Bollywood has finally found its next empress—the stunning, feisty, fiery and immensely talented Kareena Kapoor. If you are talented, you will flourish, she firmly believes. After stellar performances in Refugee, Asoka, Chameli, Yuva, Dev and Omkara, she won over the critics and the masses alike. And the solo commercial hit that eluded her came true with Jab We Met. She charmed us as Geet Dhillon, the chatterbox from Bhatinda who lived life like a fairytale. In an interview eight years ago, Kareena had said that she would make the industry dance to her tunes one day. Seems the day has arrived, as Kareena gears up to be the next
As a newcomer, you confidently declared that you’d rule the industry one day. Eight years later, that’s come true. How did you foresee this?
(laughs) For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be an actress. Since I belonged to the film industry, I was extremely confident of what I wanted and how I’d achieve it. Even when I started out, I was confident I’d rule the industry one day and yes, I made it happen!
Seems that, as kids, you and Karisma would dance to Sridevi’s songs!
Yes, we were ardent fans of Sridevi and Madhuri. We’d put on their hit numbers, choreograph our steps and dance for hours… (laughs)
Karisma says you both had a very grounded upbringing and that your mother ensured that you were not treated preferentially in school…
Absolutely. We weren’t pampered or spoilt just because we are Kapoors. I did most of my schooling from Welham Girls’ School in Dehra Dun. Before that, Karisma and I went to school with all the other kids in the bus. When Karisma joined college, she’d take the local train from (Andheri) Lokhandwala to Churchgate. Though my mother had the means, she wanted us to become fiercely independent girls who’d be able to look after themselves in any situation, anywhere. That worked wonderfully for us because as actors we’re required to work in inhospitable conditions and taxing environments.
Before Karisma got married, your mother would ensure that the three of you had at least one meal a day together. True?
Yes, that was the rule at home. Despite our busy schedules, we’d have at least one meal together. Even now, our mother ensures we eat together once a day when the three of us are in town.
How was life in Welham’s? Didn’t you get unwanted attention?
School was fantastic. There was no question of unwanted attention just because I belonged to a family of stars. I was never made to feel more or less important and was always treated like the others. I’ve spent some of my best years in Welham’s.
And you also had a brief stint at Harvard University…
Harvard was a distant dream come true. Though I was there only for a trimester, it was a highly enriching experience. But then I was itching to return to Mumbai as my heart was always in films!
You made an unconventional debut in Refugee. What were the toughest challenges you faced when you entered the industry? You were only 18 then.
I chose Refugee as my launch pad because I wanted to start my filmy innings with a completely non-glamorous role where I’d be able to exhibit my acting potential to the best. I didn’t want to be typecast as another glamdoll. Though the film didn’t do well at the box office, my performance was appreciated by critics and masses. Then I shifted to commercial films with Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai, which fort u n at e ly was a big hit. Every role I’ve experimented with has been an exciting challenge, from Refugee, Asoka, Chameli, Yuva, Dev, Omkara to Jab We Met. And I’ve always given my 150 per cent.
Initially, even though your films failed to set the box office on fire, it never affected your stardom or market value. Ever analysed why?
It’s simple. If you are talented, you will sustain. It’s important to be true to yourself and your work. I’ve been brutally honest to my work and to my acting. There’s not one role where I think I shortchanged myself. Moreover, I don’t think an actor can be solely blamed if the film doesn’t work. Often, the script or screenplay doesn’t click with the audience. After all, filmmaking is a collective creative process. God has been very kind to me. He’s given me more than my fair share of success. Every night, before going to bed, I thank him for all that he’s blessed me with.
What would you say to those who allege star kids have an easier ride?
Your earlier question answers this! Whoever thinks star kids have it easy is seriously delusional! At the end of the day, it boils down to the individual. It’s all about proving yourself. We have to face our share of struggle till we can prove our mettle. And I firmly believe that if you’re talented, you will survive. I’ve proved my acting calibre time and again. That’s why Vishal Bhardawaj approached me to play Dolly Mishra in Omkara, not because I’m Kareena Kapoor but because I can essay Dolly’s character with the utmost ease and conviction. Again, a fabulous film like Jab We Met was written for me not because I’m Kareena Kapoor but because I was the ideal choice to portray a character like Geet Dhillon.
Being a star kid, is it difficult to approach your work professionally, since there are already personal equations with your co-stars?
I don’t think so. I’ve always done everything from my heart. In fact, I think with my heart, not my head, so all my professional decisions are straight out of my heart. As far as personal equations are involved, I’m a loyal friend and will do what it takes for a friend in need. That’s why I did It’s Rocking free of charge for Lovely, who’s been a dear friend since he was an assistant director for Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai. I will always stand up for my friends, even professionally.
Hrithik and you have done four films together. You made a scintillating pair but why haven’t you signed any more movies with him?
I honestly have no clue. From whatever I know, we both are pretty open to the idea of working with each other. Perhaps the right kind of script hasn’t come our way. Zoya’s (Akhtar) film was offered to us but unfortunately didn’t work out. Moreover,
Hrithik does only one film a year so getting him to agree takes time. (laughs)
You’ve always been brutally honest about your likes and dislikes. Have you been misunderstood?
I don’t believe in hypocrisy. I always speak my mind. My parents brought me up to be true to myself and I can’t be true to myself if I don’t stand up for the truth. I’ve never intentionally said things to hurt or harm anyone.Yes,I’ve been misunderstood because the media has often misquoted me and people have often misconstrued my words. And let’s not forget, a lot has been said about me as well but I haven’t taken those things to heart. Neither should others. I’m glad I am the way I am because every night, I sleep with a clean conscience.
And then some say that Kareena is arrogant…
Perhaps they call me arrogant because they think I got things easy on account of being Karisma’s sister. But I care two hoots for them. I’ve worked extremely hard to reach where I have today and I won’t just sit around and listen to people say what they like. No one can take away the fact that it’s by sheer determination and diligence that I’ve come this far. (pauses) Perhaps they also think I’m arrogant because they’ve misunderstood me.
What is the real Kareena like?
A simple girl at heart. Someone who’s always clear about what she wants from life. I’m completely ruled by my heart, not my mind. I’m not calculating. I believe in being spontaneous, instinctive. I’m very sensitive and emotional too. I take people on face value. If someone is good to me, I’m nice to him or her. And for me, my family and friends come first.
Speaking of friends, you’ve said that two actresses can never be friends…
Two actresses can work famously well together if they want to but I don’t think they can be the kind of pals who’re constantly on the phone with each other or hang out with each other all the time. Yet, I’ve broken this norm because my best friend Amrita Arora is an actress. She’s more than a best friend, she’s like my sister. I also gel very well with Rani and Priyanka. I’m very fond of them.
But what about the media war brewing between you and Priyanka?
The media spoils and repairs relationships on our behalf ! (laughs) Priyanka and I got along like a house on fire right from the first time we worked together. I think she’s a wonderful girl. But since we both have hectic schedules, it’s virtually impossible for us to be on the phone with each other or hang out at each other’s pads. I’d like to end this once and for all—Priyanka and I are friends. Not the best of friends but friends nonetheless. The rest is all media speculation.
After Rani, you’re touted as the next Queen B. And industry speculation has it that you’re the highest paid actress in India today. Do you believe in the number game?
Not really. I only believe in myself. I’ve experimented with diverse roles and done films I’ve wholeheartedly believed in. I take it as a compliment if people think I’m the next No 1 actress. But I don’t take all this too seriously, because fates change every Friday. I don’t care if I’m No 1 from the top or No 1 from the bottom, as far as I’m happy. And I honestly couldn’t be happier.
Did you miss out on some plum Yash Raj projects because Abhishek Bachchan refused to work with you?
I really don’t understand it. I’ve always wished him well. My entire family is very fond of him. But if he’s still not comfortable working with me, then it’s vice versa I guess. I think there is enough creative space for all of us in an industry that makes over 1,000 films a year. There’s place for everyone.
After K3G, you’ve signed KJo’s next opposite Saif. How does it feel working with Karan all over again?
What Karan and I share is way beyond friendship. He’s like the brother I never had. The minor rough patch in our relationship is ancient history. You always fight with those whom you love the most. And I get along fabulously with him and his mother. I have immense love and respect for both.
On Karan’s show, you swore that John Abraham is one actor you’d never like to work with. But now you’ve signed an Ashtavinayak film opposite him.
I don’t think that I ever swore I won’t work with him! (laughs)
You said he’s one actor you won’t like to work with. Has there been a change of heart because of some reconciliation?
As I said, I do films I believe in. I look for a challenge. The script should excite me. My co-star is a secondary issue. And whatever is said on Karan’s show isn’t meant to be taken seriously. Subtle, cocky remarks or friendly digs are part and parcel of it. So much has been said about me on his show; I’ve never taken those things to heart. Neither should others. And, I’ve never worked with John to have a problem with him in the first place. I’m honestly looking forward to working with him.
You’re all set to go international with Kambaqt Ishq opposite Akshay. Planning any inroads into Hollywood?
Not at all. I’m extremely happy with my current work. I have no plans of entering Hollywood as of now. I’m very excited about Kambaqt Ishq. Akshay’s a great co-star.
Isn’t romancing Akshay or Salman Khan on screen awkward, considering they’ve worked with your sister’s generation?
Not at all. I share a warm comfort zone with both. I’ve known them since I was a teenager. So it’s easier working with them. Needless to say, both are like my family members.
You’ve had your share of romantic linkups. But recently, you were even married off! How do you deal with media intrusion?
I honestly don’t mind what the media writes about me, as far as it doesn’t overstep bounds. Since I am a celebrity, I am bound to be written about—I know that. People constantly want to know what’s going on in our lives and the media is just a route. But the media has jumped the gun a few times and that has upset me. News of my secret marriage with Saif was extremely upsetting. It not only upset me but my family, Saif and his family. I was too upset to clarify anything. So Saif gave a formal clarification. I’m glad the media accepted it and that news died its natural death.
Some days back, a paper quoted you saying that you’ll marry Saif at the end of this month?
It’s all utter nonsense. I didn’t give any such quote to anyone.
But are there any plans of marriage?
Yes, marriage is definitely on the cards but, as of today, Saif and I want to focus on our respective careers. We aren’t getting married any time soon. Whenever we do, we promise there will be an official announcement!
Saif ’s friends include Bipasha Basu and Preity Zinta, actresses whom reportedly you’ve not got along with!
Saif is his own individual and I am my own. He has his friends, I have mine. Fact is that Saif is an out-and-out ladies’ man, so I’d be very surprised if there weren’t any lovely ladies among his friends. In fact, I’d say the more the pretty ladies in Saif ’s life, the merrier. (laughs mischievously) As far as it’s strictly ladies, I have no problem. (laughs jokingly)
Aren’t you in the least bit insecure?
Not at all. I trust him completely and he trusts me. So, there’s no question of me feeling insecure about him being friendly with other actresses.
Have your respective families given their stamp of approval to your relationship?
There has never been any problem to begin with and, contrary to popular belief, everyone has blessed us and we all are extremely happy. Both our families are happy for us because they can see we make each other happy and that’s what every parent wants for his or her child. We go out for dinners together and hang out at each other’s homes.I’ve met Saif ’s parents and I’m very fond of them. Everything is perfectly fine.
What has Saif brought to your life?
Apart from the obvious, the happiness, the glow on my face, I’ve also found a new best friend in Saif. We both are best friends first, then a couple. I value his friendship and love the most as I believe love and friendship last forever. Everything else follows!
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Well done Bebo, U sounds extremely professional.