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It has been 10 years since Kareena Kapoor joined the film industry. From playing a shy girl helplessly in love in Refugee, the actress has grown into a stronger woman, fighting for a place in her man's life in We Are Family.
Kareena has definitely changed since her last outing with Kajol in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. And it shows in the promos of their new film together, scheduled to release next month.
We Are Family, which has also been produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions like K3G, will be Bebo's 40th film. It has been directed by first timer Siddharth Malhotra and co-stars Arjun Rampal.
Kareena talks to Patcy N about the film, Kajol, and of course, beau Saif Ali Khan.
How challenging was this film for you since it is a remake of Hollywood film Stepmom, where your character was played by Julia Roberts? And also, you have to share screen space with the scene-stealer Kajol.
I had seen Stepmom years ago. I didn't want to see it again after signing We Are Family, as I did not want to copy Julia Roberts. I wanted to do it in my style.
It's an honour that Karan and Siddharth thought of taking me to play Julia Roberts' role. She's one of the finest actresses after Meryl Streep. So it was a challenge. But I've got lots of SMSes and calls saying that they liked the film.
Kajol and you played sisters in K3G. Now, you're playing the other woman.
We didn't have too many scenes together in K3G. But in this film, we are both on the same page, living under the same roof. Both of us have powerful roles. In fact, I have a more complicated part. It is very easy to be emotional and win people over. But my role is of the other woman, so it is difficult to win people's sympathy. I hope I have achieved that. I want people to say both actresses were spectacular.
How was it working with Kajol?
Kajol is very spontaneous and bubbly. She is adorable and full of energy. It is lovely to have her on the sets. We got along really very well. I love working with Kajol.
Kajol says you have matured over the years
When we worked together in K3G, I was quite a baby. After that, I have done a couple of films. It has been a great journey. It's nice that I got to work with Kajol at the start of my career and now I'm working with her again.
It's a compliment for her to say that because that's what we all aim for to get matured.
Do you think two women working in the same film can be friends?
I have never faced any such kind of problems. I am only interested in my work and my role. I am surrounded by beautiful people like my niece, nephew, my mother, my sister and friends. I am only bothered about how I look on screen and whether my audience will like it.
How did Kajol and you handle the children?
Kajol is a hands-on mother. Both Kajol and Karisma are alike when it comes to kids. I don't know whether it has to do something with that generation.
If you ask me how I will be with children, I have never thought about having children, so I don't know. In this film too, I didn't really have to be with the kids. They already had their mother (Kajol) with them. My relationship with the kids had to be awkward, and triumph in the end.
How is your relationship with the children in your life, niece Samira and nephew Kiaan?
I love them to death! They are on my first priority list. I tell everyone that they are my kids. Samira is a beautiful and exotic girl. She has big eyes like Karisma. Kiaan is also beautiful, with light greenish grey eyes and pink cheeks. He is a lady killer already.
Do you think the audience will accept such a film?
Love, marriage and relationships are shown in the purest Indian light. It is a very simple story. When you watch it, you will see it's a very desi film. In fact, I think it should have been more contemporary as Indian audiences are ready for it
The film is a journey of two women. They start off by hating each other but end by loving each other. Both women are different one is very modern and career-oriented, and the other who is a hands on mother. By the end, there is a role-reversal.
The film is directed by a new director while the subject is a very mature one. Weren't you apprehensive?
Not one day did I feel that Siddharth was directing for the first time. He's is very filmi, he watches a lot of films. As a person, Siddharth is very sensitive and emotional, like the subject. So there was no problem.
Did you ever feel that if Karan had directed the film, it would have been different?
Every director has a different touch. If Karan or Imtiaz Ali had directed the film, both versions would have been different. For this script, Siddharth Malhotra was the right choice.
Siddharth claims that you have surpassed Julia Roberts in your performance.
It's wrong to compare. That film was made at a different time. Both films and performances are different. Our Hindi film Industry is different. But I have worked hard. I think every heroine in the industry would want to play Shreya's character.
Any fun experiences on the sets?
I like Italian food and so does Arjun. When were shooting in Sydney, Saif had come over, as he was on holiday. Saif and Arjun have been good friends from their Delhi days. So the three of us would go for dinners, and spend time together whenever we had time. Kajol was busy reading books but sometimes the two of us would also for dinner. She would feed me different kinds of food.
Tell us about Golmaal 3.
Golmaal 3 is a comedy. The whole gang will be back. It's a Diwali release.
I play a tomboy. No Hindi heroine has played the role the way I have because of the way I'm dressed in it. I'm dressed like a boy but my face is pretty. I stand on the car and do stunts!
Are you doing Madhur Bhandarkar's film on Marilyn Monroe?
Yes. I will first finish Karan's film and then do Madhur's film, as he is still writing the script.
I want to do different kind of roles. I'm going to Russia tonight, for the shooting of Agent Vinod, which is a thriller. I will be back after a month.
There is a glow on your face ever since you paired up with Saif.
It is very rare to get a good partner who loves and supports you. I am lucky in that matter because I have Saif. He's very different. He always supports me in my work. I think all women should work. Of course, they should take care of their house too but every woman should work. I believe that and Saif has always encouraged me.
He's like a Hollywood actor. He is in his own world and wants to concentrate on his films. He wants to produce films like Hollywood stars.
Do you advice him on what films he should do?
Of course. I tell him that he should work with Raju (Rajkumar) Hirani.
You seem to have gained some weight again.
My weight has been a national issue. I have put on weight now and I think my fans will like to see me nice and round. I am not losing weight for anyone's films -- not even for Karan Johar's Short Term Shaadi. I'm going to be like this.
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