I saw ‘bose’, it excited me. So something like that I would love to do!

Q. Out of the 4 actors that you have worked with in your Hindi films, what is it about each one that you liked the most?

A. Emraan Hashmi is a very prepared actor. He loves to prepare and will never forget is dialogues. Also, if you take 6 different takes from 6 different angles, he will do the same exact thing so that the director has no problems in cutting the shot. He is that talented and that is something I love about him! Karthik Aryan is one of the most fun people who has this urge to grow and I love that about him.  He reminds me of myself as in he wants to be a star and he will do whatever it takes to become a star. That determination is so inspiring! He believes in healthy competition. Then I worked with Raj. Obviously everyone already knows that he is a fantastic actor! He is not a directors actor, his is a co-actors actor. He is by far the most understanding and amazing co-star I’ve had because he has taught me that art of reacting. He used to say often that when we are supposed to say something it is easy because we are using words, but when you are reacting to someone else, then it is all about your eyes. Now Pulkit… Pulkit is the most technically sound actor I have ever met. I think that’s because he has a lot of experience in television as well. That has made him a better actor. I don’t think he has ever given more than two takes. This is because he prepares and is ready for what he wants to do. Plus he is technically sound, so when you have such an actor, you don’t need to worry about the camera!