The Scientis

The New York residing,super kohl-eyed Avantika is comfortable with her husband’s (Saif Ali Khan) faith but not his jihad. Avantika is wooed to be betrayed. Her transformation as she is reduced from spirited young gal to an unwilling silent accomplice is remarkable.

Like any seasoned actor,Kapoor was confident of its impact even before the film released in theatres. With total abandon,characteristic of the beauty,she suggests that Kurbaan,after Jab We Met,would fetch her awards in the forthcoming season. “Actors are like scientists,” she says,“We need to experiment all the time and should be allowed that. We can’t afford to get complacent. Actors like Saif Ali Khan,Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan do that constantly.”

Her next experiment could be her ace—Rajkumar Hirani’s 3 Idiots,which brings her together with Aamir Khan. She is delighted about a chance to work with the superstar and the top-league director. “A dream come true,” is what she says. Kapoor has reiterated that Aamir is an actor that every heroine should work with at least once. The two,reportedly,are even contemplating a movie together which may be directed by Aamir.

Kapoor,presently busy with an adapted version of Stepmom (for Dharma Productions again,the producers of Kurbaan),is on a good run despite her slack start this year. For this Siddharth Malhotra film,she gets to act with her favourite actress Kajol once again after Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. She is also working with boyfriend Saif once again in his home production Agent Vinod and in Shah Rukh Khan’s home production Ra.1.

Of the Stepmom remake,she says,“It’s a movie about the journey of two women. And Kajol and I have great chemistry. What’s common to us is that we both rely on spontaneity. Sriram Raghavan’s Agent Vinod has a crazy edge.”

However,she draws the line at action films. “I hate action films — I can’t be in a harness and all that,” she laughs,adding,“I am picking different styles of acting. I mould myself according to what the director wants. Like a chameleon,I keep changing. I like being a chameleon.”

She’s happy that Saif’s maiden home production Love Aaj Kal was a runaway success. “Saif as an actor has an inherent charm and class about him,” she smiles.

With sister Karisma’s pregnancy,any plans of them coming together for a film have taken a backseat.

Considering the excessive travel that work involves,Kapoor,Bebo to family and friends,is a complete mamma’s girl. She admits to missing her mother sorely when out on shoots.

Though she popularised “size-zero” within the industry,Kapoor does not think that physicality is an actor’s USP. “You have to sell your talent. Talented actors like Kajol are still very much in demand. What’s unique to me is my perseverance and dedication. It’s in my blood. Neither success nor failure last. The idea is to keep evolving.”