'Why would I call him Little John?' - Kareena

Kareena Kapoor Khan: Why would I call my son Little John? My son's name is Taimur

Your pregnancy, delivery and baby have got a lot of attention. Did you expect so much of it?

Not really. I feel as if I am the first Indian girl to ever get pregnant, wear maternity clothes and appear in public while being pregnant. Many other working women do the same, so I don't know why it is such a big deal. I read stuff like how come she is doing this? When is she doing that?'

Is the attention difficult to handle?

I have been an actor for 17 years and I know that one should let certain things go. I am happy that people considered it inspiring. It's fine, and I have nothing to shy away from or hide. Of course, everyone wants to have a perfect figure, but I feel it's fine to start working two months after my delivery and look glamorous. That's the way I love it. I am enjoying every phase and every moment of it.

Has motherhood changed you?

It's an extremely personal journey. It's a relationship that one develops over time, organically. I am still learning the ropes. In fact, Saif says my attention has completely shifted [to Taimur], and keeps complaining about it. I told him maybe [that will be the case] for a while (laughs). Now, I don't like leaving home too much.

It was reported that you call your son Little John.

No. I want to clarify that. How can anyone think that? Why would I call my son Little John? My son's name is Taimur. It is the most beautiful name, and he is the most beautiful and gorgeous man (smiles). And, no, I don't call him Little John. Please address him as Taimur Ali Khan.

Film-maker Vishal Bhardwaj recently mentioned that he wants to work with you again, as he is a big fan of yours.

Saif and I have worked with Vishal in Omkara (2006), which is one of Vishal's greatest films. I would love to work with him, and it will be as great a role as the one I played in that film. I am a huge fan of him and his work. I hope we work together soon.

Apparently, you and Saif recently hosted Kangana Ranaut at your place. Have you become good friends with her?

Friend' is a term that is used so loosely these days. You are friends with people you've known for years. In the industry, you meet people, socialise and have fun. Having said that, of course, I have met Kangana, and she is a solid person. She is someone I can really relate to. She speaks her mind and heart. I always love people like that.

When will you start shooting for Veere Di Wedding?

In May. I am looking forward to that.

How does it feel to make a television debut?

It's not [a debut] in that sense. I am the Feel Alive' ambassador and associated with a channel, which is a first for me. But surely, this is my first tryst with a television channel. We shot for the campaign when I was almost four months pregnant, and I told them that. It's unusual, as brands shy away from celebrities when they are expecting. However, these guys are progressive in their thoughts and went ahead with it. I couldn't believe it when I received this offer, and even Saif wanted to be a part of it (laughs).

Would you be keen to judge a reality show on TV?

I have never made any plans in my career vis--vis what I want to do going forward or in the future. I take it as it comes. Professionally, I look at opportunities that work for me

She may have been away from the arclights for a while now, but Kareena Kapoor Khan seems to have reclaimed the reins at work. At Sony BBC's Earth event where she was present as the Feel Alive' ambasador, the actor spoke to us about her second innings in showbiz, her lifestyle choices and how her actions are only ruled by her gut. Edited excerpts from the interview:

How are you enjoying motherhood?
It's been just two months, so it's a little too early to talk about motherhood as such. But I think this is going to be the most beautiful phase of my life yet. I am looking forward to spending an entire lifetime getting to know my baby Taimur. Having said that, I am a free spirited girl and will always continue to be one. Motherhood won't change that about me.

Now that you're going to get to up work in full swing, are you doing anything to lose the baby weight?
Not really. I am just doing the things that I did anyway. I have been a generally fit girl, doing yoga and stuff. As an artiste, I have always taken time to work out and be fit, so I'll continue to do that.

Most female actors are scared to get married at the peak of their career. You not only became a wife, but also a mother at the most crucial juncture of your career. How do you look back at the choices you made?
There is no right time as such " either to get married or to have babies. People told me not to get married because that would affect my work. But I have always followed my heart. Three of the most special films that I have worked on, came my way after I got married " be it Bhajrangi Bhaijaan, Ki & Ka or Udta Punjab. I would suggest that everyone should listen to their heart as opposed to listening to too many people. There is a time and place for everything " just follow your heart with all your conviction.

Why don't you choose to be active on any social media platform when most of your contemporaries are?
It's not that I shy away from it due to the trolling " I don't. Social media is all about self-publicity. It's about making oneself look good by posting pictures or making oneself seem intelligent by giving an opinion on something. It doesn't bode too well with me. I am a private person, and I prefer personal interactions much more than public ones. It's more important for me to connect with a person face-to-face than put up pictures with someone.

You will be starting the shoot of Veere Di Wedding very soon. How excited are you about that?
I am very excited. Sonam and Rhea (Kapoor) are very good friends of mine we are trying to take the movie as special as we can. It is about four women and it's the perfect time, I think, for a film like this to be released. It has no male lead actors.

It's also a film with star kids, so to say. Do you think it's easy for star kids to make a mark in the industry?
I think we use the term star kids very losely. There are a lot of star kids' who've not made a mark in the industry. At the end of the day, you need talent to survive in the industry. I think it's unfair to attribute someone's success to the fact that one's a star kid. I don't think that's true at all.

What does stardom mean to you?
It's not a term I care much for. I don't look at myself as a star. I look at myself as an actor doing my job. I love my career and I am passionate about it. I don't take stardom too seriously.