'Do you think, this is the time for actresses to break the mould and carry films on their shoulders?
Let’s face it. It’s a male-dominated industry. (...) I’ve always maintained that box-office success is what counts. People don’t care about your performance.
Madhur Bhandarkar’s films thrive on sensationalism, no?
Not
Heroine.
Fashion was more on the sensational side.
Heroine was sensational in parts but it had depth in content. It was a potent mixture of commercial elements, content and performances. The fact is that the person who buys the ticket on a Friday is going in for sensationalism. No one wants to see my performance. That is secondary. They want to see what Madhur Bhandarkar has made. (...) I think my role in
Heroine is an award-winning performance. It is bold, eccentric and different. It’s not run-of-the-mill. I’ve given it my all. The way I’ve looked, the way I’ve performed is spectacular. (...) The character is bold. (...) But by bold I don’t mean skin show. At the end of the day, I’m a commercial actress. There are certain boundaries to be taken care of. I don’t think I could have done
The Dirty Picture. Vidya [
Balan] is so talented that she managed to pull it off with ease. I do have my limitations.
Reportedly, you asked Madhur to rewrite a few scenes...
That’s not true at all. (...)
Do you get affected after playing intense roles?
While working for Heroine, it did get disturbing at times. So while shooting certain scenes, I’d get upset. (...)
Sanjay and I wanted to work together for 13 years but it never worked out. There were some date problems with Ram Leela. My managers did not think it would be a good idea to give 200 days to a film, at this stage of my career. I was offered two films at the same time - Karan Johar’s untitled film to be directed by Punit Malhotra opposite Imran Khan, and Prakash Jha’s Satyagraha opposite Ajay Devgan. So I went ahead with them.
You and Prakash Jha seem quite an unusual combination.
Prakash is an immensely successful director. His heroines have strong roles. Also, Ajay is a successful actor. I’m sure I can work with Ranveer in the future but as of now I’d like to work with Ajay.
Does your choice of movies depend on the bankability of the star opposite you?
Yes, I’d like to work with commercially bankable stars. I’ve done
Omkara and
Golmaal 2 and
3 with Ajay. If people say I’ve chosen to work with Imran over Ranveer, that’s also because I’ve given a commercial hit with Imran (
Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu). It has been one of the best performances of my career. And the chemistry was brilliant. (...)
What’s your equation with Ranbir [Kapoor]?
Ranbir and I aren’t particularly close to each other. Look, I’ve generally not been close to anyone in the family. I’m independent, in my own space and doing my own thing. I’ve only been very close to Lolo (sister Karisma Kapoor). Also, I have studied in a boarding school. Anyway, I was not really in touch with the family.
Is there any kind of bitterness with the rest of the Kapoors?
Not really. But every family has its own set of problems. A few people may never get along. That’s normal, not a big thing. (...)
Is it because your career is at its peak that you don’t want to get distracted by your personal life?
I firmly believe that being married or not, cannot affect my career. I’ve lived with a man for five years. Before that, I was in another relationship for five years. I’ve never shied away from admitting to being in love. And I’ve had a career parallel to my personal life. I’m not one of those actresses who’d say, ‘Oh! I’m so busy and my life is from studio to home and home to studio!’ I have a personal life but I also have my career; I’m a thorough professional. The image I have on screen has got nothing to do with how I am in real life. The minute I get home, I turn off my cellphone and have nothing to do with the onscreen Kareena Kapoor. (...) People should know about my films and performances. Stop giving a heroine’s married life so much importance.
Your relationship with Saif [Ali Khan] is five years old. Has the initial excitement died down?
Not at all. We’re best friends and lovers. (...) We are strong individuals and we give each other space. It’s great that Saif and I have a 10-year age gap. He has more knowledge than I do. He has broadened my horizons. Whether it’s fine dining, reading or travelling; he’s just amazing. He’s well-read and well-spoken. He’s supremely successful in whatever he does. Why should I care about who’s doing what, as far as Saif and I are doing our work, earning bucks and going for holidays.
Would you ever cheat?
No, I don’t think so. There are temptations but if you’re happy and content with your man, then you’d never cheat. The only time you’d look elsewhere or stray is when you’re unhappy. (...)
If Saif asks you to give up your career, how would you react?
You think Saif would ever say that? In fact, he’d tell me to work. He’s modern in thought. But it would be quite funny if he’d ask me to get into a burqa.
Your wildest fantasy?
(Sighs) Moving to Paris. Away from the paparazzi. If I get bored of the anonymity, then I’ll come back. I just want to do my work, go there and chill. Here, the paparazzi wants to know what I’m eating, what I’m wearing. It gets annoying after a point'.
