"Movies can only make us aware of some issues, like a Rang De Basanti. Cinema is not meant to change things in society - thats the governments job. Yes, today, public anger is at its peak. That can bring the change!
And when an incident like the gang-rape of a journalist happens in Mumbai, you realize that things are bad closer to home. Of course, rather than saying that Delhi or Mumbai is not safe, I would say that it is India that is not safe. There are so many parts of the country where such matters may not be reported at all." - Kareena
Shes been on a hectic whirlwind of promotions, as is the trend now. And Kareena Kapoor Khan has to leave Mehboob Studios in 15 minutes. The release of Satyagraha, almost nine months after Talaash, and the first movie for which she actually shot after marriage to Saif Ali Khan, is around the corner. So its going to be a rapid-fire, with so much to ask. Without much ado, we plunge in
Q: Dont you feel like going on a satyagraha (peaceful protest) against this overdose of print and television media promotions and the same old questions from the channels?
A: (Smiles and shrugs) Thats how it is now. Yes, I could protest, but we know we have to do it, and its fun actually!
Q: How has life changed after marriage?
A: There is no change actually, and the reasons are many. I was in a live-in relationship with Saif for many years before marriage. We have always seen the best side of each other. Saif is the same as he was before marriage and hopefully he will never change. In fact, we are surprised whenever people ask what the difference is in our relationship after marriage.
And as far as responsibilities are concerned, I havent changed either. From childhood, I have been a responsible girl - towards my father, mother, sister and myself. I have always believed in the right priorities and a balance between career and family.
Q: From what we have seen in the promos, you play a catalyst in the film.
A: Yes, I am the conscience. My role is that of truth - and thats the most important. So among all the men, it is my character as the female journalist that is the most important. Journalists always have to dig out and speak the truth, and I have been all for them even before I played one in this film. The media is both the voice and conscience of the nation.
Q: If you were a journalist, who would you love to interview?
A: Brad Pitt, but no one from our industry!
Q: How was it working with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan?
A: It was great fun. We have done two great films before - Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Dev, and we enjoyed working together then as well.
Q: Speaking of co-stars, you were to do a film with Ranbir Kapoor playing your brother but thats not happening. However, you have never acted with your father Randhir Kapoor, uncle Rishi and even sister Karisma, though she did your voiceover for a small section of your Bodyguard role.
A: Oh, you remember that! Yes, I know yaar, no one signs a Kapoor with me. I would love to work with them all. Because the Kapoors are the best!
Q: How was the whole Satyagraha experience in Bhopal, and did you get to visit Pataudi, Saifs home?
A: No - there was no time! But the shoot was a fantastic experience and proved the kind of influence Prakash (Jha)-ji has over there. You have to see how much they love him - he had literally taken over the entire city! He created such a fantastic milieu for us. Do you know that every day some 2,000 local people were working on our movie in some capacity or other?
Q: What kind of a change do you expect Satyagraha to bring?
A: Movies can only make us aware of some issues, like a Rang De Basanti. Cinema is not meant to change things in society - thats the governments job. Yes, today, public anger is at its peak. That can bring the change!
And when an incident like the gang-rape of a journalist happens in Mumbai, you realize that things are bad closer to home. Of course, rather than saying that Delhi or Mumbai is not safe, I would say that it is India that is not safe. There are so many parts of the country where such matters may not be reported at all.
Q: How different it is for you to do such socially-relevant movies and one of your normal love stories, rom-coms or action dramas?
A: For me, nothing is really different. I did Chameli, an issue-based social film, when I was all of 22 and people thought that I should not take up such roles.
Q: What next?
A: There is my first film with Emraan Hashmi and Shuddhi with Hrithik Roshan after a gap of 12 years. I love the idea of working with both, which also means Emraan for the first time. Then there is Gori Tere Pyar Mein with Imran Khan.
Q: One last query: Your mom-in-law Sharmila Tagore acted in many great films. Would you like to be in any of her films remakes?
A: I love her Amar Prem the most. But classics should not be remade!
Source: India West
Cricket
11