It’s no secret that every move of Kareena Kapoor Khan, hits headlines. From new film roles and judging reality T.V shows, to simply going about her every day life with family- it’s all captured for the world to see. And it’s been a whirlwind journey to date, with no sign of slowing down. As the Bollywood A-lister celebrates a massive 19 years in the film industry, (and counting!) Kareena has proved she’s an unstoppable force.
You’ve traveled all over the world for work, but what’s the most exciting thing about visiting London?
My family have been coming to London since I was a kid. We love it here. Whether it’s the people or the weather. Londoners like to complain about the weather a lot, but we don’t mind a bit of cold and rain because at home it’s so hot and humid!
Everyone’s celebrating your Bollywood journey so far (that’s over 50 films!) How do you think you’ve evolved throughout this time?
I’ve always tried to balance the commercial and content driven aspect as much as possible, and my fans have appreciated that. Being in commercial films with Salman or Shah Rukh Khan to all-girl films like Veere Di Wedding, constantly re-inventing yourself keeps you alive, and it’s happened organically for me.
What’s been your favourite role to date?
It’s so hard to pick, there have been so many favourites! Every role has had an impact on my fans because they have all been carefully crafted, and every character is a little bit of you because you’re playing it. But I don’t take my characters home. I’m very much a switch-on, switch-off actor.
What do you look for in a character when you take on a new film role?
I look for something slightly different to what I’ve done before. It could even be a small role, but the entire set up should be good. The movie, the content, the script. It’s never about how big the role is, but what it is, and how interesting it is. For instance, each of us had a little part in Yuva, here I wanted to be part of a story-telling journey that was different for Hindi films at that time.
Your Police Officer role in Angrezi Medium is described as ‘Bold and Tough’. How important is introducing versatility in women’s roles in Bollywood?
I don’t think Indian cinema has gone through the phase it has in the last 3-4 years. Now, directors are writing good parts for women and experimenting with different things. I’ve never played a cop before, she’s a tough agent from England. Wanting to work with Irrfan Khan was a major criteria for choosing a part like this.
Your husband, Saif, has jumped on the bandwagon for Netflix Original shows with Sacred Games. Would you like to pursue a similar type of show?
I actually would! If it’s as interesting as Sacred Games or something I have never done before, then probably yes. But not any other genre, I want something unusual and as hard-hitting as this show.
As a couple, you’re both huge superstars! How do you inject a bit of normality into your lives?
You might think we’re this Bollywood superstar couple, but the reality is we also walk around in tracksuits or t-shirts. We’re both very normal parents and we had normal childhoods. I come from a film background, but I’m never at parties or screenings. Saif and I have a rule where we never carry our work home.
We know you for being extremely career focused, but there’s more than one love in your life! How do you juggle your career and family life?
A lot of people questioned why I got married when I was at the top of my career, but work and marriage are two different aspects in your life. I feel like this stereotype broke when I got married and continued working. Now, more actresses are starting to do this. If one person does it, it tends to have a spiraling effect. I also feel like a child learns and appreciates their parents more if they are working hard to give them a particular life - it’s how my parents brought me up.
What’s the best thing about motherhood?
It’s another world, a personal journey. Each day is a new learning experience. You learn something new about your child, something new about yourself, and something new about the both of you together.
Our readers are about to embark upon their most memorable day ever. What tips can you give them for a happy marriage?
It’s all about compatibility and respect. If you respect each other as people, and respect their work, that will go down well in the long run. I don’t think you need to work on your marriage. It happens on it’s own. If you enjoy time with that person, it doesn’t require any work.
Describe what fashion means to you?
For me, fashion is more about comfort. If you are comfortable, you can look beautiful because you’re happy with what you’re wearing. I’ve always been into classic than trend-setting pieces. The simplest item can look amazing. Classic, elegant and chic, rather than ‘in-your-face’ pieces.
We want to know the secret of staying in such good shape! Any advice?
It’s tough because I’m a huge foodie! I’m Punjabi by heart, and I love food. Even my entire family love to eat. The idea of a holiday is discussing where we are eating lunch, and then talking about where we are going for dinner. I won’t starve and I never have. I like being fit though, and working out at least 4-5 times a week. As they say, everything in moderation..
Editor-in-Chief: Sonia Ullah
Creative Director: Manni Sahota
Fashion Editor: Vikas Rattu
Photography: Anna Michell
Outfits & Styling: Rimple & Harpreet Narula
Makeup: Divya Suri
Hair: Reshma
Jewellery: Anayah Jewellery
Location: The Paradise
As seen in Khush Wedding 22. Buy this issue here