The Telegraph reviews Bebo's book

I L..V.E. Kareena Kapoor. And now, if you are done with judging me, let's quickly move on. Kareena Kapoor — The Style Diary of a Bollywood Diva (Shobhaa De Books, an imprint of Penguin Books India; Rs 699) is Bebo's bare-all book that she has co-authored with fashion writer Rochelle Pinto.

Peppered with trivia, user-friendly info and insights into her private world (well, as much as possible), Kareena has unapologetically said it as it is. This style diary is non-pretentious and definitely not boring.

Did you know that little Kareena had a huge crush on Akshaye Khanna? That like all us girls, she tried her mom's lipsticks and posed for hours in a locked room? That she got into major trouble, thanks to teenage jaunts in her 118 NE?

From her daily diet (customised by Rujuta Diwekar when she was at her "plumpest", circa Don's Yeh mera dil) to how much yoga she does on a holiday (yes, she works out on vacation too) and her bra brand of choice (Victoria's Secret) — this one has it all.

There are chapters dedicated to everything that is anything in her life. Favourite shops, restaurants, gifts she likes to give hubby (then beau) Saif, how she went from chubby chica to size zero, her "two-word legacy" to tips on how to rock the red carpet... there are also pages decoding her favourite film looks.

The writing is smooth and easy, and as you turn the pages, you almost hear the famous Bebo drawl. It helps that the book isn't full of endorsements (some few and far between mention Head & Shoulders and her Lakme kajal addiction) — not bad for an endorsement queen like her!

Imagine this book to be your favourite glossy magazine with your favourite celebrity on the cover. And the entire magazine dedicated to the cover story. We recommend you buy this one, not borrow, since it's a handy one for top tricks and tips. Meanwhile, here are the highlights!

5 FAB TIPS FROM KAREENA KAPOOR

1Mini perfumes. This will change the shape and size of your travel beauty kit. Ditch 100ml bottles and stock up on minis of your favourite smells for short getaways.

2Easy identification on your suitcase. This eliminates the craning of your neck at the conveyor belt if your bag is lost in the sea of fellow black, blue and red bags! Tie a ribbon, or make a noticeable luggage tag.

3Boy shorts (picture below) — lace or seamless silk — to panty-line-proof your outfits, since the thong isn't the most comfortable option for everyday wear.

4Blow-dry your hair straight. Work a little styling mousse and sweep into a tie-knot only to be undone once you've arrived at the venue. This is her DIY version of Victoria's Secret supermodel waves!

5Don't be afraid of flaws like gaps between your teeth or small scars on your face. Remember Padma Lakshmi? She became the hottest thing ever because of the long scar on her arm, and she shows it off like a piece of expensive jewellery! Remember, if you can't change it, work with it.

HER CO-STARS

Karisma kapoor,
The sister

Six years older to her, Karisma almost plays a second lead in the book. There are stories of Bebo accompanying Lolo (Karisma) to the sets and making friends with her heroes, and their peaches-and-cream complexion thanks to their British granny. By the end of the book, you feel like you know
Lolo too!

Manish Malhotra,
The closest friend and go-to designer

He makes his first appearance on page 21. "After seeing me in Kambakkht Ishq, Manish Malhotra called Lolo, worried, saying that I was beginning to look too flat-chested. He's one of my dearest friends, my go-to designer, and has been dressing me for years. I trust him and his opinion completely when it comes to clothes and body shape!" No surprises then that he's all over the book with references both on and off screen.

Tanya Ghavri,
The stylist

Maxis, red lipsticks and statement neckpieces, Bebo attributes her acceptance of these to Tanya Ghavri, the young, cool stylist that all of Bollywood is running to!

SHE'S HUMAN!

She might be a picture of perfection in reel life, but when it comes to real life, Kareena Kapoor comes across as a real girl. Here are some instances where we totally relate to her, shooting the fan-o-meter even higher...

? She says: We have all carried an armful of 28-inch-waist jeans into the dressing room, only to find out we should have gone with 30.

We say: Deja vu! Who knew such mortal issues also strike starry, skinny people!

? She says: Every now and then, some evil designer who hates women tries to revive the bubble dress (in picture). It's probably the worst trend I've ever seen in fashion. Except for Crocs.

We say: Amen! Bubble dresses ARE a conspiracy. They don't flatter anyone. Not even Barbie. And let's not even talk about Crocs!

? She says: Every woman has had that month at least once in her life when the (credit card) bill arrives and boom! You're hit by a tsunami of zeroes. Suddenly, you realise that those canary yellow Jimmy Choo heels you thought you wouldn't be able to live without cost as much as a small car.

We say: Phew! Bills are an all-women thing, irrespective of the number of zeroes you've got. And double phew to that thing about can't-imagine-life-without-these-shoes moment.

? She says: What do you think a movie star wears when she's at home? Diamond necklaces and Louis Vuitton dressing gowns? Actually, it's a Fabindia printed cotton kaftan. Shapeless and soft with a zipper in front. A little granny-auntyish, but I just love how comfortable they are. I have three favourite ones that get softer every time they're washed.

We say: We love you even more!

SHRADHA AGARWAL