An Exclusive Interview With Kareena Kapoor

Kareena is excited about her latest film Chameli. She talks about her new projects and life after sister Karisma’s marriage

You played a prostitute in Chameli. Was that difficult?
Unreal roles are tough. But one gets used to doing the unbelievable. Chameli was tough because it was a realistic character. I kept one fact in mind when I played Chameli. That sex workers are essentially no different from any other professionals, except for the fact that they’re comfortable selling their bodies.
Unlike other prostitutes in films like Mausam or Pretty Woman, this one is real without being flamboyant about her authenticity. Though I’m extremely proud of being a part of J P Dutta’s LOC, it’s Chameli which I feel will project me in a very different light.

People believe the minute you come in, a film cannot be realistic because you’re too glamorous?
I can’t help being glamorous. In fact I take that as a compliment. I’ve tried to do my best. And I am sure my performance will be appreciated.

The streetwalkers in Mumbai now dress up as Kareena Kapoor, so what does Kareena dress up like when playing one?
(laughs) A red sari with a purple border designed by Manish Malhotra. I don’t know why some other designer is being mentioned.

Do any of your other assignments revolve around real life characters?
Oh, there’s Govind Nihalani’s Dev. It’s a very topical film. I play a Muslim girl. I also have a very realistic role in Mani Rathnam’s Yuva. I’m glad I’m playing everything from a prostitute in Chameli to a housewife in Bewafaa. The hardcore commercial assignments include Abbas-Mustan’s Aitraaz with Akshay Kumar, Ken Ghosh’s untitled film with Shahid Kapoor. Then there’s Boney Kapoor’s film with Shahid, where I’ll be directed by Satish Kaushik again after Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai. I’ve another film with Suneel Darshan, opposite Shahid Kapoor.

  You have three films with Shahid Kapoor, any particular reason for that?
It’s just a coincidence. He’s talented and the youngest hero in the film fraternity. So he’s hot property. I guess I’m one of the leading ladies who’s young enough to work with him. I barely know him. But I feel we’ll look good as a pair.

  What was Karisma’s wedding like?
Oh it was fantastic! We never expected such an overwhelming turn-out. After what we three have gone through recently I feel as strong as a man. I was a pillar of strength for Karisma in her painful months before marriage.

  Do you miss not having your sister around?
Not really. Karisma and I have been working for years. Even when she’s in Delhi I’m on the phone talking to her ten times a day, just like I used to. Mom misses Karisma a lot.
I’m trying to make up for her absence at home. But my mom is very understanding. She doesn’t want me to compromise on my career and spend time with her at the peak of my career.


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