Kareena Kapoor tells Namrata Bhawnani about her favourite getaways and memorable outdoor shoots
Posted On Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 02:11:18 AM
For Bollywood stars, London has always been a convenient second home with its fashionable stores, fine dining and its eclectic mix of culture and nightlife. Kareena Kapoor, who travelled to her sister Karisma's shoots while growing up, is not immune to the charms of the British capital either.
When you say that it's a bit of a clich to love London, Kareena laughs, "I tend to go back to the same places that I've been to and I need to break away from that."
Her second favourite destination, not surprisingly, is Switzerland. Of course, Yash Chopra has always been the mascot for Swiss tourism, but for Kareena, the pristine and tranquil Alps take her beyond the trappings associated with Chandni land.
She explains why she ends up in the country famous for clocks and chocolates thrice a year, "It's the people, no noise pollution, and most of all, not many Indians!"
Travels with Saif
For Kareena, Saif is also a great travelling companion, who loves Europe just as much. He pampers her and the only thing they disagree on is his choice of music. She says, "I love jazz, but hate rock, which Saif is into. But that's ok, he can live with it!" Her fondest memory is of the time she spent in the French Alps at a lovely club that plays jazz and features live bands and is open till five am. Given that she is an early sleeper, the place really charmed her to keep her up so late.
Saif also doubles up as a guide. Kareena says, "Saif is an art history student. When we're in Paris or London, we spend time at the galleries, even if it's just to have a coffee and a chat. I especially liked Rembrandt's works. I love the churches in Europe and I can walk around a lot, which is impossible in India. We go trekking and mountain climbing. Saif skis, and I'd like to learn that. Lunch is early and mornings are fresh."
The Shopaholic
The globetrotting Kareena, like all girls, enjoys shopping and believes in quality rather than quantity. She recalls that on the sets of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham in London, she was carrying a loud accessory which had offended Karan Johar immensely. She laughs, "Karan's always complaining about my taste. He thinks whatever he shops for is the best. I buy these shoddy, loud things and he says, 'Learn something from your sister'. When we were shooting, I'd bought this horrific gold bag which he hasn't forgiven me for till today. I was proudly toting it and he says, 'Don't stand with me!'"
The Kapoor sisters are known for their style, and while Karisma loves shopping in New York, Bebo prefers Europe for her scouting expeditions. She says, "I'm not really into New York. The Big Apple is great, and my sister loves it. Manhattan is too spread out for my liking. Everyone is on the run or walking in a rush!"
In London, her favourite stores are Selfridges and Harrods, she is likely to be shopping at the upmarket Bond Street in Mayfair. She also prefers to shop alone and without distractions. Kareena's style is minimalistic and she is partial to the bare look. She confesses that she doesn't even own a make-up kit. Accessories are out as well.
She talks about her favourite designers, "I like Roberto Cavalli, his designs are colourful, bright and fun. I like Dolce and Gabanna, which is classic and chic. Michael Kors is a very good designer. I like Hermes scarves and belts. I need to have a good handbag, and Botega Veneta is nice, while Geena shoes are funky. I'm not really into Jimmy Choo. That's not really me."
Incredible India
For Kareena, it's not just the manicured Swiss mountains that do the trick. She loves Rajasthan's rustic charm. She says, "We take off for Udaipur between October and February every year. The food is great and the people are so warm. It's fun to go the market even if it's with security. We sit around a bonfire. For my birthday, my family surprised me. We were at the Lake Palace where we just sat and stared at the lake."
Kareena doesn't usually mingle much on outdoor shoots, but one director left an impact - Imtiaz Ali. She recalls, "Imtiaz took me to some great places when we shot for Jab We Met. We nearly reached the border. We'd travelled up to Rohtang Pass to shoot Yeh Ishq Hai. I visited a small, remote village in Patiala, a place I never thought I'd find myself in. Imtiaz really helps you explore, especially your own country."
Her most awful outdoor shoot was the one at the Chalakudy falls in Kerala for Khushi. She shudders as she says, "We were in the water for 10 hours a day. When I landed in Bombay, I had typhoid for a month."
Quicktakes
' Fav shopping city: London
' Eating out: I love Delhi's Mughlai food and the parathewali gallis
' Fav beach destination: I hate the sun and have to be dragged to the beach. But I love Maldives
' Most likely to party in: Rome, Supper Club in Amsterdam, a restaurant that turns into a club at midnight
' Warmest place in terms of people: Australia, surprisingly
' Bnb or five-star comfort: Bnb, for sure! http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/82/20100221201002210211188891b28e21e/Bebo-In-Wonderland.html
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