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iDiva tags the dynamic, dexterous and en vogue KAREENA KAPOOR as one of the most aspirational feisty youth icons of today
By AINDRILA MITRA
THE FEISTY YOUTH ICON
I've always done what I wanted to do. However, I'm a lot more responsible
now, especially because a lot of youngsters look up to me and that can be pressurising sometimes. But I don't really feel the pressure simply because I concentrate on my work. The same glamourous roles are bound to catch up with the audience at some point. So, I strive to give something different all the time. There'd probably be much more pressure had I been a constant media-built star. People and the media have only speculated about my professional and personal life, but I know my priorities.
THE GLAMOUROUS DIVA
It's important to look glamourous onscreen, depending on the part you're playing. In Kambakht Ishq, it was necessary to look glamourous; whereas in Omkara, it wasn't. However, having said that, as a visual medium, it's pertinent to be physically fit and look good because we don't use dummy artists. Being an actor, and as someone who focuses on her performance, I mould myself according to the role. THE PASSIONATE RELATIONSHIP
I'm as passionate about my movies as my relationships. Saif (Ali Khan) and I both talk about movies. He is creatively very inspiring. I love the fact that he does films that he truly believes in. Whereas, if you catch me on a good day, I'd probably say 'yes' to something I shouldn't have agreed to do in the first place! But now, Saif has made me promise that I won't do anymore 'bad' movies. Instead, he wants me to spend time with him, or go on a holiday.
Our relationship has grown and matured over time. He allows me to lead my life the way I want and we give each other space for comfort.
We cut off from work and travel the world every three months. During that period, it's only 'our' time. No producer or director can track us then. Also, because both Saif and I come from families where we don't have to do a movie if we don't want to, it helps. Both of us act because we are passionate about it. I think I'm definitely very lucky in that respect.
THE FUTURE
Of course, I want to get married and have children, but all in due time. I'm like any other normal girl who wants to have a family, children and a lovely home. And I've managed to strike a beautiful balance between my career and work till now. I owe this primarily to my mother and sister, Karisma, who have taught me never to take success or failure too seriously. That's why I have a cut-off period, even at work. Otherwise, I'd burn out. I'm over the phase when I'd work 365 days non-stop. I hold tremendous respect for those who can work all-year long without any break.
SAIFEENA, THE ONSCREEN COUPLE
Kurbaan was a flop, but I had a hit with Shahid (Kapoor) in Jab We Met only after we had five flops! Unfortunately, audiences go by what they see. People should realise that it's the script that's the hero of the film, not the on-screen pair. I don't believe in on-screen chemistry.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCRIPT
Earlier, I had done movies for friends or for the money. But now, it's something I want to do. I worked with Imtiaz Ali when no one knew him. I worked with Vishal Bhardwaj after Maqbool. I worked with Sudhir Mishra for Chameli and at the same time worked with Karan Johar and Mani Ratnam. For me, it all depends on what I like.
LESSONS LEARNT AS AN ACHIEVER
In this industry, if you have to survive, you need to hold your own. Don't follow the rat race. Don't do what everyone else is doing. Do something that you believe in and you want to do. Eventually, in our industry, no matter what, talent always prevails. And I've experienced this in my own life.
DOWN-TO-EARTH
Off work, I'm actually very simple. It's nothing close to glamourous or starlike. I do what my heart believes in and live life on my terms. That has worked for me all the time, and it's something I'm sure will work for any young girl aspiring to be successful in any field of work.
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