Kareena: The super star

Image courtesy: Globus

Kareena Kapoor talks about movies, fashion, her future and her beau Saif Ali Khan

The feisty youth icon

I’ve always done what I wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to stand out of the rest, whether or not I succeeded at it or not. However, I’m a lot more responsible now, especially because a lot of youngsters look up to me and that can be pressurising. But I don’t really feel the pressure simply because I concentrate on my work. Also, I feel doing the same glamourous roles is bound to catch up at some point with the audiences. I strive to give something different all the time. There’d probably be more pressure if I were a constant media-built star. People have always speculated about my professional and personal life, but that’s never really bothered me because I know my priorities.

The glamourous diva

It’s important to look glamourous on-screen depending on the part you’re playing. In Kambakht Ishq, it was important to look glamourous for the part; whereas in Omkara, that wasn’t necessary. However, having said that, as a visual medium, I believe that it’s pertinent to be physically fit and look good because we don’t use dummy artists. Being an actor and as someone who concentrates on her performance, I mould myself according to the role. In Tashn, I had to be bikini-clad, so I had to lose weight and change my body, but in Stepmom, I don’t need to do that.

The passionate relationship

I’m as passionate about my movies, as my relationships. Saif (Ali Khan) and me both talk about movies. Saif is also creatively inspiring. I love the fact that he does films that he truly believes. Whereas, if you catch me on a good day, I’d probably say ‘yes’ to something I shouldn’t have agreed to do. But now, Saif has made me promise that I won’t do anymore shit movies. Rather, he wants me to spend time with him, or go on a holiday. Our relationship has grown. Saif allows me to lead my life and have my own space. Also, we’re confident in our positions. Every three months, we cut off from everything and we travel the world. We go somewhere and no one knows where. I switch off my phone and at that point in time, you can’t track us down. We are both clear that it’s not the time for work. Also, because both Saif and me come from families where we don’t have to do a movie if we don’t want to, it helps. I don’t have to support my family. Both of us act because we are passionate about it.

The future

Of course, I want to get married and have children, but all in the right time. The woman must be ready in the relationship. I’m like any other normal girl who wants to have a family, children and a lovely home and I’ve managed to strike a beautiful balance between my career and work. And that’s primarily because of my mother and sister, Karisma, who have taught me never to take success or failure too seriously. Nothing lasts forever other than your family and friends. That’s why I have a cut-off period even at work. Otherwise, I burn out. I’m done with working 365-days a year.

Saifina, the on-screen couple

I agree that Kurbaan was a flop, but I had a hit with Shahid (Kapoor) in Jab we met only after we had five flops! Unfortunately, audiences go by what they see. People should realise that it’s the script that’s the hero of the film, not the pair. A pair can work only when the dialogues and the script are great. There’s nothing to do with chemistry. I don’t believe in that word.

Choosing the right script

I’m quite a bad person to answer that question. But now I have to be more responsible while choosing a film because expectations are high. Earlier, I have done movies for friends, for the greed of money. But now it’s always something I want to do. I worked with Imtiaz Ali when noone knew him. I worked with Vishal Bhardwaj after Maqbool. I worked with Sudhir Mishra for Chameli and at the same time worked with Karan Johar and Mani Ratnam. For me, it depends on what I like.

Lessons learnt as an achiever

In this industry, if you have to survive, you need to hold your own. You should not follow the rat race. Don’t do what everyone else is doing. Do something that you believe in and you want to do. Eventually, in our industry, no matter what, talent always prevails. Looking glamourous is great, but there has to be a balance. You need to work on your character to make a difference. Then there’s enjoyment.

A simpleton

Off work, I’m very simple. I’m a normal girl and I do what my heart believes and live my life on my terms- professionally and personally. That has worked for me and that’s something that’ll work for any young girl aspiring to be successful. To me, my family is the most important and when I’m not working, I spend most of my time with them.