Priyanka is amazing, but Hollywood is not for me: Kareena Kapoor

Priyanka is amazing, but Hollywood is not for me: Kareena Kapoor

• Kavita Awaasthi, Hindustan Times, Mumbai|
• Updated: Feb 21, 2016 22:28 IST

While Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone have spread their wings to Hollywood, Kareena Kapoor Khan feels Hollywood is not for her.

With a variety of films in her kitty, Kareena says there is ample opportunity for female actors to prove themselves in Bollywood.

The actor talks to us about her husband's (Saif Ali Khan) moustache, her take on small screen projects and the admiration she continually receives from the younger generation of actors.

Priyanka has reinvented her career with an American TV show (Quantico) and a Hollywood movie. Deepika has bagged an international film. Do you feel Indian actors are getting better opportunities today?

Women have always had good roles. Good films have been coming their way since my mother's (Babita Kapoor) time. Also my mother-in-law (Sharmila Tagore), Hemaji (Malini), Sridevi and Karisma (Kapoor; sister), among others, have done really good films. It depends on your career choices. There are always opportunities. I have been acting for the last 16 years, and I have worked with Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. Now, I am working with Arjun Kapoor. I don't see anything stopping women. If you are a good actor, you will get work till you are 80.

Is Hollywood an avenue that you would like to pursue?

No. Los Angeles (USA) is not for me. The way Priyanka has put India out there, and done so well for herself, is amazing. I feel proud of her. But my priorities are different. I don't see Hollywood as an avenue. I want to be an actor, a wife, and lot of other things in my life.

What excites you about doing a role?

I am a very instinctive actor. When someone narrates a script, I know it in my gut whether I want to do the film or not. If I feel I won't gel with a person, I tell them clearly. The length of the role has never mattered to me, as long as the script is good.

What do you think of Saif Ali Khan's latest mustachioed look?

It looks amazing. Saif enjoys working on the looks for his characters, and he is enjoying his moustache. I don't think there is anyone in the film industry who is as elegant and dapper as Saif. He looks good in practically everything.

The younger generation admires and loves you. How do you feel about that?

I think it's sweet. They are being kind. The fact is that it doesn't matter. I am happy to be working with them. I don't take criticism or compliments seriously.

Many film stars today are appearing on reality TV shows as judges, and are even acting in serials. Have you ever considered being part of the small screen?

TV is a different ball game, and I am not ready for television yet.

After you got married, reports suggested that you won't do intimate scenes in films. But, going by the scenes from your next, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Those reports weren't true. I have always maintained that I would go according to my script. I don't know why the kissing scene has become a big deal. We should move past kissing scenes.

What did you think of Arjun Kapoor before you worked with him?

I have known Arjun for years now. He is a dear friend. I have known his family very well too. We shared a lot of things in common. He is a lot of fun. I have worked with possibly every actor from Bollywood, and now, I am working with this generation. It is overwhelming, as the dedication and professionalism they have is unbelievable. Arjun has the sense of the craft. Being a producer's son, he knows the intricacies of the film business.