‘I want to act till I am 80’: Kareena Kapoor Khan

It has been a while since Kareena Kapoor Khan had a film release. Her last full-fledged appearance as a heroine was in 'Singham Returns' last year. But she unfazed by the long gap and all that matters to her is her love for acting and how nothing can keep her away from the camera. In a freewheeling chat she talks about balancing the personal and professional, subverting the stereotype of actresses not working after getting married, her grandfather Raj Kapoor and more.

You have a strong lineup of films, starting with Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Udta Punjab and then R. Balki’s next. You are back at the top of your game, aren’t you?
(Sighs) It has been about 15-16 years. People say the shelf life of actresses is only a decade. I think I will hit two decades. I don’t need to compete with anybody because I am at a stage where I am content. I am happily married, I have been there, done that. I wanted to work with new directors as I have worked with everybody, sometimes more than once with the same person. Kabir was left, so I am happy to do his film. And now directors, who I haven’t worked with yet, are approaching me.

You have said that it is important how your directors present you. Are you happy with how Kabir has presented you in Bajrangi Bhaijaan?
It’s a different kind of Salman film because it has a direction. It’s not like there are songs coming out of nowhere. Yes, it is a potboiler, but when Kabir makes these larger-than-life films, there is a script. So my character is sweet and real. And Salman is producing this film. So, I was like ‘Of course, I will do it.’

The Kapoors have always had a strong connection with Kashmir. This is the first time you have shot there.
It was absolutely amazing. I have been there before on holidays, but never to shoot for a film. Even Ranbir shot there for Rockstar. Everyone in the family has shot there but me. It finally happened.

You have done three films with Salman. Both of you, over the years, have become extremely successful. How has your relationship evolved?
The first time Salman’s sister became a producer (Alvira for Bodyguard), I was there. When Arbaaz became a director, I did Fevicol Se. Salman becomes a producer for the first time and I am in the film. So there is a connection between us. People love to see him and me together. I have known him since he worked with my sister in Nishchaiy. I was on the sets then and I was 10. So it’s a 25-year old rapport.

Do you see any changes in him?
No, he is the same person. One word when you think when you think Salman, is unfazed. He is unfazed by his success and failure. He is unfazed by his superstardom and that’s why he is the biggest star today. I love that about him. The longevity of a star happens when you don’t know about your own superstardom.

He went through a very low phase last month because of his case. What was going on in his mind and how do you think he handled it all?
He had great support from his fans. Also, Salman is a very emotional and strong person. He doesn’t let anything come in the middle of his work. So when he was there, there was not even the slightest stress on his face. He was the everyday Salman. That’s what I love about him. He was very relaxed in Kashmir. He has seen so many ups and downs, even in his career, and all that has made him very strong.

Earlier this month, it was Raj Kapoor’s 27th death anniversary. You haven’t really spoken much about him before. Tell us about how he has influenced you.
The influence he has had on all of us is huge. His grandchildren, first Karisma, then me followed by Ranbir — we are the flag bearers of the Kapoor family. Cinema is imbibed in us because of him. Even today, we look up to him as one of the greatest filmmakers in the world. The kind of movies he made — Boot Polish, Awara or Jaagte Raho — you can’t even imagine making them today.

Do you want to remake any of his films?
Sangam, perhaps. I think that film was superb. Let’s see… if somebody comes up with a good script, I would love to do a remake of that one.

And about Saif, how is he planning to get it right with his choice of films?
Saif Ali Khan has spent 22 years in the industry. He has been in a phase like this before. No one doubts his versatility as an actor and his stardom and fan following. There were just a couple of wrong choices.

How are you balancing your married life and your career?
I will always balance both. I am proud to be a working, married, independent woman. People say all kinds of things about actresses’ careers taking a nosedive after marriage. I am balancing both my marriage and work and will continue doing that. Working is also my passion and I love being in front of the camera. It’s in my DNA. When people ask me if I want to turn producer or director, I tell them I don’t want to do anything but act. I will act till I am 80 years old. Nobody can take that away from me.

What’s your day like at home when you are not shooting?
I work out a lot in the gym, keeping fit is very important to me. At home we keep having visitors. Saif and I have a lot of friends who come to India and they stay with us. I don’t go to parties, I don’t socialise much within the industry. But at home, something is happening all the time. There is never a day where I am not doing anything. Sometimes I have to take a call that I won’t do anything, won’t meet anyone, and only read a book. Because of Saif, I am a lot into books now. Spending time with my niece and nephew is also a must. Karisma and I also spend a lot of time together.

Is Sara really keen to take up acting?
She is studying in New York now. She is so good in academics and she is in one of the best universities. She gets a 99 per cent usually, so she is not really thinking about acting now. Education is very important and even her father has told her that.

You have one of the strongest following on social media? Why don’t you join one?
I don’t want to complicate my life and I want to keep it simple.

Lastly, how was the Maldives trip? After a long time, everyone took a trip together...
It was lovely. I love both Soha and Kunal. I think Soha is a wonderful, fun girl and I am lucky to have her as my sister-in-law. Both Ibrahim and Saif love sports, be it cricket or scuba diving. And I always have time for family which keeps me connected and grounded.