“My weight has been a national issue”
It has been 10 years since Kareena Kapoor joined the Bollywood film industry. From playing a shy girl 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.
“We Are Family”, produced by Karan Johar's Dharma Productions, will be Kareena's 40th film. It's the debut film by director Siddharth Malhotra and co-stars Arjun Rampal.
In a recent interview, Kareena talked about the film, working again with Kajol after years, and of course, beau Saif Ali Khan.
How challenging was this film for you since it's a remake of “Stepmom”, where your character was played by Julia Roberts? And also, you have to share screen space with the scene-stealer Kajol…
Kareena: I had seen “Stepmom years ago”. I didn't want to see it again after signing “We Are Family”, as I didn't 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.
Kajol and you played sisters in “Kabhi Khushi...”, now, you're playing the other woman…
Kareena: We didn't have that many scenes together in “Kabhi Khushi...” 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?
Kareena: 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 well. I love working with Kajol.
Kajol says you have matured over the years…
Kareena: When we worked together in “Kabhi Khushi...”, I was quite a baby. After that, I have done quite a few 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.
Are you doing Madhur Bhandarkar's film on Marilyn Monroe?
Kareena: Yes. I will first finish Karan's film and then do Madhur's film, as he is still writing the script.
There is a glow on your face ever since you paired up with Saif…
Kareena: 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. I think all women should work. Of course, they should take care of their home too but every woman should work. I believe that and Saif has always encouraged me.
Do you advice him on what films he should do?
Kareena: Of course. I tell him that he should work with Raju (Rajkumar) Hirani.
You seem to have gained some weight again…
Kareena: 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 staying as I am.
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