Kareena Kapoor Khan is standing in a cavernous, half-built studio. There are unmade walls, unwieldy tools, and pieces of scaffolding scattered around. The atmosphere is poetic in a way that only gifted photographers can capture. For the rest of us, there is only heat and dust. And then there’s Kapoor Khan, clad in heels, a shimmering leopard print mini and a plunging neckline, completely unfazed and cool.
That’s her, even when things don’t go as planned. In the face of the ongoing pandemic, her latest film, Angrezi Medium, where she plays a cop, had to be pulled out of theatres, first in Kerala, Delhi, Jammu, and Kashmir, and then across other states. But the actor is optimistic about when it returns to screen.
ALSO READ
Worked during pregnancy 'Bandini' became the best film in the career
Later this year we will see her as Mughal princess Jahanara Begum in Karan Johar’s Takht and with Aamir Khan in Laal Singh Chaddha (a remake of Forrest Gump), two films that prove her ability as an amorphous star who can effortlessly create masala for the masses as well as a steak for the critics. When I marvel at her amassing a million followers on Instagram in two days (it currently stands at two million and counting), it is met with a quiet smile and a shrug that is the physical manifestation of #blessed.
ALSO READ
Never thought I would get so much love and support on TikTok - Niharika Jain
Even our interview, a game of “what if”, has the same feeling. As I conduct it at lightning speed, she answers serenely, at times flashing a smile. After 20 years in films, here’s how the actor reimagines life, work and the world through 20 questions.
If the world started working from home, I would… be the next YouTube or TikTok sensation!
If I had to self-isolate, I would be… on a secluded beach somewhere with Saif and Taimur.
If I wasn’t born in a film family, I would… still, be an actor.
If I knew today was my last day on Earth, I would... spend all my time with my son.
If I could live without sleeping, I’d spend my nights... drinking lots of wine and eating lots of pizza.
If I could wear one label my entire life.... well, that’s difficult. I love my jeans and live in them. So J Brand, maybe?
If I could commit one crime without getting caught… no, I’m not a rule breaker. I’m quite a good girl.
*FLAT 30% OFF* across all Daily Essentials at *The Man Company* Use Code: Daily30
Shop Now
If I hadn’t met Saif, I would... not have been this happy.
If there was one thing I would like to do before I turn 40, it would be... I’ve already done it—I joined Instagram!
If I could invent anything, it would be… a machine that could turn me invisible at times. Or something that allows me the luxury of eating as much as I want without gaining weight.
If I could invite a few famous people for a meal, my guest list would include… Gisele [Bündchen] with her husband [Tom Brady], Bella and Gigi [Hadid] to give Saif company, because I’m thinking of him as well, and for me, Leonardo DiCaprio. And Alicia Keys to entertain us.
If I could gift Taimur something money can’t buy, it would be… a chance to meet his grandfather [Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi] and great grandfather [Raj Kapoor].
If I could change one thing about Bollywood, it would be… the trend of following trends (like airport looks and whatnot).
If I had to start living more sustainably, I’d start by... we’ve already started. But one idea I’d love to explore is to create community gardens across the city. Creating green spaces, growing your own vegetables, reducing carbon emissions… there are so many benefits to that.
If I could give one bit of parenting advice to new mums, I’d say... there’s no manual to perfect parenting. Just breathe. Go with the flow. Every day will be a new learning and you just have to take each day as it comes.
If I could highlight one aspect of filmmaking (as an actor), it would be… the hard work and love we put into it. Most people think it’s all fun and games.
If I could turn back time, I’d... do nothing that I haven’t done.
If I could detect any lie I hear or get away with any lie I tell, I would... I hate lying, so I would rather be able to detect a lie.
If I could encourage other parents to understand one thing for the future of children, I’d ensure... they understood the seriousness of the climate crisis and worked towards making a change.
If I could go back in time, I’d change... the way the world reacted to Coronavirus in the beginning. It should have been taken seriously from the start.
----------