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'I no longer go for box-office success alone'
Karisma Kapoor lists her priorities.
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Karisma Kapoor is very happy.
The fact that Boney Kapoor's Shakti, which was touted to be one of her best films till date, failed at the box-office does not matter anymore.
What matters is her engagement to Abhishek Bachchan, her venture into television and her latest film, Indra Kumar's Rishtey (also starring Anil Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty), which opens in the theatres on Friday, December 6. Karisma was to do a dhak-dhak song for Rishtey ala Madhuri Dixit in Kumar's earlier film, Beta. However, it was scrapped, as it did not go with her character in the film.
Lolo, as she is fondly called, has a quick chat with Kshama Rao.
Was Shakti's failure at the box-office a disappointment?
Honestly, no! I have given a lot of hits to this industry. I have been a part of commercial hit films, classy blockbusters and even managed to earn myself a name with art movies. Zubeidaa is being described as Shyam Benegal's --- who is called the father of art cinema --- best film to date. Having portrayed the title role in that film, what more could I have asked for?
Coming back to Shakti enacting the role of Nandini was a satisfying experience. The critics and the audience have appreciated my work. That is enough for me. Today, even the audience understands you have performed well, irrespective of whether the film is a hit or a flop. What matters to me is personal satisfaction, appreciation and growth. I no longer go for box-office success alone. Doing different and nice roles are a priority.
What's so different about Rishtey?
It's a typical 'Indra Kumar' film with his trademark 'scenes.' Relationships are his forte and technically, I am the heroine of the film. I would call myself the emotional anchor of the film.
You are doing a serial called Karishma -- The Miracle of Destiny for Sahara TV. Was it a tough decision to make?
Yes. It took me almost six months to decide whether I wanted to do it or not. However, what appealed to me about the makers and the story is that they gave me something I am good at --- acting. It is not a talk show or game show or reality show. It is fiction and I would treat it as just another film. Today, next to cinema, television is the biggest. It's become the fact of life.
Tell us more...
It is about a woman's journey through life. For the first time in my career, I play an old woman, as I am doing the double roles of a grandmother and granddaughter.
I also have my film assignments like Suneel Darshan's Mere Jeevan Saathi with Akshay Kumar and Amisha Patel and Tinnu Varma's Baaz. Then, I am committed to Shyam Benegal's next film.
Has Amitabh Bachchan given you any tips on handling television?
*giggles* Please don't ask me this question.
How do you feel about your engagement to Abhishek?
I'm excited! It's the most beautiful phase of my life when, both professionally and personally, I'm on a high. What
I have discovered in the past few days is the number of well-wishers I have within and outside this industry. So many people have blessed us and the feeling is surreal. There are so many out there who are happy for both of us. That moment of happiness is the greatest -- greater than all the awards I have got for my films.
Will you continue to work after marriage?
Definitely. I have been acting since the age of 15, and all that I have known is acting. I have been in the film industry for 12 years and have survived all odds. Karisma Kapoor is definitely here to stay. I am not going anywhere.
India News Feature Service
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