The Queen And I

Mayukh Majumdar listens mesmerised as evergreen screen goddess Kareena Kapoor talks about life, stardom, career and more

- Mayukh Majumdar

'Nothing lasts forever, so they say. That is, unless you are Kareena Kapoor Khan.'

She's the quintessential movie star, one of the last in Bollywood. In the age of social media and instant access to actors, she's managed to maintain an aura of mystery around her. She once famously said that she doesn't need to be on social media because she is all over it, anyway. "That's so Bebo na," her fans say every time they come across a statement of hers that no other actress would have dared to utter. Be it Poo from K3G, Chameli from Chameli, Geet from Jab We Met, Dolly from Omkara or Mahi from Heroine, her stardom goes way beyond the films she's chosen or the box office hits she's delivered. Speak to any film critic and they'll bemoan the fact that Kareena is a good actress who doesn't choose "good" films. They'd like her to do "cinema" instead of starring in the masala fare she's known for. But the 41-year-old is content. She's not one to have regrets. Whether she stars in a 100-crore movie or a flop, she'll always remain the one and only Kareena Kapoor Khan. On the eve of Laal Singh Chaddha's release, the actor sat down with us for an exclusive interview. Little did she know it would turn out to be a milestone performance...

In these twenty-two years, what is your main takeaway from being in Bollywood?

Talent is key. Being consistent and humble is important. And always be proud of your accomplishments as well as your failures.

How important is talent and how important is temperament when you're an actor?

Both go hand in hand. Over the years, I've also become a calmer actor, and as you grow, your calmness also grows. I kept growing and now I am better than what I was twenty-two years ago.