Kapoor, is facing neck-to-neck competition for the ‘Leading Role Female’ actress award at the 12th Annual International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) ceremony scheduled to be held in Toronto June 23-25.
Apart from Bollywood’s other top two beauties – Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Katrina Kaif – Kapoor is also facing tough rivalry from Vidya Balan and newcomer Anushka Sharma.

Kapoor has been nominated for her unusual tomboyish character in Rohit Shetty’s romantic comedy thriller Golmaal 3.

The film’s earlier two serials were also hits at the box office and liked all around the world for its different but extraordinary comedy.

Kapoor played the lead role in the movie against Bollywood star Ajay Devgn supported by evergreen disco dancer Mithun Chakraborty, Arshad Warsi, Sharman Joshi, Tushar Kapoor, Johnny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Khemu, Sanjay Mishra, Ratna Pathak and Ashwini Khalsekar.

Born into the famous Kapoor family, Kareena is the daughter of Randhir Kapoor and Babita and sister of all-time hot and sexy Karishma Kapoor.

She made her acting debut in the 2000 film Refugee and since then has achieved as many as six Filmfare Awards.

Recently Kareena outsmarted hot actresses like Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra to win Stardust’s 2011 sexiest woman title.

However, in the race for the prestigious IIFA Award for the ‘leading female role’, Kapoor is facing tough competition from megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s daughter-in-law and former Miss Universe Aishwarya Rai, for her classic role in Guzaarish, and former sexiest woman Katrina Kaif for her character in Ranjeeti.

Newcomer Anushka Sharma, who worked with superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, poses yet another threat for Kareena, for Sharma has also been nominated for her masti-filled lead role in Band Baaja Baaraat released in December 2010.

Produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Maheesh Sharma, Band Baaja Baaraat is full of mauj, masti and dhamaal. Anushka Sharma plays a 20-year graduate and ambitious girl who wants to start her own wedding planning business.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who once again appeared with Hrithik Roshan in Bhansali’s extremely emotional and heart-breaking film Guzaarish, is the biggest threat for Kareena Kapoor. Rai played a truly classic and very special role.

In Guzaarish, she was seen as the nurse of Hrithik Roshan, a magician who becomes a quadriplegic when a trick goes wrong.

But Kareena Kapoor stays the front-runner as one of the most popular Bollywood celebrities, and her performances have always raised her to establish her as a style icon for young girls and women. This should be one interesting race.

Life is hectic for Kareena Kapoor. She doesn’t even have time to meet her family and friends. “I catch up with them on the phone when commuting. It would’ve been nice to spend time with Saif (boyfriend Saif Ali Khan) at Cannes, but I have to shoot for Bodyguard. This year people are fighting for an hour of my time,” admits Kareena, who has three big releases to look forward to this year, starting with Bodyguard this Eid. The Salman Khan-starrer will be followed by the superhero fantasy film RA.One with Shah Rukh Khan that is due to release on October 26.

Her two songs from RA.One Chamak challo… and Shake my booty… have already gained popularity, but she’s quick to point out that, “they’re not item songs. One is desi dhinchak and the other is a sexy, western and groovy track.” And towards the wee end of the year, Kareena’s Bond-Bourne kind of spy thriller with Saif is due.

Agent Vinod was supposed to be a summer release. But according to her, since it’s a big action film, the stunts have taken more time. “I’ll go back to shooting it in July and it should be out by December,” she promises, refuting rumours that the film’s been delayed because she gave her dates to Reema Kagti’s film with Aamir Khan. “They’re canning the action sequences now and don’t need me. The date adjustments were made by Karan (Johar) and Atul (Agnihotri), not Saif. I’d just committed to Karan’s Short Term Shaadi with Imran Khan, when the Aamir film came along in the same week. And these two months were booked for Bodyguard.”

So, what’s it like to a festival girl? “Great!” she beams. “Last Diwali, I had a blockbuster in Golmaal 3 and then, 3 Idiots brought along plenty of Christmas cheer. Hopefully, both Eid and Diwali will be big this year with Salman and Shah Rukh. I don’t mind being No. 100 on any power list as long as I top the film lists with the best banners. And on that count, 2011 is special!”

This year’s top festival Bollywood releases
Eid
Bodyguard: The action movie by Siddique is a remake of his own Malayalam film. It will see Salman Khan playing the role of a bodyguard.

Diwali
Ra.One: The science-fiction superhero film by Anubhav Sinha will feature Shah Rukh Khan and Arjun Rampal as super heroes.

Pre X’mas
Agent Vinod: The action-thriller story of a spy has been produced by Saif Ali Khan and directed by Sriram Raghavan. It also stars Kareena Kapoor.

Christmas
Don 2: This is Farhan Akhtar’s sequel to his 2006 film. Apart from SRK, it stars Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra.

She’s been in the industry for a decade and is unquestionably the reigning queen of Bollywood. In an exclusive interview with Madhureeta Mukherjee, Kareena Kapoor talks about the Bollywood race, friends and foes, all the Khans, and the most special one. Read on…

Many actresses of your league are not in the running, what keeps you on your toes?

Kareena: My work is my passion. It’s the only thing I have been doing for 365 days a year. I am proud to say that and I will probably act all my life.

Do you think the industry is gender biased?

Women oriented films do well to a certain extent, but they do not give you super stardom. I balance it out with a full-blown masala flick like Golmaal 3. I really don’t need to do an offbeat film to show my skills as an actor.

How far would you go for a role with Tom Cruise?

I wouldn’t go anywhere for him. I think Shah Rukh is our answer to Tom Cruise. For me he is bigger than Tom Cruise. And talking of Hollywood, I don’t like doing things that I will not be able to do. To get a role there you have to give screen tests, park yourself there for about 7-8 months, and then maybe you’ll get a two-bit role. I’d rather enjoy the best of Bollywood.

You keep calling Aamir the ‘God of Acting’? Don’t the other Khans feel offended?

No. Both Saif and I are very close to Shah Rukh and we’ve been friends with him even before we were together. Shah Rukh’s friendships start from Gauri, but I’m crazy about Aamir. I’ve been a huge fan since school and I’ve told him that. Obviously, there’s a certain type of chemistry we share and I suited the character, which is the reason I’ve got the role opposite him. It’s not because we are friends.

Do you see flashes of Aamir in Imran?

I think Imran is new and raw. He’s the dark horse of Bollywood. Both Saif and I have always liked Imran and we think he’s the next superstar! He’s a really sweet friend, but for me, Aamir is the best.

Everytime a newcomer is launched, she’s pitted against you.

It’s high time for the media to stop comparing me with newcomers. They’re just starting out and they’re fresh. All I’m here to do is act and give it my best shot. I want to be focused and not bother about anything else.

There’s been a war of words between Priyanka and you. Would you like to comment on that?

I did say a few things about her, but that was just for fun. She took it seriously. I would definitely not call us ‘friends’, because friendship is a big word and I’d rather consider the people I have grown up with as my friends. I would definitely say that friendship is much beyond chatting at social events and parties.”

Someday, would you like to be known as Kareena Kapoor Khan?

Yes, of course. Every girl dreams of a lifetime of fulfilment and I’m no exception. Right now I’m at a great phase of my career, Saif understands and respects that. I’ve waited for this to happen ever since I was a child. So we aren’t rushing into anything right now. Till then I’d like to be Kareena Kapoor.

Actor Kareena Kapoor will soon be among the few lucky Bollywood actors who have had books written on them. Only the top rung actors of Bollywood such as Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan have had a few books written on them The book on Kareena will be penned by author Shobhaa De and will talk about

Kareena’s successful journey as a Bollywood actor.
“Kareena has a pretty unique positioning in the movie industry. She is in a league of her own… not one amongst the herd. I like her spunk and individuality. The book is definitely not a biography of Kareena as she is way too young for that!” says De, adding, “Kareena and I have been in talks. And I hope to close the deal soon. I am very excited about the project. ”

Interestingly, Shobhaa and Kareena have met several times to discuss the project, and Kareena, who was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s 2010 release Golmaal 3, is seemingly excited about the same too.

The book will reportedly be on the lines of an acclaimed book based on Victoria Beckham.

It will trace how Kareena Kapoor became the brand she is.

It will also talk about her sense of style, her influences, her idols and how she has become a name in Bollywood to reckon with.

Year 2010 had not been a great year for Bebo with only one mediocre hit ‘Golmaal 3′ and two flops, ‘We Are Family’ and ‘Milenge Milenge’, but with five big projects set to hit the screens this year, 2011 definitely holds lot of promises for Kareena Kapoor. While ‘Ra.One’ with Shah Rukh Khan is the biggest of all, there is also ‘Bodyguard’ with ‘Dabangg’ star Salman Khan. Close to the actress’ heart is ‘Agent Vinod’ with beau Saif Ali Khan and the next is with Imran Khan in ‘Short Term Shaadi’. Kapoor girl is also excited about the psychological thriller with Aamir Khan which is still in a raw state.
“There has been a conscious call to pick different genres from the films that excite me most. Earlier also I have done films like ‘Omkara’ and ‘Chameli’ which weren’t exactly mainstream,” says Kareena.
Kareena Kapoor is also leading the endorsement world with 14 brands under her. She has recently snatched her third international brand right away from Priyanka chopra’s kitty. The brand is looking for iconic, aspirational and youth centric elements, which combine nicely in Kareena personality. A special skilled team is flying down from London to shoot the ad with her.

You may soon see Shahrukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor together again if all works as planned. It is said Rohit Shetty, the man behind Golmaal series, is planning to remake the funniest Hindi films of all times Angoor with Shahrukh and Kareena in the lead roles.

Buzz up!
The news has it that Rohit Shetty is roping in Shahrukh for the role played by Sanjeev Kumar and Kareena for the role played by Moushumi Chatterjee in the original. It is also said that Tusshar Kapoor would play Deven Varma’s role in this comedy film.

“After he made Golmaal 3, everyone was wondering what Rohit Shetty’s next plans were. People were guessing if he would make a fourth sequel but the director surprised everyone by choosing to work on an Angoor remake. That he decided to work with Shahrukh Khan on this came as a real shocker. It seems that Rohit is now wanting to work only with A-listers,” Mumbai Mirror quoted a source as saying.

Well, it will be a treat to see Shahrukh and Kareena together again!

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor is all set to share the celluloid with five khans in 2011. Kareena will offer a big treat to her fans in the New Year.

2010 was not so pleasant for Kareena in term of movies, one hit ‘Golmaal 3′ and two flops, ‘We Are Family’ and ‘Milenge Milenge’ but 2011 has stored a lot for her with five movies in pipeline.

She will be sharing screen with Shah Rukh Khan in “Ra One”, with Salman Khan “Bodyguard”, with beau Saif “Agent Vinod”, with Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan an untitled psychological film and with chocolate boy Imran Khan “Short Term Shaadi”.

Kareena told that this time she has tried to pick those scripts that have excited her and are not the stereotype films. Earlier also she has tried her hands in films like “Chameli” and “Omkara”.

She said that her festive season is always busy and proves lucky for her films. This year Eid will come with “Bodyguard” and Diwali will be celebrated with “Ra One”.

She also said that all the five films have different subjects which are the driving force for her in 2011.

Kareena said that she constantly tried to reinvent herself and frequently experiment with her looks and body. She further said that in 2011 her spectators will see a different side of Kareena with her five releases.

She also said that she is the only actress in the Bollywood which has two films to her name which have done a business of over 100 crores. “Golmaal 3″ has fetched 110 crores while “3 Idiots” has earned more than 300 crores.

Leaving behind a not-so-great 2010, Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor is all set to explore various genres in the new year with five films in the pipeline.

While ‘Ra.One’ with Shah Rukh Khan is the biggest of all, there is also ‘Bodyguard’ with ‘Dabangg’ star Salman Khan.

The 30-year-old actress will be seen opposite boyfriend Saif Ali Khan in ‘Agent Vinod’ and Imran Khan in ‘Short Term Shaadi’. She is also in talks to star with Aamir Khan in a yet untitled psychological thriller.

Considering she has one hit ‘Golmaal 3′ and two flops, ‘We Are Family’ and ‘Milenge Milenge’, in 2010, the new year sure holds a lot of excitement for the actress.

“There has been a conscious call to pick different genres from the films that excite me most. Earlier also I have done films like ‘Omkara’ and ‘Chameli’ which weren’t exactly mainstream. Last year’s ‘We Are Family’ was a difficult role. Now 2011 would have a mix of different subjects and films as well,” Kareena told PTI.

She took the industry by storm turning size zero for ‘Tashan’ and Kareena says she won’t stop experimenting with her looks and body.

“Everyone would unanimously agree and state that this was one actor who tried hard. I have constantly tried to reinvent myself. One has to because there is no formula for what would eventually work and what wouldn’t. You can’t gauge that when you first take a plunge,” she said.

The actress has now put the entire debate surrounding size zero behind her and wants the audience to see a different side of her.

“To get into a physical transformation is not an easy thing to do. When I came forward with a size zero figure, I enjoyed it. Now for my films to come, there is a different Kareena that audience will see. The one who is on the slightly voluptous side,” she said.

Kareena is also proud of the fact that she is the only actress in the history of Indian cinema to have two films to her name which have done a business of over 100 crores. While ‘Golmaal 3′ has raked in around 110 crores, ’3 Idiots’ had a total exceeding 300 crores.

“It is indeed amazing that two of my films have done such bumper business. Also, to have two of your films do such terrific business in quick succession would make any actor proud,” said Kareena.

‘Golmaal 3′ released last Diwali, while ’3 Idiots’ hit screens in Christmas 2009.

“God has been kind to give me this success. Festive seasons are pretty much working for me. Now on Eid comes ‘Bodyguard’ and then in Diwali it would be ‘Ra.One’. I am sure my lucky stint with festivals would continue in 2011 as well,” said Kareena.

Leaving behind a not-so-great 2010, Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor is all set to explore various genres in the new year with five films in the pipeline.

While ”Ra.One” with Shah Rukh Khan is the biggest of all, there is also ”Bodyguard” with ”Dabangg” star Salman Khan.

The 30-year-old actress will be seen opposite boyfriend Saif Ali Khan in ”Agent Vinod” and Imran Khan in ”Short Term Shaadi”. She is also in talks to star with Aamir Khan in a yet untitled psychological thriller.

Considering she has one hit ”Golmaal 3” and two flops, ”We Are Family” and ”Milenge Milenge”, in 2010, the new year sure holds a lot of excitement for the actress.

“There has been a conscious call to pick different genres from the films that excite me most. Earlier also I have done films like ”Omkara” and ”Chameli” which weren”t exactly mainstream. Last year”s ”We Are Family” was a difficult role.
Now 2011 would have a mix of different subjects and films as well,” Kareena told PTI.

She took the industry by storm turning size zero for ”Tashan” and Kareena says she won”t stop experimenting with her looks and body.

“Everyone would unanimously agree and state that this was one actor who tried hard. I have constantly tried to reinvent myself. One has to because there is no formula for what would eventually work and what wouldn”t. You can”t gauge that when you first take a plunge,” she said.

The actress has now put the entire debate surrounding size zero behind her and wants the audience to see a different side of her.

“To get into a physical transformation is not an easy thing to do. When I came forward with a size zero figure, I enjoyed it. Now for my films to come, there is a different Kareena that audience will see. The one who is on the slightly voluptous side,” she said.

Kareena is also proud of the fact that she is the only actress in the history of Indian cinema to have two films to her name which have done a business of over 100 crores. While ”Golmaal 3” has raked in around 110 crores, ”3 Idiots” had a total exceeding 300 crores.

“It is indeed amazing that two of my films have done such bumper business. Also, to have two of your films do such terrific business in quick succession would make any actor proud,” said Kareena.

”Golmaal 3” released last Diwali, while ”3 Idiots” hit screens in Christmas 2009.

“God has been kind to give me this success. Festive seasons are pretty much working for me. Now on Eid comes ”Bodyguard” and then in Diwali it would be ”Ra.One”. I am sure my lucky stint with festivals would continue in 2011 as well,” said Kareena.

Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor’s ‘longish break’ is proving to be one dream vacation for the actor who is still nestled in the snowy mountains of Switzerland with beau Saif Ali Khan.

Cherishing every moment she’s spending with Saif there, the actress reveals that though she’d hate for the vacation to come to an end, she is also looking forward to her films in the new year.

“I can’t wait to begin my film innings this year,” says the star who ended the last year on a high note with the success of Golmaal 3. She is hoping for a similar success run this year too and it shouldn’t be too difficult either, considering the actress has several biggies lined up with almost all of the top heroes (read: the Khans), including Ra. One, Reema Kagti’s untitled with Aamir Khan, Agent Vinod with Saif and Bodyguard with Salman Khan.

Talking about working with the Khans, she says, “I share a different equation with each of them, but all of them are very special to me. Shah Rukh as always is a great co-star, Aamir is someone I deeply admire, while Salman’s a good friend. As for Saif, well, he’s a Khan for all seasons!” she says.

And though love is definitely in the air for the two, she insists that marriage is not on the cards yet. “Saif has brought a stability in my life that I cherish and value. He’s added another dimension to the way I look at life. I don’t see how marital status would change that! So, though I look forward to marriage, et al, it’s not our priority for now and we’re in no rush either,” she reveals.

Kareena’s also unperturbed about the raging competition at the box-office. “Beating my contemporaries in the number game doesn’t give me any kick. There are far more important things in my life to think about than worry about who’s bagging what film with whom or why and how,” she says, adding that she’s happy with her own pace of work and the kind of roles coming her way. “That’s all that matters to me. I’m happy simply to come home and have a man I truly love in my life by my side,” she signs off.