I N T E RV I EW
boom catches up with
the feisty Kareena Kapoor
Khan
T
here’s a fine line between hearsay and history,
when one is talking about the one and only Begum. Kareena Kapoor Khan is film royalty and
she traverses both domains with equal aplomb. She’s
still the cynosure of all things glam in the movies. And
she’s still got the talent to rewrite history books. Perhaps
that’s why her popularity refuses to dwindle. Married or
not, her charisma for fans, filmmakers and superstars
continues to mesmerise. She’s got a bevy of films lined
up with the likes of Abhishek Chaubey, Rajkumar Gupta
and R Balki. It’s a significant and strategic move for an
actress who’s been a regular feature in masala blockbusters. Perhaps the empress has a few aces up her
fancy sleeves. All said and done, Kareena is all set to
return to record breaking box-office numbers and Friday
frenzy teaming up with Salman Khan in Bajrangi Bhaijaan. After all, she’s right where she belongs, on top of
the game…
It’s been 15 years since your debut. Do you still feel excited and nervous before a film’s release?
The excitement is still there. I want each release to
be better than the previous one. I’ve always been this
commercial, masala film heroine because I’ve grown
up watching them. I’m always excited when a film with
Aamir Khan, Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan releases. I love it. Now there isn’t much anxiety. It’s a lot more
easy and relaxed. I’m also much more confident and secure now. Honestly, I felt nervous only during my first
film Refugee.
Have you overcome the fear of failure?
After so many years of working and seeing so many
ups and downs, I’ve realised failures are a part of the
package. It’s part of the journey. Some films do well and
some films no matter how much effort you put in them,
don’t work. I’ve become immune to everything.
How has your equation with Salman Khan changed over
the years?
I’ve known him since I was nine. I’m 34 now. It feels like
a lifetime. I’ve known him since I was a child, a teenager, when I became an actress... Now when I’m married, we are still working with each other. It’s been a lifelong journey with him and his family. Earlier he made a
smashing pair with my sister Lolo (Karisma Kapoor) and
now we make a great pair. I give full credit to him that
he’s worked with two generation of sisters with so much
ease. Back then people liked seeing him with Lolo and
now they like seeing him with me. However, I know he
has a soft corner for Lolo. They started off at the same
time and have shared many experiences together. They
continue being great friends.
How is he as a co-star?
He’s easygoing. You would believe he’s casual, laidback
21 | BOOM