Kareena Kapoor Khan: “Mainstream actors constantly look for roles in commercial films”

Renowned for her commercial successes ‘Jab We Met'(2007) and ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham'(2002), Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan admits it is a rarity for popular artists to sign movies on relevant subjects. However, in spite of this, the ‘Heroine'(2012) agreed to do a small role in Abhishek Chaubey’s upcoming directorial ‘Udta Punjab’; a movie based on the issue of drug abuse in the northern state of India.

As reported by Times of India, the actress was asked what compelled her to sign the movie on which she commented saying, “It was the subject… Even though it’s a small role in the film. I think actors like us don’t take up relevant subjects like this. Mainstream actors constantly look for roles that are a part of commercial films. I have done a lot of that.”

Khan also complimented the director’s preparation in, not only researching the sensitive topic of drug abuse in Punjab, but also on how the message was to be conveyed on the big screen, “The director was very well-prepared. He came very well-prepared on the set. Abhishek was clear on the subject. He was very clear on the kind of film he wanted to make and his characters. It was interesting and I am happy that I am playing a small part in this film.”

The movie was recently seen making headlines when the makers moved the Bombay High Court regarding CBFC cuts to the movie, which had included the removal of the word ‘Punjab’ from the title. On Monday, the court overruled the CBFC-recommended cuts and cleared it for release with just one cut and three disclaimers by the filmmakers. Kapoor shared her delight with the following, “It’s one of the greatest triumphs to have happened in recent times. It’s just so wonderful for the people (who) have put in the hard work. Abhishek Chaubey had believed in the brave film he wants to make. So, I think it’s really his moment of triumph that finally his baby is actually coming out on the big screen.”

‘Udta Punjab’ which also stars Shahid Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosanjh in pivotal roles is scheduled for release on 17th June.