Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor says the reason behind her longevity in the film industry, where female actors are reminded of their 'shelf-life', is her loyal fanbase that has stayed by her side in her two decade long career.
The 39-year-old star, who made her debut in 2000 with JP Dutta's Refugee, says she is still having a golden run by working in projects that she always wanted to be a part of.
"It has been very fulfilling and I am happy that I can now do the work that I've wanted to. I want to, obviously, continue working all my life because it is difficult as people say that actresses have a shelf-life.
"After two decades, getting married and having a child, it is great to see the kind of love and support fans have given me. It is the reason for my longevity. My audiences have always supported me and that is why I'm here even today,” Kareena said.
Kareena, who has given memorable performances in Chameli, Asoka, Omkara and Jab We Met, married her Tashan co-star Saif Ali Khan, who, she says, has been a constant support.
"He never asks me what films I'm doing but he has always been there for me. We discuss his work a lot, but he never really asked me which film I'm doing. He only asks me when will I be home because he wants to spend time with me, but otherwise there's no such filter,” she adds.
The actor is currently filming for superstar Aamir Khan's Laal Singh Chadha, which is an official Hindi adaptation of Tom Hanks' classic Forrest Gump.
Aamir recently shared Kareena's first look from the film on Valentine's Day with a sweet message, saying romancing her on the screen comes naturally to him.
Kareena says the feeling is mutual as her 3 Idiots and Talaash co-star is someone she looks up to.
"I wish I will always have the opportunity to work with Aamir. He is a living legend in my eyes. I have a lot of respect and regard for him.”
The actor adds that her character in the Advait Chandan-directed film will come as a surprise to fans.
"This film is very close to my heart because it's a different character for me. And I'm sure people will be slightly shocked.
Post Laal Singh Chadha, she will start working on Karan Johar's magnum opus Takht. The Mughal era-set film will marks her first collaboration with Karan after 2001's Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
"I'm really looking forward to it because I'm working with Karan again after so many years. I'm also excited as I think both me and Karan have changed dramatically since Kabhi.”
“It's almost been 20 years since I've worked with him, and I think I'm a different actor today. And he's also grown from strength to strength as a director and a person. The dynamic is going to be very exciting to finally be on set with him.”
The movie also features Anil Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Alia Bhatt, Bhumi Pednekar and Janhvi Kapoor.
The actor says she is in the movies to entertain people and moving ahead would like to continue doing the same.
"I want to do different films. I'm here to entertain the audience and that is something that I hope to continue doing. Apart from that, there's no plan. I have never had a blueprint... I'm there till my fans are willing to watch me."
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.