From Refugee to Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena Kapoor has come a long way. One of the most successful actresses in Bollywood, Kareena has showcased her versatility with her performances. In an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN’s Entertainment Editor Rajeev Masand, Kareena dishes all out, friends, films and love life.

Rajeev Masand: What is a fantastic actress like you doing in a vulgar, offensive and sexist film like Kambakkht Ishq?

Kareena Kapoor: I do different kinds of films. I’m not going to get typecast that I only do glamorous roles or roles in art or parallel cinema. It’s not that, I’m going to do different kinds of roles. And what is amazing is, people think why should we leave our brains behind and watch a stupid film like Kambakkht Ishq? Well, my answer to that is, don’t watch the movie. It’s in the cinema if you want to buy the ticket then go watch and if you don’t, then be at home.

Watch a movie, which your brains feel tuned to or which makes you feel elevated. There were people who went to see the film and they made it a decent success. So, I think actors should not be blamed for acting in such a movie because eventually people are paying money to go watch it.

Rajeev Masand: What was the reaction the fans to you doing this film?

Kareena Kapoor: I think my loyal fans reacted positively. They thought I looked great in the film. The styling was different. But every actor does different roles and every film doesn’t have to be the ace of spades or the king of hearts. We want it to be like that but it’s not always going to be like that.

Rajeev Masand: You are one of the few actresses kids really like. Young girls want to grow up and be. Do you feel responsible then?

Kareena Kapoor: Of course I feel responsible. Like if there is a Jab We Met there is a Golmaal Returns also which people loved me in. It was also a comedy.

Rajeev Masand: But it wasn’t offensive.

Kareena Kapoor: No it wasn’t offensive but it didn’t get five stars. But in boxofficeindia.com it’s one of the five biggest openers ever including Kambakkht Ishq. So, what do I say? I don’t know what to say?

Rajeev Masand: So one does different films for different reason?

Kareena Kapoor: Yes and also giving into temptation when producers give you that kind of money. I’m also a human being, a girl with all heart; I do also give into temptation just like anyone else would give into temptation into ice creams and chocolates.

Rajeev Masand: And since you don’t give into ice-creams and chocolates…

Kareena Kapoor: Yes, then let me do this.

She admits that no position in the film industry is permanent but at the same time Kareena Kapoor is excited after replacing Aishwarya Rai in Filmfare’s power list. The actress says the position is both flattering and scary as it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

“I think Aishwarya has had a great innings. I think it’s a great honour to be where she was in the power list. Power equations in the entertainment industry change minute by minute. I’m definitely going to try my best to hold that position,” said Kareena.

Kareena, who was seen in last year’s hit Golmaal Returns, admits the power comes not just from the movies, but also the products that one endorses.

“But I make sure the products reflect my personality. I’m endorsing 10 brands. Saif and I are endorsing just one brand together. We’re going easy on signing together,” she said.

Excerpts:

Q: It’s quite an honour to zoom to the top 10 of the power list and to be the only woman there.

A: It’s flattering. And it’s scary. Lots of responsibilities. My power comes from my honesty to myself and to my work. I’ve always done things that come naturally from my heart. It’s amazing that I’m in the power list although I’ve never applied much thought to the process of getting there. I’m all heart, as you well know. At the end of the day, being true to myself is very important.

Q: Earlier Aishwarya Rai was in the Top 10 list.

A: Yes, I know. Everyone has a chance to be in a certain position. I think Aishwarya has had a great innings. I think it’s a great honour to be where she was in the power list. Power equations in the entertainment industry change minute by minute. I’m definitely going to try my best to hold that position.

The position makes me feel very responsible. I want to keep doing the kind of work that will keep me in that list. Last year I was seen in a successful film Golmaal Returns where I didn’t have a pivotal role. Strangely audiences expect me to take centre stage all the time.

Q: How much of this power comes in a package with beau Saif Ali Khan?

A: We can’t deny he’s also one of the hottest actors in the industry. I think we are blend of looks and spirit. Saif and I are very alike. He also follows his heart and is very honest in what he does. Whether it’s his professional or personal life, he comes clean.

Q: The power comes not just from the movies but also the products that you endorse.

A: I agree. But I make sure the products reflect my personality. My products are young, zestful, fun and classy. Yeah, I do a lot of endorsements. I’m endorsing 10 brands. Curiously Saif and I are endorsing just one brand together. We’re going easy on signing together.

Q: So will you continue to be known as Kareena Kapoor after marriage?

A: I haven’t thought of it. Kareena Kapoor Khan sounds good. I leave the decision to Saif.

Q: Did (close friend) Amrita Arora’s marriage make you wishful for your own?

A: I am with Saif constantly. For us, marriage is just a piece of paper.

She admits that no position in the film industry is permanent but at the same time Kareena Kapoor is excited after replacing Aishwarya Rai in Filmfare’s power list. The actress says the position is both flattering and scary as it comes with a lot of responsibilities.

“I think Aishwarya has had a great innings. I think it’s a great honour to be where she was in the power list. Power equations in the entertainment industry change minute by minute. I’m definitely going to try my best to hold that position,” said Kareena.

Kareena, who was seen in last year’s hit Golmaal Returns, admits the power comes not just from the movies, but also the products that one endorses.

“But I make sure the products reflect my personality. I’m endorsing 10 brands. Saif and I are endorsing just one brand together. We’re going easy on signing together,” she said.

Excerpts:

Q: It’s quite an honour to zoom to the top 10 of the power list and to be the only woman there.

A: It’s flattering. And it’s scary. Lots of responsibilities. My power comes from my honesty to myself and to my work. I’ve always done things that come naturally from my heart. It’s amazing that I’m in the power list although I’ve never applied much thought to the process of getting there. I’m all heart, as you well know. At the end of the day, being true to myself is very important.

Q: Earlier Aishwarya Rai was in the Top 10 list.

A: Yes, I know. Everyone has a chance to be in a certain position. I think Aishwarya has had a great innings. I think it’s a great honour to be where she was in the power list. Power equations in the entertainment industry change minute by minute. I’m definitely going to try my best to hold that position.

The position makes me feel very responsible. I want to keep doing the kind of work that will keep me in that list. Last year I was seen in a successful film Golmaal Returns where I didn’t have a pivotal role. Strangely audiences expect me to take centre stage all the time.

Q: How much of this power comes in a package with beau Saif Ali Khan?

A: We can’t deny he’s also one of the hottest actors in the industry. I think we are blend of looks and spirit. Saif and I are very alike. He also follows his heart and is very honest in what he does. Whether it’s his professional or personal life, he comes clean.

Q: The power comes not just from the movies but also the products that you endorse.

A: I agree. But I make sure the products reflect my personality. My products are young, zestful, fun and classy. Yeah, I do a lot of endorsements. I’m endorsing 10 brands. Curiously Saif and I are endorsing just one brand together. We’re going easy on signing together.

Q: So will you continue to be known as Kareena Kapoor after marriage?

A: I haven’t thought of it. Kareena Kapoor Khan sounds good. I leave the decision to Saif.

Q: Did (close friend) Amrita Arora’s marriage make you wishful for your own?

A: I am with Saif constantly. For us, marriage is just a piece of paper.

It’s quite an honour to zoom to the Top 10 of the Filmfare power list and to be the only woman there?
It’s flattering. And it’s scary. Lots of responsibilities. My power comes from my honesty to myself and to my work. It’s amazing that I’m in the power list, although I’ve never given much thought to the process of getting there. I’m all heart, as you well know. Being true to myself is very important.

Earlier, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was in the Top 10 list…
Yes, I know. Everyone has a chance to be in a certain position. I think Aishwarya has had a great innings. It’s a great honour to be where she is in the power list. Power equations in the entertainment industry change minute by minute. I’m definitely going to try my best to hold that position. It makes me feel very responsible. I want to keep doing the kind of work that will keep me in that list. Last year, I was in a successful film, Golmaal Returns, where I didn’t have a pivotal role. Strangely, audiences expect me to take centrestage all the time.

Do your prefer the saree to western attire?
I most definitely do. And now that I’ve put on a little bit of weight because of Rensil D’Silva and Raju Hirani’s films, the saree looks much nicer on me. As Indian movie stars, we should be proud of our national attire instead of being seen in western outfits even at Indian events. A woman looks far more sensuous in a saree than a gown.

So you prefer a saree to a gown?
Absolutely. If I have to wear a gown, it’d only be for an international awards function. I’d love to wear a saree even to international events. A saree expresses an Indian woman’s personality so beautifully. I think my new power statement is the saree. From now on, I want the saree to be synonymous with Kareena Kapoor. It will take a lot to put me in a gown.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has done a lot for the saree?
Why only the saree? She’s done a lot for India. And yes, she wears the saree as much as possible. She does complete justice to it.

How much of this power comes in a package with Saif Ali Khan?
We can’t deny that he’s also one of the hottest actors in the industry. I think we are a blend of looks and spirit. Saif and I are very alike. He also follows his heart and is very honest. Whether it’s his professional or personal life, he comes clean.

You’ll continue to be known as Kareena Kapoor after marriage?
I haven’t thought about it. Kareena Kapoor Khan sounds good. I leave the decision to Saif.

When you had a bit of a wardrobe malfunction at the Filmfare awards, some TV channels called it an attention-seeking gimmick…
Do I look like the kind of person who needs extra attention? Saif and I laughed over the incident. He says the journalists are only doing their job. I really can’t be bothered by people who’re trying to spoil my happiness. I’m having the time of my life with the best roles, best family and best boyfriend in the world.

You’ve finally moved into your new house?
Yes, but I spend most of my time in the studio. So I’ve no time to enjoy my new home. I’m living out of my makeup van. By the time I get home, I can’t keep my eyes open. I’ve had no time for myself, what with my best friend Amu (Amrita Arora) getting married and all. I have no breathing space.

Did Amrita’s marriage make you wistful for your own?
I’m with Saif constantly. For us, marriage is just a piece of paper.

We’ll have to make you marry him!
Kyun zabardasti shaadi karne ko bolte ho? Abhi itna achcha kaam ho raha hai. Aise bhi main toh Saifoo ke saath hoon.

Your dad Randhir Kapoor is making a comeback…
I know! I’m so excited. Vipul (Shah) thought only of him for the role (of a scientist in the upcoming time travel film Action Replay). As long as my dad enjoys himself shooting, I’m happy.

The high princess of Bollywood, Kareena Kapoor, talked of her fitness mantra while launching an initiative by a beauty product brand – Anne French, which involves the task of training 10,000 Beauty advisers of leading cosmetic stores about the finer aspects of skin care.

Carrying loads of style and attitude, Kareena looked ravishing in a red top and skin tight jeans that did justice to her hip-toned figure. The actress gave exclusive bytes to Shivangi Singh and Tanu Talwar of Spicezee.com, while interacting with media on a variety of subjects.

Q: What is your fitness regime, your skin care mantra?
Kareena: I am a positive person and that keeps me going. I am a vegetarian and refrain from eating non vegetarian food. For fitness, I swear by Yoga. It’s the perfect way of life. I keep away from those air conditioned gyms. For skin, I drink a lot of water and try to keep away from the sun. I practice Yoga religiously everyday and the day I don’t do it, I feel as if I have missed something important.

Q: What holds more importance: Inner or outer beauty in Bollywood?
Kareena: In today’s times, stars are always under arc-lights, so you have to look good. In Bollywood, it is more of outer beauty that counts. But, I personally try to balance both inner as well as outer beauty.

Q: How does it feel to be size-zero youth icon?
Kareena: I am not size-zero, I am pretty well-rounded. I take the youth icon tag as a complement and it is a big responsibility because it’s the youth that take the country ahead. I am trying to do my best as a youth icon. I try to tell the youth to practice yoga for a healthy life. Giving one hour a day to yoga is not much.

Q: Who is your inspiration and king of Bollywood – Akshay, Shah Rukh or Aamir?
Kareena: I pick up the best from the person I work with. All three are wonderful. Kings and queens are only on cards, not in Bollywood.

Q: Please tell us about your upcoming film with Renzil D’Silva? Is there a lip-lock scene with Saif?
Kareena: It is too early to talk about the film.

Q: Are you trying to change your image after ‘Tashan’ debacle?
Kareena: I always do roles that I believe in.

Q: How was it working with international stars in ‘Kambakht Ishq’? What about Hollywood’s call?
Kareena: It’s an honour to work with Hollywood stars but Sylvester Stallone is there only for one scene or so. As for Hollywood ventures, I am not interested at present.

Q: How about your Valentine’s Day celebration?
Kareena: I was waiting for this question. The day doesn’t mean much to me and I have work on my mind as of now.

Q: What about your marriage plans?
Kareena: Not in a mood to marry for another five years.

Q: What kind of men, do you like? What about tall, dark and handsome men?
Kareena: I don’t like men who ‘maro style’. I like those who are more real and natural. I already have a tall, dark and handsome man in my life about whom the world knows.

Q: But Saif is not dark?
Kareena: He is what he is and that matters.

Q: Why are Hindi films still not heroine oriented? It’s the hero, who walks away with the cake.
Kareena: I don’t think it’s like that. It depends on the heroine. My ‘Jab We Met’ was a female oriented film.

Q: Your take on Slumdog Millionaire nomination in Oscars?
Kareena: I think it is wonderful. I am very happy and glad, feel proud that Indian films are going places. I love AR Rahman and hope the film gets an Oscar.

Q: With talks of six-packs doing the rounds in Bollywood, which actor has the best body?
Kareena: I would like to give credit to all stars for their great bodies because a lot of work goes into it. They all look so nice and sexy. Also a good actor always changes his look according to the demands of the script.

Q: You have been sporting various looks in films. Which is your favourite look till date?
Kareena:My character Geet from ‘Jab We Met’ is closest to the real me. I enjoyed my ‘Tashan’ look also.

Q: How was it working with Aamir in ‘Three Idiots’?
Kareena: I am very excited to work with Aamir and learn from him and Rajkumar Hirani.

Q: Your views on Delhi?
Kareena: I have always had a close connection with Delhi because I always passed the capital on my way to school in Dehra Dun. Even now, I will shoot my film with Saif at various places in Delhi including Jama Masjid and Humayun’s Tomb.

Q: Who is your favourite actress? And what do you think of another prominent actress – Katrina Kaif?
Kareena: Kajol and Karisma are my favourite actresses. I don’t talk about other actresses in my press conferences.

“Saif is extremely loving and supportive. In fact, the best phase of my career started when Saif came into my life. Now he’s enjoying this phase in my life along with me. That makes this phase even more special,”Kareena told IANS.

Many people gave her relationship with Saif no more than six months. Reacting to that, Kareena said: “There’s absolutely no room for such negativity in my life. I only have place for people who are positive and who make me happy by sharing in my happiness.

“This is the best phase in my life. And I feel I’m in a place where I’ve never been before.{rsquo}{rsquo}

Commenting upon her career, she said: “I’m a lucky girl. I’m being offered one film every day. Normally a Bollywood actress does about 40 days’ work. My directors are taking about 100 days with me. I’ve already given Karan (Johar) 100 days for his film directed by Rensil D’Silva.”

Excerpts from the interview:

Q: What are you doing in this guy-oriented cast of Rajkumar Hirani’s “Three Idiots”?

A: I’ve an effective role. And no power on this earth would’ve made me miss the chance of working with Hirani. I’m a lucky girl. I’m being offered one film every day. I don’t have time to read scripts. I’ll do so in March 2009 after I finish my current lot of films which includes Karan Johar’s film with Saif. Normally a Bollywood actress does about 40 days’ work. My directors are taking about 100 days with me. I’ve already given Karan 100 days for his film directed by Rensil D’Silva.

Q: Looking back, has it been a turbulent year for you?

A: I wouldn’t call it turbulent. It was an exciting phase in my life when so many things rushed down on me at the same time. The last year was a turning-point in my life. But the end result is happy. Both, professionally and emotionally, I think I’ve come out a winner. I’ve tried to be as dignified about my personal life as possible. As for my work, god has been kind.

Q: Do you think you’re lucky?

A: It’s not just luck. I’ve worked really hard to get here. It’s my perseverance that has got me where I am. And I owe my success to no one else but myself.

Q: Perseverance? You’ve begun to sound like Saif.

A: Yes, my vocabulary has increased. He makes me memorise some pages of the Oxford dictionary every day, ha ha. That’s a joke. But seriously, he does speak very well. So I’m trying to catch up.

Q: Who’s your favourite Khan?

A: Ah-ha. Do I have to spell it out?

Q: Is there anything you want?

A: I have it all. For me, the journey as an actress has just begun. And I’m not going to shift focus from it for four-five years.

Q: No marriage for four-five years?

A: I know, I definitely want to. But not at least for three years. The work I’m doing is giving me so much satisfaction. No 28-year-old can ask for more.

Q: People gave your relationship with Saif no more than six months?

A: There’s absolutely no room for such negativity in my life. I only have place for people who are positive and who make me happy by sharing in my happiness. This is the best phase in my life. And I feel I’m in a place where I’ve never been before. As an actress I feel everyone and that includes me, expects things from me that are not generally expected from Bollywood actresses except maybe Kajol. Or my sister Karisma.

Q: Do you get enough time with Saif?

A: He’s extremely loving and supportive. He knows how long it’s taken me to get the work that I’m getting now. In fact, the best phase of my career started when Saif came into my life. Now he’s enjoying this phase in my life along with me. That makes this phase even more special. The only thing I miss is time with my family and Saif. When I finish this schedule I head straight to Venice for Sajid Nadiadwala’s “Kambakht Ishq{rsquo}{rsquo}.

Q: Are you and Saif doing a lot of endorsements together?

A: We’re offered a lot of endorsements. But we are not doing any except a shampoo brand (Head & Shoulders). But we’ll soon be signing on for endorsements. And we’re doing another film for Asthvinayak. That starts in April 2009. We want it to be a fast and furious action film. Something larger-than-life. Saif is working very closely with the producers. He’s trying to lock in on the script and director.

Q: You’ve changed so much in appearance and behaviour.

A: Ha, that’s what you think. I’m still the same. It’s just that I’m so busy. I’ve been working constantly. On top of that my house is being done up. There’re a dozen things demanding my attention. I get 300 SMSes a day. I can’t answer them personally.