Before films, before ‘size zero’, even before Saif, Kareena Kapoor Khan was in a committed relationship with herself. How can you help but love someone who loves herself so damn much, asks Deepa Menon.
Perhaps it’s the fallout of being interviewed for 16 years and being asked the same kind of questions each time, but Kareena Kapoor Khan tends to pepper her replies with safe platitudes. ‘Moderation is key.’ ‘I’m a director’s actor.’ ‘To each her own.’ You cannot squeeze any sensational headlines out of that, and that suits her just fine. More interestingly, sometimes when you’re halfway through a question, she does a sort of mental autofill and answers the question she thinks you’re asking. It leads the conversation in a different, and sometimes more revealing, direction.
Like, when asked if she’s always loved herself, she sighs, “People have this impression of me,” as if she was being accused of something like arrogance. But this quality is one of the most endearing things about her. Kareena Kapoor (way before the Khan) has always stood out for seeming completely happy with who she is. It’s no coincidence that the roles she’s best remembered for — Geet from Jab We Met, Poo from KabhiKabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, the title role in Chameli — are ones marked for their rebellious self-regard. She is pure charisma on screen and powerful in the hands of more ambitious directors, like Vishal Bhardwaj (Omkara, 2006) and Govind Nihalani (Dev, 2004). But even in her item songs, Kapoor has a way of rising above the macho tawdriness of whatever scene she’s placed in. No matter what the costume, she’s always feeling her look, and it’s so fun to watch.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Candid With Kriti
After a decade of flirting with fame, the stars have aligned for Kriti Sanon. But under the gilded glory of this cosmic shower, she is clinging on to a "happy, restless" state of mind, finds Hasina Jeelani
GOLDENBOY
In an exclusive interview with ELLE, Footballer Lallianzuala Chhangte shares insights on being at the top of his game
His Reign
Shaeroy Chinoy meets Taha Shah Badussha-the breakout star of Netflix's recent release Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar'
Portrait of a PUBLISHER ON FIRE
Founder of Seagull Books, Naveen Kishore, reflects on building a global audience and what keeps him in the game. Aindrisha Mitra listens in
LUXE OFF-ROADING INMOROCCO
Riaan Jacob George took the nifty Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 out for a rather long spin through the Atlas Mountains, and here's his verdict
TROPICAL LUXURY
Opulence meets tranquillity along the serene beachfront at Ronil Goa-AJdV by Hyatt Hotel, finds Vriddhi Mehra
DISCOVER THE ULTIMATE RETREAT: COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT ARAVALI RESORT
Nestled in the serene heart of the Aravali range in Haryana, the Courtyard by Marriott Aravali Resort offers a perfect blend of nature and modern luxury.
THE VIETAGE BY ANANTARA
Connecting Nha Trang & Quy Nhon, the luxury train is a must-do addition to your Vietnam itinerary
TEA AMO
What happens when an Indian cocktail bar joins forces with a tea estate? Isha Mayer finds out on a spring tea trail to Darjeeling
ALPINE CHARM
Isha Mayer discovers ski adventures, fine dining & palace hotels on a winter escape to Courchevel