'I don't think I look like Katrina Kaif'

Zarine Khan made her debut last year in Salman Khan's Veer but her striking resemblance with Salman's ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif piqued everybody's interest more than her work.

The pretty actress is back in the spotlight with an item number in Salman Khan's Ready.  

In conversation with Sonil Dedhia, Zarine sheds light on her weight issues, Katrina Kaif and new projects.

The song Character Dheela has become a rage.

Yes, I am really happy people have loved the song and it is topping the charts. After Character Dheela became a hit, people's perception about me has changed. People have started accepting me and it feels nice.

Did you have to make any preparation for the song?

I had to put on my dancing shoes and I love dancing. I have learnt Bharatnatyam and belly dancing. For Character Dheela, we did dance rehearsals starting 10 days before the shoot date.

Which is your favourite character in the song?

I love the Nargis and Raj Kapoor sequence. I think it is very beautiful to look at.

You are still being compared to Katrina Kaif.

She is beautiful and I take the compliment in a positive manner but I don't think I look like Katrina.  I am trying to make my own identity. I am sure I will get there.

What went wrong with Veer?

I don't know. The movie did not go down well with the audience. Working opposite Saman Khan in your debut film is in itself a big achievement. Sometimes things don't work according to plans but that is not the end of the road.

But you just vanished after Veer was released.

That's because after Veer, I was completely written off. The media was only interested in writing about my dressing and my weight. I was very disappointed.  People were constantly talking about my weight and comparing me with Katrina. People even tagged me as the next Sneha Ullal. I am not really bothered and am happy the way things are turning out for me.

But weren't you offered any movies during that time?

I was offered a lot of scripts but none of them appealed to me.  The roles offered to me weren't the roles I would have liked to do so I consciously decided that I would rather wait and take up something substantial that I could relate to.

Don't you think it would be better to do a full-fledged role, rather than item numbers?

I don't mind doing cameos as long as I am appreciated for my roles. The movie was already made and they added the song. Salman approached me and I would never say no to him. Working with him is always a pleasure. 

Also, when they approached me with the concept of the song, I really loved it and immediately decided to do it.

Would you say that Salman is your godfather in the industry?

Yes, why not? Salman is my friend, a guide, mentor and philosopher. Whatever I am today and wherever I am is all because of him. He has helped me in bad times and I can fall back on him for all advice and decisions. He is the only person from the industry who I am close to. His family is very close to me, they are like my extended family.

I am very lucky that they have accepted me. They are a part of my family and they have been very supportive. Even when I was written off, they never let me down and continued to be with me.

You are doing Housefull-2. Can you tell us more about it?

My role in the movie is ultra glamorous and I am expected to be super fit. The most important thing for me is the weight loss because the only thing I was told to get into shape and I am really trying hard. We are going to start shooting this month.