'I must learn to control emotions'Kareena

Without make-up, on a regular weekday afternoon, she immediately turns a hundred heads at a caf. She has that Kapoor chutzpah, screaming that she was born for the movies.

Kareena Kapoor also has that girl-woman personality which makes her ideal for light-hearted as well as the serious roles.

Of late, she hasn't been seen too often on the screen, obviously she's adopted a go-easy policy. Ergo, I ask that generic kick-off question:

What's going on?
I'm basking in the compliments which are still coming in for Omkara. I haven't signed any new films. I don't want to do just two scenes, three songs and look hot 'n' glamorous. It's more important to be satisfied as an actress.

Any moments of self-doubt?
Though I haven't shot for a film for the last 10 months, I'm not having sleepless nights. The ball is in my court. Frankly, at times I do worry when I refuse a film. I keep asking Karisma and Shahid (Kapur), "Am I doing the right thing?" And I'm assured, "You're right. Don't do any film if you're not happy with it."

Isn't that a risky career move?
We'll, have to wait and see if my decision is right. I'm sure it is. Every actress has to go through a five-six year struggle before evolving like Sridevi, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma did. No struggle, no success. I joined the movies when I was 18, now I'm 26. My best phase has just begun.

You don't miss shooting around the clock?
Once, I would sign every film offered to me. I wanted to be in every film possible. Today, I've wised up. Mani Ratnam's film will start only in May, till then I'm free as a bird, unless I take on a project right now. I know tongues are wagging that I don't have any films. Trust me, I hear at least two scripts a day but nothing has excited me so far.

How do you keep busy?
When my niece Samaira and Karisma are in town, I'm with them. I've been travelling a lot too. I went on a holiday with Shahid (Kapur) to Europe. I hang out with my friends. I don't read because that's just not my scene.

Professionally, what lesson have you learnt?
That the script is the hero of the film.

Are you ambitous at all?
I am but not in a destructive way. I would never hurt my loved ones for my career.

Can two actresses be friends?
I'd be lying if I said yes. But they can be acquaintances and have a congenial relationship on the sets. I've learnt not to get extra-chummy though, I don't ask them to come over home anymore.

Are you disappointed that you're not in Soham's film?
Not at all. I hadn't even heard the script. I knew it was happening and that I was in it. Beyond that there were no discussions. Now I believe he's not making the film for Karan (Johar). All I care, is that my equation with Karan shouldn't get affected, whether I'm in his production or not. Karan's a brother to me. I can talk to him about anything under the sun.

What's been the response to your item number in Don?
Helen Aunty hugged me at a party and said, "You've done me proud." I was really happy with her compliment. I've got terrific feedback but I won't do item numbers any more. If at all, it'll be for Lovely, a friend of mine, who's making Kya Love Story Hai.

Do you get more nervous before the release of your film or Shahid Kapur's?
What's there to be nervous about? I'm a confident actress, even if some of my films haven't clicked, my performances have been appreciated. Yuva may have not have done well but it got me more praise than my hits. I've saved all the cards to show my children someday. I have tremendous confidence in Shahid too. I know he'll make the right choices.

Reportedly you cried while watching Vivah?
(Grins) Absolutely. I'm obsessed with Soorajji (Barjatya). He's one of our greatest directors and Shahid has given his best performance to date. I saw the film five-six times at different stages of its making. I'm really happy, it has done well.

In a crisis whom would you turn to for advice -- your dad or Shahid?
Neither. I'd go straight to Karisma, we've always been very close.

What are the qualities you love most about Shahid?
He is very sure of what he wants. Extremely loyal. Stays calm even in the most trying times.

Is marriage on the cards?
Yes, I do want to get married but not for another five to six years. Right now, I'm too greedy for good roles.I wanted to be an actress from the time I was in my mother's womb. I will act as long as I can. This is what I know and this is what I want.

Your mother doesn't accompany you to the sets anymore?
(Chuckles) I'm really disappointed that my mother doesn't accompany me anymore. She's a bigger star than Karisma and I put together. We worship the ground she walks on. We are here because of her. She went through a lot for our sake. We now want her to enjoy herself. She's taking it easy.

What would you change about yourself?
I'm hypersensitive. I must learn to control my emotions. I trust too easily, I end up getting hurt... that has to stop.