How Bollywood’s Kareena Kapoor Khan, wife of Saif Ali Khan, remains relevant after 20 years
With upcoming roles in Laal Singh Chadha and Takht, two decades after her screen debut Kareena Kapoor Khan remains one of Indian cinema’s most in-demand actresses – what’s the secret of her success?
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s Bollywood debut, with 2000’s Refugee. With more than 70 films under her belt and umpteen accolades, the actress – who was born into a film royalty spanning three generations – is still as relevant and in demand as ever.
Kapoor credits her longevity for her ability to detach from the trappings of fame and see the bigger picture, as she told Mid-Day. However, it’s undeniable that Bebo (her pet name) knows a thing or two about reinventing herself to beat the rivalries and prejudice rife in Bollywood.
I’m a woman, and this is what God has made, and it’s such a beautiful thing. I’m not sure why no Bollywood actress has done this before
She reinvented herself as a size 0
Kapoor was criticised early in her career for being “plump” … and then deemed too “skinny” as a size zero in Tashan (2008). Whatever the criticism was, the 39-year-old actress is always one step ahead of her peers, knowing that her body size will still remain a hot topic even decades after the event.
She is calculative about her roles
As an actress Kapoor has reinvented herself by playing supporting roles and working alongside indie filmmakers; an exception for prominent Bollywood actresses. From playing a dancer bombshell in Don (2006), the bubbly Geet in Jab We Met (2007) to doctor Kalindi in Udta Punjab (2016), each role honed her acting chops and diversified her portfolio.
She dropped the diva attitude