‘Women know how to multi-task'

by MOHNISH SINGH

KAREENA KAPOOR ON JUGGLING MOVIE LIFE WITH FAMILY TIME

FOR an actress to keep herself relevant for two decades in a male-dominated industry is not easy. But Kareena Kapoor Khan has defiantly made that possible for herself.

From making her debut with JP Dutta’s Refugee in 2000 to starring in some of the biggest blockbusters such as Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Jab We Met and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Bebo, as she is affection­ately known, has come a long way in Bollywood.

Her latest film Veere Di Wedding, which rolled into cinemas ear­lier this month, has done phenomenal business and is on its way to becoming another hit for the popular actress.

Eastern Eye met the diva at iconic Mehboob Studio in Mum­bai to talk about her new release, son Taimur Ali Khan, chang­ing dynamics of women-centric films in Bollywood and more...

In Veere Di Wedding, you play a girl called Kalindi who is in dilemma over getting married. She is sort of commitment-phobic. Do you even relate to this kind of a character?

No, I don’t think so. Everyone knows I am not like that. Kalin­di is commitment-phobic while I am not. I have always been very clear, so I have never really been that kind of a person.

Of late, a lot of women-centric films have found audienc­es’ acceptance. What, according to you, has clicked with cinema-goers when it comes to such films?

I think there have always been a lot of women-oriented films. From The Dirty Picture (2011) to Queen (2014) and now Raazi, there have always been good women-centric films that have done well. See, if your script is good and your film is good, it will work no matter whether it’s women-centric or not. That is something that I have always believed in, the audience will always back it.

How did you manage to devote time to Veere Di Wedding, considering the fact that you have a new born at home?

I started shooting for the film after Taimur was born.I want to spend a lot more time with him rather than on sets. That is why I have decided to do maybe one film a year.

We heard from your co-star Swara Bhask­er that you are a very good storyteller...

(Laughs) I just en­tertain them on sets. I am always pulling her leg, not telling any story or anything.

Has your life changed again af­ter motherhood?

Only in terms of time! Like I said, I want to spend my whole time with Taimur. But women know how to multi-task. I am happy I have got good support and that is the reason I can work and at the same time spend time with my family as well.

At this point in your life, what gives Kareena Kapoor Khan the ul­timate satisfaction? Is it being Saif Ali Khan’s wife, Taimur Ali Khan’s mother or one of the leading actresses of Indian cinema?

All three! I am hap­py to be known as all three because they are three different parts of my life.

Which is your favourite buddy film?

I loved Dil Chahta Hai (2001). It will always be the best example of a friendship film. I think that was the first time a film like that was made in India. And also it was way ahead of its time. It changed the whole dynamic of multiplex cinema in the country. The characters were very relatable. So, that is something I always enjoy (watching).

As shown in the trailer of Veere Di Wedding, there seems to be a lot of conflicts among four friends. Do you argue or fight with your friends in real life?

Yeah, I feel there is always room for opinions and debates. But we don’t really fight (laughs).

Nowadays, you look quite wor­ried about the unwanted media coverage of your son, Taimur Ali Khan...

I think that you all (media) should not take his pictures all the time. He is still a little boy; we are very concerned. But I understand (that is your job). What can I do? I can just request.

But he is seen as many people’s stress-buster...

In what ways, I don’t know. But I am happy that he is.

How is Kareena Kapoor Khan similar to Kalindi?

Kalindi is very different. I am very sure. I am very, very practical. I am very different from who that character is. I am also very headstrong. I make my decisions instantly. Kalindi is completely different from who I am.

What do you like in your husband, Saif Ali Khan, the most?

I think the list is endless otherwise I would not have married him. We agree on a lot of things. Our fundamentals in life are very much alive. And that, I think, is the most important thing for us.

Did you ever feel the baggage of coming from the Kapoor family of Bollywood?

That is there till the time your first film hits the screen. After that, your decisions, your life, the way you choose your films, decides everything.

Veere Di Wedding portrays women’s sexuality in a very progressive way. Do you agree?

I don’t think people look at it like this. It’s not a socio-drama, first of all. A film is supposed to be entertaining. If we wanted to give out a social message, we would have made a documentary. I admit the tone is quite different because it’s the first time we are making a film like this.

But ultimately, a film has to be entertaining. We are in the entertainment business. We will have to make what we feel is entertaining enough to get the audiences in (theatres), for them to enjoy. If you look at The Dirty Picture, at the end of the day at the core of the script, it’s an entertaining film. Yes, it was based on Silk’s life but the way they formatted it, it was an entertaining film. There was dialogue-baazi. There was everything.

So at times we look at films to complicate things. We look at controversies in them. But a film is to be looked at for what it is. Yes, of course, there is an underlying message which will come through this film (Veere Di Wedding). These are girls of today who address certain issues, and then every film does that.

• Veere Di Wedding is in cinemas now