‘I’M NOT COMPETING WITH ANYONE’
As she turns a year older, Kareena a Kapoor Khan looks back on her 17-year-old journey in showbiz
In a career spanning nearly two decades, actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has portrayed a variety of memorable characters. However, she feels, it’s not the screen-time, but the quality of the script that matters. After acting in a plethora of films, the prolific actor recently kick-started her much-awaited project, Veere Di Wedding, post motherhood. HT Café caught up with the actor for an engaging tête-à-tête. Excerpts:
You have done varied films in the past 17 years. What was your criteria for choosing them?
I think that the criterion hasn’t really changed. The aspect that has always remained constant is that I do films that entertain the audience. I don’t understand when people use tags such as ‘small role’, ‘big role’ or even a ‘commercial role’ It’s never been about that. Whether it was Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) or any other film, I have been part of films that had a good story which needed to be narrated. You want to be a part of a film that is morally right and is moving in the right direction.
So, how important are your co-stars and the people you work with?
It is definitely important for me, and I have always been like that. A lot of people have asked me, ‘Why have I said no to a particular film?’ But I don’t think I would have got along with the people. I won’t say anything, but I will stay away. Honestly, at this stage of my career , it is not about doing five films. I am not competing with anyone. I am over that phase. In fact, I don’t like it when my name is taken with anyone. Also after 17 years in the industry, I expect a certain amount of respect. I will choose what space I want to be in. Now, Rhea (Kapoor) and Sonam (Kapoor) are friends. I trust them. I will give my best and they will give me their best. That’s also important.
Is there any other project that’s locked after you wrap up Veere Di Wedding?
Nothing as of now. After this film, I want to chill for two months and not do anything. But of course, I am reading a lot of scripts.
At this stage, it is not about doing five films. I am not competing with anyone. I am over that phase. In fact, I don’t like it when my name is taken with anyone. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN, ACTOR
Now, of course, apart from my film work, it’s all about [our son] Taimur. KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN, ACTOR
What’s your take on the current trend of airport looks?
I am done with airport looks. I don’t know if people really dress up for it. I don’t care. I tie my hair in a bun. The idea is to be comfortable and causal.
Do you take fashion seriously?
I am very old school. I have been working in the industry for 17 years now. My husband has been wearing the same pair of orange shorts, which are going to go down in history (laughs). They have appeared in every newspaper. He says that people watch him for his movies and not his gym clothes. He says, ‘we are as normal as everyone is’. So, when you have longer flights, you want to wear tracks. So I really don’t get these airport looks.
You’ve always maintained that you cut off and like to have a life beyond films. What’s a regular day like in the life of Kareena Kapoor Khan?
It keeps changing. Now, of course, apart from my film work, it’s all about our son Taimur, and prioritising him and spending a lot of time with him. That’s the focus. But otherwise, it’s pretty normal. It’s not anything hectic, work is normal. It’s more family driven and about having a close-knit family and having close friends. I am not into Bollywood parties. Apart from the media following us to Karan’s (Johar) house, which is my only outing, I don’t go anywhere else.