It’s a known fact that Kareena Kapoor is easily ruling from the top as far as the demand for a commercially viable glamorous actress with very good acting skills is concerned. Satisfying all the key words here – ‘commercial’, ‘glamour’ and ‘acting’ – Kareena has seen it all pretty up, close and personal during last decade that she has spent in the industry.

Buzz up!
However, to be honest, I was a tad surprised when I started working on this piece. What seemed like a straight forward ‘let’s talk about her hit films’ write up seemed to be having many other elements waiting to be covered. That’s because the fact which was explored all over again (as I went year by year) was that for every successful film of hers, she also has had her fair share of disappointments. Yes, practically every year. In fact there have been times when the number of misses in a year have surpassed the number of hits. Still, what one ends up remembering are her successful outings more than anyone else!

Let’s look at some of the highlights in her career that have made Kareena what she is today. As she says in her own words – ‘I would not have been what I am if not for my flops’. Well Kareena, the fact also remains that you would certainly not have been what you are if not for the number of commercially successful films that you have given as well!

A rock solid beginning? Not quite.

The world is aware that Kareena Kapoor was the first choice for Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai. A debut alongside Hrithik Roshan sounded like a good decision to begin with and Kareena was pretty much on board as well. However, in quick time she realised that the focus of the film was entirely shifting towards Hrithik and she risked being sidelined. Not to indulge into any faux pas at the very beginning of her career, she decided to opt out. This decision of hers made headlines all around and many did cry foul. Also, her friends and advisors did suggest her to stay on but being a strong headed girl with right dose of self respect and ego, Kareena decided to move on and instead stepped into Refugee.

A lot was expected from Kareena’a debut outing now. JP Dutta as a producer and director, Abhishek Bachchan – another debutant – as a co-star, popular music, grandeur, a different setting (Indo-Pak affairs), hype, promotion, buzz – just about everything went in the film’s favour. Yes, it paid off as well, at least from the initial box office opening standpoint. Audiences went in hordes to check out what the film was all about. The result was what had happened in case of Saawariya a few years later. Just like the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film which saw Ranbir Kapoor making a huge mark despite the overall product not quite finding much appreciation, actors in Refugee too had met with a similar fate then. The biggest gainer from Refugee was Kareena Kapoor for whom everything – and literally everything – worked in her favour.

She was acclaimed for her acting skills, a rarity when it comes to debutant actors, and hailed by one and all that she was the future of the first decade in the 21st century. She gained a phenomenal following for herself and that is commendable because in those times there were no multiplexes, social networking sites or other media forums that keep stars of today alive and kicking 24X7 in front of consumers. Kareena impressed most despite a role that didn’t allow her to get into a glam outing and it was widely declared that Kareena Kapoor was there to stay. Refugee didn’t work for the audience but Kareena did. Of course the blockbuster success as evidenced in Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai eluded her but she found a strong bearing for herself in the industry where talent kept her going for 10 years in a row. As for her pairing with Hrithik, then well it did happen a few times and came with its own share of hits and misses.

The H factor – Not quite a cent percent success rate

With Hrithik being a phenomenon after Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai and Kareena making her mark strong and clear with Refugee, it seemed that this ‘jodi’ could after all deliver a few hits together. The disappointment of not being able to come together in their debut outing was soon forgotten and investors were ready to pump in crores to make films happen with the two starring in them. The biggest of the filmmakers in the industry were keen to get their share of pie with Hrithik and Kareena being the flavour of the season. Some of the early birds to join in were Karan Johar (Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham), Subhash Ghai (Yaadein), Sooraj Barjatya (Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon) and Aditya Chopra (Mujhse Dosti Karogi). These were and are truly the people who are the best in the business and it was more than just apparent that Kareena was on a roll.

With such major biggies in her kitty, Kareena’s market value shot up in a major way. She was easily the most sought out actor around and despite the fact that Amisha Patel had actually blockbusters like Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai and Gadar – Ek Prem Katha behind her, the actor who was gaining most of the mileage was Kareena. However, there was a fair dose of shocker in store for the pretty girl who didn’t quite have a fairy tale journey for her.

First of her debacles with Hrithik turned out to be Yaadein which stays on to be one of the biggest disappointments ever from Subhash Ghai. The film was poorly made, the characterisation bad, the setting more like a show reel of a dozen odd commercials and the narrative confused. What started off as a story about a widower (Jackie Shroff) bringing up his three daughters was (unnecessarily) converted into a love story just in order to reap the star value of Hrithik and Kareena. The film was panned by one and all and it seemed that a big success was going to elude her for long.

Thankfully, Karan Johar didn’t fall into this trap and kept the length of the roles of his actors depending upon the clout that they carried. This is the reason why Shah Rukh and Kajol held most significance in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham due to which the limited screen time of Kareena and Hrithik was loved rather than being criticised for standing out like a sore thumb. Her ‘Poo’ act redefined a new image for Kareena and a multi-crore boxoffice super success meant that she was certainly not going away anywhere.

However, the very next year came Mujhse Dosti Karogi and just like Yaadein, it too was panned by one and all. Yes, the film was a success in overseas market but in India, the film was given thumbs down. Yet again, Kareena-Hrithik ‘jodi’ didn’t quite ignite the right sparks and all hopes rested on Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon. This was the film where Kareena was in a central role, had a title of the film designed around her character and had a spunky and spirited character written for her. She made the best of the platform provided to her and even though Hrithik was criticised for his over acting and Abhishek for his under acting, Kareena managed to sail smooth. Yes, the film did fizzle out after a rock solid happening but not before getting the tag of success next to it.

The picture was clear on the wall though. Kareena – Hrithik ‘jodi’ wasn’t quite the best that Bollywood had to offer. The two actors in individuality were doing quite well for themselves but to pair up again, they had to find something worthwhile. They decided to move on to other on-screen partners and the initial euphoria of Bollywood having found out a follow up to Shahrukh Khan – Kajol pairing died down in due course as well. It has been 7 years since the two came together on screen and audience continues to wait on!

Producer Karan Johar’s movie We Are Family – a remake of the 1998 Hollywood flick Stepmom – brings together the blockbuster ’sister’ pair from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham; Kareena Kapoor and Kajol.

The Hindi remake of Stepmom also features Arjun Rampal as John Abraham turned down the role. Kajol, one of KJo’s favorite actresses, will play the role of the terminally ill mother, which was originally portrayed by Hollywood actress Susan Sarandon. Kareena will be taking on the role of Julia Roberts, who played the stepmother in the original critically-acclaimed film.

Kajol portrays Maya, a loving mother who makes sure her family stays intact despite being divorced from her children’s father, Aman, played by Arjun. But one day Aman brings home his new girlfriend, Shreya, played by Bebo, a woman who focuses on her career and doesn’t know much about kids. But an unexpected event will bring these two women together.

Although actors are typically seen in their glamorous best, this film will portray them in a completely different light. And after filming in San Francisco for My Name is Khan, Karan Johar has set this film at the other end of the globe in Sydney, Australia. We Are Family is set to hit theaters on September 10. Are you looking forward to seeing the flick? Check out these new stills from the set and share your thoughts.

Katrina Kaif, the Barbie doll of tinsel town, has been one of the most sought after stars, due to her hot and cute looks, which are enticing enough for every film buff, to flock to theatres for every film, which has her in the lead.

Her glam doll image in flicks like ‘Namaste London’, ‘Welcome’, ‘Singh is King’, De Dana Dan’, etc, has now been reversed with her sari clad role in the recently released ‘Rajneeti’.This gal who started off as a glam doll is fast changing tracks into a sari clad demure woman. However, even with this role, her popularity is at an all time high.
Nevertheless, to give tough competition to her, is our desi Bebo, who has come into the forefront with a bang as loud as any volcanic eruption can possibly be.
Kareena Kapoor, or Bebo, as she is fondly called, is at the top of her professional and personal life. This gal has managed to woo audiences with her performances ,be it the typical village girl in her debut ‘Refugee’, or her oomph factor, as she portrayed the very stylish ‘POO’, from the flick ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’,or the glam doll in ‘Kambakht Ishq’,where she is seducing Akshay Kumar with the hot number ‘Bebo main Bebo’.
Her recent chemistry with Aamir Khan in ‘3 Idiots’ has been so well appreciated that now she is being cast opposite the perfectionist Khan, Aamir again in a flick titled ‘Lajjo’, which is a Mani Ratnam film.
Katrina Kaif, who has long been associated with Salman Khan in her real life, has always maintained silence regarding her relationships. There has never been an official declaration for or against any allegation towards her relationships. In complete contrast, Kareena has always been the very openhearted kinds. She has always accepted her relationship status with a bang on.
Kareena’s affair with Shahid Kapoor was as open as her break off with him, and her subsequent relationship, with the suave Saif Ali Khan too has been openly accepted by her.
Thus, the Race between Barbie and Bebo has just begun, wait to see who emerges the winner!

It’s a week for Bollywood beauties. While Deepika Padukone was voted as the ‘World’s Sexiest Woman’ by the magazine FHM, Kareena Kapoor has been voted as ‘India’s Most Beautiful Woman’ by People magazine.
The actress who’ll hit 30 this year said that the secret of her beauty was a regular fitness regimen and vegetarian diet. The glamorous actress added that she practiced yoga on a regular basis and followed a strict healthy diet in order to maintain her figure. “I believe that you are what you eat”, is what she had to say.
Kareena who features on the cover of the current People Magazine also revealed that since she was at peace of mind because of a stable career and a relationship with Saif Ali Khan, the peace showed on her face. In her leisure time the actress either takes up reading or goes out for a swim.
Hailing from a family of actors, Kareena is a natural performer and entered Bollywood with the film Refugee in 2000. Since then Kareena has worked in several successful ventures like Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Chameli, Jab We Met and her latest 3 idiots in 2009. However in between these movie Kareena also starred is several box office failures, but with time the actress has now become picky about her roles and selects only very demanding ones.

Actress Kareena Kapoor is fast reaching on top list of B-town actresses. She is the most popular face on the web, in endorsements and also on fashion magazine covers.
But how did Kareena reach to this position in life? The answer is quite astounding and amazing one.
Considering the fact that she is from the first family of bollywood – ‘The esteemed Kapoor family’, many think that her entry into the world of films is a natural path for her to have taken. But the truth is quite contrary to the belief.
Initially, when her parents Randhir Kapoor and Babita (both established film stars of their times ), separated ways, many cited the reason being that Randhir Kapoor was totally against his daughters Karisma and Kareena joining the film industry.
Now Babita who supported her two daughters wishes to join films, refused to go by the Kapoor rule book she separated from her husband and lived with her two daughters. After many dark nights of crying came a break. Then gradually Karisma got hold of a few offers and then came the superb break to work with the perfectionist Aamir Khan, in the film ‘Raja Hindustani’. This was a turning point in the lives of the trio, Babita, Karisma and Bebo.
The hit of the film got instant stardom for Karisma. As Kareena had grown up by this time , she got a break in her debut film, ‘Refugee’ with Abhishek Bachchan(She had also got the offer to do the Hrithik Roshan debut ’Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’, but somehow could not do the role).
As Kareena slowly got good breaks she became popular as ‘Poo’ in the Karan Johar , blockbuster ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham’.Then there has been no looking back ever since. She seems to be getting more popular with each passing day.
Her films like ‘jab We Met’, have been almost a cult film and her character ‘Geet’ has stuck trio her free and frank persona.’Krbani’,’3-Idiots’ and now ‘Agent Vinod’ and ‘RA 1’,’Golmaal 3’ all make Bebo the most loved and adored face on the silver as well as the small screen.
Her alleged crush for Hrithik, affair with Shahid are all things of the past .Now her lovely relationship with Saif is making her life beautiful. Thus the bed of roses has finally been made for this beautiful actress!

Kareena Kapoor, the once childish tantrum prone actress has grown up to become a classy trendsetter in the industry. From the overbearing and outlandishly dressed Poo of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham she has graduated to an acting powerhouse with Jab We Met and has put the beauty queens to shame with her ‘size zero’ figure in Tashan. With her every move traced by paparazzi, Kareena is a superstar in the truest sense of word. A muse for many a fashion designer, this Kapoor kudi would rather die than be seen in filp-flops as its only YSL or Christian Louboutin for her, and if it has to be a slipper then it is from Hermes and they are meant to be worn at home!

Leading the pack Kareena has set herself apart from the rat race with her elite looks in films too…

Yeh Ishq Hai- Jab We Met
Kareena was at her romantic best in this colorful song and her Swiss sheepherder dress of flowing red skirt with white top and black jacket became a hot favorite among young girls. Many along with Shahid Kapoor wanted to be led away to heavenly bliss by this innocent shepherd.

But as all fairytales come to an end, with Jab We Met too, her romance with long time beau Shahid ended on a bitter note. The news of this high profile break-up became a national conversation; with every channel counseling Kareena on how to heal her broken heart.

Dil Haara- Tashan
Kareena rocked this song, with her size zero body she wafted through the imagination of Saif in a folk inspired red and green strapless blouse and ghagras. In the song, this hip chick was seen romancing Chote Nawab Saif Ali Khan on reel that soon translated into reality with Saif tattooing her name on his forearm!

Chaliya- Tashan
Her sexy-bitch act in this song won over audience’s heart. Kareena had moved over Shahid. The media who were thrown in frenzy got into an overdrive and coined the couple ‘Saifeena’. Kareena meanwhile kept stumping Saif by coming out of the sea in a green bikini and kept the rumor-mills and Saif running behind her!

Meow- Golmaal Returns
A catty man-eater who makes no two bones about leading her men on a chain! Kareena could have never gone cattier than that, the cheetah print dress was more of a power statement rather than a style statement. The dominatrix became a hot favorite among club goers as Kareena gave an elite touch to a wild cat leotard.

Tha-Tha Kar ke- Golmaal Returns
Sweet, sexy biker babe who shouldn’t be messed with, Kareena effortlessly made hot pants and short skirts the flavor of the season. Her sexy lean legs inspired many a women to jump on the treadmill and get going on those oh! so cute! pink shorts. Overshadowing her co-actress, Kareena became the trademark of the film.

Tu Saala- Golmaal Returns
Don’t mess with this house-lady, or else she will tell you who’s the man! Kareena played the forever nagging wife who keeps a strict eye on her man. Looking every bit of a suspecting wife Kareena threatens her hubby with ‘tu saala Kaam se gaya’ that became a club favorite.

Marjaani- Billu
This Punjabi kudi scorched the screen as she teamed up with none other than King Khan for an item number. The song was a super hit, while other actresses’ chose to don mini skirts and dresses for item numbers, she chose long tresses, curls and Arabic look to match up to her wild sense of dressing. Her Thumkas and look in his foot tapping number was lapped by a nation struck by Bebo mania.

Om Mangalam- Kambakkht Ishq
She looked like a million bucks in the Indian and catholic bride avatar and the song got hotter with the sizzling chemistry between her and Akshay ‘action’ Kumar. Though the movie bombed at box-office, her numbers of on-screen kisses with Akki and the sequence with Sylvester Stallone were hot topic for every tabloid. She gave Hollywood beauties a run for their money with her sexy cocktail dresses, elegant gowns and hot chick make-up

Bebo- Kambakkht Ishq
Kareena is so celebrated that even her nickname is famous in households! Lovingly called ‘Bebo’ by her near and dear ones she has also got a song Bebo to her credit. The song has her seducing Akshay Kumar wearing sparkling pink short dress. She mesmerized the audience with her charisma and men lost their heart to her. Sported a black bikini she yet again made men drool over her luscious frame.

Mrs. Khanna- Main Aurr Mrs Khanna
Mrs. Khanna aka Kareena played wife to hunk Salman in the film Main Aurr Mrs Khanna, the title track saw Kareena portraying a modern wife with traditional values who is troubled by funny Sohail Khan. ‘Don’t say alvida’ song shot on her and Salman was an instant hit and this romantic track had her playing a shy and calm girl, her range of acting was wonderfully explored. She looked every bit of a diva in the dazzling green saree in the item song ‘Happening’.

Shukran Allah- Kurbaan
Kareena has raised many eyebrows with her ethnic look in this soulful song where her beautiful eyes do all the talking. Her on-screen romantic chemistry with beau Saif Ali Khan is much talked about as the two are to be seen sizzling together in intimate scenes. The steamy love-making scenes have already become the talk of the town.

Kurbaan Hua- Kurbaan
The title track of movie ‘Kurbaan’ has mainly Saif Ali Khan in it and Kareena has not shot for it, but considering her Star value her presence could not to be ignored from this stylish promotional video.

For Bollywood stars, London has always been a convenient second home with its fashionable stores, fine dining and its eclectic mix of culture and nightlife. Kareena Kapoor, who travelled to her sister Karisma’s shoots while growing up, is not immune to the charms of the British capital either.

Kareena in Australia during the shoot of Main aur Mrs Khanna

When you say that it’s a bit of a cliché to love London, Kareena laughs, “I tend to go back to the same places that I’ve been to and I need to break away from that.”

Her second favourite destination, not surprisingly, is Switzerland. Of course, Yash Chopra has always been the mascot for Swiss tourism, but for Kareena, the pristine and tranquil Alps take her beyond the trappings associated with Chandni land.

She explains why she ends up in the country famous for clocks and chocolates thrice a year, “It’s the people, no noise pollution, and most of all, not many Indians!”

Travels with Saif

For Kareena, Saif is also a great travelling companion, who loves Europe just as much. He pampers her and the only thing they disagree on is his choice of music. She says, “I love jazz, but hate rock, which Saif is into. But that’s ok, he can live with it!” Her fondest memory is of the time she spent in the French Alps at a lovely club that plays jazz and features live bands and is open till five am. Given that she is an early sleeper, the place really charmed her to keep her up so late.

Saif also doubles up as a guide. Kareena says, “Saif is an art history student. When we’re in Paris or London, we spend time at the galleries, even if it’s just to have a coffee and a chat. I especially liked Rembrandt’s works. I love the churches in Europe and I can walk around a lot, which is impossible in India. We go trekking and mountain climbing. Saif skis, and I’d like to learn that. Lunch is early and mornings are fresh.”

The Shopaholic

The globetrotting Kareena, like all girls, enjoys shopping and believes in quality rather than quantity. She recalls that on the sets of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham in London, she was carrying a loud accessory which had offended Karan Johar immensely. She laughs, “Karan’s always complaining about my taste. He thinks whatever he shops for is the best. I buy these shoddy, loud things and he says, ‘Learn something from your sister’. When we were shooting, I’d bought this horrific gold bag which he hasn’t forgiven me for till today. I was proudly toting it and he says, ‘Don’t stand with me!’”

Harrods, London

The Kapoor sisters are known for their style, and while Karisma loves shopping in New York, Bebo prefers Europe for her scouting expeditions. She says, “I’m not really into New York. The Big Apple is great, and my sister loves it. Manhattan is too spread out for my liking. Everyone is on the run or walking in a rush!”

In London, her favourite stores are Selfridges and Harrods, she is likely to be shopping at the upmarket Bond Street in Mayfair. She also prefers to shop alone and without distractions. Kareena’s style is minimalistic and she is partial to the bare look. She confesses that she doesn’t even own a make-up kit. Accessories are out as well.

She talks about her favourite designers, “I like Roberto Cavalli, his designs are colourful, bright and fun. I like Dolce and Gabanna, which is classic and chic. Michael Kors is a very good designer. I like Hermes scarves and belts. I need to have a good handbag, and Botega Veneta is nice, while Geena shoes are funky. I’m not really into Jimmy Choo. That’s not really me.”

Incredible India

For Kareena, it’s not just the manicured Swiss mountains that do the trick. She loves Rajasthan’s rustic charm. She says, “We take off for Udaipur between October and February every year. The food is great and the people are so warm. It’s fun to go the market even if it’s with security. We sit around a bonfire. For my birthday, my family surprised me. We were at the Lake Palace where we just sat and stared at the lake.”

Kareena doesn’t usually mingle much on outdoor shoots, but one director left an impact – Imtiaz Ali. She recalls, “Imtiaz took me to some great places when we shot for Jab We Met. We nearly reached the border. We’d travelled up to Rohtang Pass to shoot Yeh Ishq Hai. I visited a small, remote village in Patiala, a place I never thought I’d find myself in. Imtiaz really helps you explore, especially your own country.”

Her most awful outdoor shoot was the one at the Chalakudy falls in Kerala for Khushi. She shudders as she says, “We were in the water for 10 hours a day. When I landed in Bombay, I had typhoid for a month.”

Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor are all set to star together in Anubhav Sinha’s Ra One, a home production of Shah Rukh khan.

According to a source, “Ra One is a science-fiction film set in the future in which Shah Rukh plays a superhero. So he will be seen wearing a cape, his underwear over his pants, flying over skyscrapers and saving the day. Technically, Ra One will be India’s third superhero film, Krishh and Drona being the first two. Ra One is a big budget film with never-before seen special effects.”

Though SRK and Bebo have sizzled in the item songs of Don and Billu Barber, but the last time they were seen opposite each other was Santosh Sivan’s Asoka. The duo was also seen in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.

About Kareena’s role in the movie, our source said, “An actor and star of Kareena’s stature and caliber will not be happy playing just a glam doll so she has signed because she has been given a substantial role in the film. She is super fit and lean too and can mould herself according to any role. The stunning star will also get to kick some butt after Tashan. Being signed on for Ra One is a big deal for Kareena because it will be one of the most anticipated releases of 2010. She already has KJo’s Stepmom remake. Moreover, working in Ra One will increase her chances of playing the lead in Farah Khan’s Happy New Year. Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone are the other actors who are eyeing the film.”

Ra One is directed by Anubhav Sinha of Dus, Tum Bin and Cash fame. Filming will begin in US in December, followed by a schedule in Mumbai

Manish Malhotra is having a hard time trying to bring down Kareena’s glamour-quotient in “Stepmom’ and make her look like a ordinary working woman. Kareena is leaving nothing to chance this time. In her determination to make sure she can match strides with the formidable scene-stealer Kajol in the desi “Stepmom’ she has been quietly attending acting workshops with the film’s director Siddharth Malhotra.

To make time for this Kareena has been stealing time out of the rehearsals for the song that she began shooting with Aamir in “3 Idiots’ this week.

Playing Kajol’s soutan in the Indian “Stepmom’ won’t be a cakewalk for Kareena Kapoor. The two actresses start shooting together from the end of this month.

Says Kareena, “The last time I rehearsed for a part it was for Vishal Bhardwaj’s Omkara. But that was a more unconventional film and role where I had to get into a milieu and character I knew nothing about. But “Stepmom’ is urban and very contemporary. I play a very normal metro-centric working girl. It should’ve been easier.”

Through the workshops Kareena is discovering how difficult it is to play a normal girl. “I walk talk dress like an ordinary working girl. I’ll be using no makeup.”

The clothes by Manish Malhotra will on this occasion be far less glamorous than what Kareena generally gets to wear. “I couldn’t cut my hair as planned because of continuity clashes. And I didn’t want to cut my long hair. But I’m going for a new hairstyle.”

The biggest challenge is to face the camera with the indomitable Kajol.

Says Kareena, “She’s always been one of my favourite actresses. We worked together in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. But this is something else.”

Kareena says there are lot of dramatic scenes between the two women. “The desi version of “Stepmom’ is very different from the original. My role is also a big departure from what Julia Roberts played in “Stepmom’.”

Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor got another chance to relive her iconic characters ‘Poo’ (Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham) and ‘Geet’ (Jab We Met) for a new ad film she shot recently.

Frito-Lay, Pepsi’s snack division, has rolled out a brand variant for its savoury brand, Kurkure Desi Beats: Crunchy Wheat. The latest launch is supported by an integrated communication plan featuring its brand ambassador, Kareena Kapoor in her two favourite avatars.

The shot begins with Kapoor being featured as ‘Poo’ desparately looking for help. While passing through the whet fields, she finds a pack of Kurkure’s new flavour on a scarecrow. On tasting it, she forgets her frustration and discovers her ‘desi’ side.

She is seen as ‘Geet’ from her successful film ‘Jab We Met’ in the latter half of the ad film.