In her short career, Kareena Kapoor has received five Filmfare Awards and has been noted for her performances in a range of film genres; these include her work from contemporary romantic dramas to comedies, period films to major Bollywood productions, as well as less publicized independent films. Her first Bollywood debut was REFUGEE were she was starred opposite Abhishek Bachchan.

In the movie ASHOKA, Kareena shared the screen with SRK. Although the movie failed to make an impact, the chemistry between them was loved a hit. Although they did not star opposite each other in KABHI KHUSHI KABHI GHAM, the movie was one of the biggest films of the year. The both have done two item numbers together – Yeh Mera Dil from DON and a Marjaani Marjaani from BILLU. Both saw instant success as the chemistry was rather sensational.

Kareena shared screen with Salman Khan twice. The first one, KYON KI, was a hit but MAIN AUR MRS KHANNA was not up to the mark. But people loved their chemistry on the screen.

Kareena who is now in a relationship with Saif Ali Khan has done a couple of movies with him including TASHAN and KURBAAN. TASHAN failed to impress the audience whereas in KURBAAN people loved there chemistry and the movie was not all that bad. The duo will soon be seen together in their upcoming movies.

Kareena shared the screen with Aamir Khan in 3 IDIOTS which was the biggest hit of 2009 and grabbed many awards too. Their Jodi was great on screen. Along with beau Saif, Bebo also has movies with Aamir in the coming times.

We wonder what Kareena thinks about having the best chemistry with.

Aamir Khan may have teamed up successfully with the vivacious Kareena but Salman, unfortunately, hasn’t quite tasted luck opposite her. Salman paired up with her first in ‘Kyon ki’ which licked the dust after having been slashed by both critics and audience.

He again did ‘Main Aur Mrs Khanna’ with her that made the same disastrous fate. And now it is to be seen if he can be 3rd time lucky! After the roaring success of ‘Dabangg’, Salman is, suddenly, the darling of all producers.
Though, his next release shall be ‘Ready’ which is reportedly getting an April release, his next Eid flick shall be ‘Bodyguard’ which has Kareena playing the leading lady yet again. While Salman and Kareena’s chemistry has been pretty ‘thanda’ so far, we expect some crackling stuff this time now that both are much more bankable and confident.
Meanwhile, ‘Bodyguard’ is highly in demand and has already been bought by Anil Ambani’s company which has shelled out a mammoth 62 crore for its right. Bodyguard is expected to go on floors this January and if all goes well, it would be ramming into theatres on the Eid occasion of 29th August, 2011.

When was the last time a film starring Kareena Kapoor in major role went on to be a superhit at box office? Okay, 3 Idiots is the name that pops up in the head, but dearies, it can hardly qualify as a Bebo film. Strike this one out and you can’t find one hit film in Kareena’s filmography since late 2008.

Her last release We Are Family isn’t exactly minting any money at box office, and her Milenge Milenge with ex beau Shahid Kapoor sank without a trace. And who can forget the super debacle of Kurbaan last year, a movie that almost made a mockery of a serious issue.

Add to the list another turkey in the form of Main Aur Mrs Khanna with Salman Khan. Even Bebo’s pairing with Akshay Kumar in Kambakkht Ishq couldn’t turn her box office fortune around.

So that flings us right back to 2008 when her Golmaal Returns, which again had her sharing the screen space with a lot of male actors, set the cash registers ringing during the festive season.

Two years have passed since then and it’s about time Bebo had a hit film under her belt. Is it coming with Golmaal 3 during the Diwali weekend this year? Fingers crossed.

Post ‘Tashan’ and ‘Kurbaan’, the Saifeena couple is geared up for their next project under Saif’s home production titled ‘Agent Vinod’. The movie is a spy thriller and has both Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor playing secret agents. The twist her is that Kareena’s character holds a greyer shade this time.

This slick thriller is directed by Sriram Raghvan and the story portrays a war-like situation in Asia where Bebo works with corporate biggies who hope to cash in on the state of affairs.

It later comes out that she is a spy of the Pakistani Government in the end. Kareena will also sport five different looks in the movie using the same prosthetics which gave the different looks to Hrithik in ‘Dhoom 2’.

Kareena had a mixed year in 2009 with two flops as ‘Main aur Mrs. Khanna’ and ‘Kurbaan’ and then the mega blockbuster opposite Aamir Khan in ‘3 Idiots’.

So you have a nephew now, does he look just like you?
(Laughs) Actually he looks a lot like Karisma. Even the name, Kiaan Raj, was chosen by my sister. Samaira came from Sanjay (Karisma’s
husband Sanjay’s Kapur), she looks a lot like her daddy too.

Kiaan has Karisma’s blue eyes?
They are grey right now but may be they will change.

Apparently, you’ve presented a Mercedes to your sister?
I did but I feel stupid talking about it. It was a gesture of love. She has given us two beautiful children to dote on. In fact, all of us, including Saif who was there with us at Breach Candy hospital right up to the time Karisma delivered, are really excited about a Kapoor boy coming along. We have been an all-woman family for a long time.

But hey, another Kapoor boy, your cousin Ranbir, has edged you out of Imtiaz Ali’s next film?
(Sighs) Yeah, Imtiaz had wanted me too but a brother and sister can’t be paired romantically. It’s really sad. At least a 100 people have told me that. It’s okay, there are other actors I can make a movie with, including the Khans.

Yeah, there’s Agent Vinod with Saif Ali Khan?
(Smiles) I’m dying to work with Sriram (Raghavan). He’s an edgy filmmaker and I’m sure his different cinema will find a lot of takers. It’s even more exciting because as Saif’s partner, I’m completely involved with the pre-production too. In fact, I’m literally working out of his office. (Laughs) Most of the time it’s like a steam and sauna bath since Saif is so passionate about his new baby. I don’t mind since it’s my baby too.

When are you two planning a real baby of your own?
(With a startled laugh) I’ll have to ask Saif that. And he’ll probably faint at the thought.

Does that mean that marriage does not figure on the agenda?
Marriage is just a public certificate. It means more to society than us. It will happen, hopefully soon, but not rightaway. Saif is living, breathing and dreaming Agent Vinod. And I’m trying to simultaneously juggle three films — Golmaal 3, Agent Vinod and Ra.One. Even my plans for launching a designer line have had to take a backseat.

There’s also Judwaa 2 with Salman Khan?
I don’t know about Judwaa 2, I haven’t been approached yet. But Golmaal 3 goes on the floor next month. Golmaal has become Bollywood’s most commercially successful triology. Even though the story is not carried forward and there have been casting changes, the Golmaal in the title has made it a big brand. And it feels great that I’m the only actress to be repeated from Golmaal Returns.

Golmaal and Golmaal Returns were among the top five films of the year. You’ll get more of what you expect this time too. Just wait for the Diwali ‘dhamka’!

And when does Race 2 take off?
Saif’s doing the film, I’m not. Everyone wanted me in but I had to step out because of Agent Vinod. It’s a conscious decision not to do too many films with Saif. He’ll have to find another actress for Race 2. But I still run away whenever they start talking about the film. I so wanted to do it. Hey, never mind. May be like your beau you will win a Padma Shri too.

Not yet but may be in five-seven years. With the support of my friends from the film industry and the media it could happen. I’m looking forward to the day.

In the case of Saif there was some controversy. It was probably because at 40 he was one of the youngest Padma Shri winners this year. But I think the honour was richly deserved given the kind of work he’s been doing. He doesn’t do too many films but the ones he agrees to, he takes to another level. He is a spectacular actor who is always willing to stretch boundaries. If not Saif, who else deserves a Padma Shri?

You seem to have found a soulmate in Saif. Is that why you are unwilling to promote Milenge Milenge that stars Shahid Kapoor?
Sure, I’ll promote the film, just let them set the date. I was the one who after seeing the film while dubbing for it, urged the producer (Boney Kapoor) to release the film. I am a professional actor and both Shahid and I are mature individuals.

So, are you the highest paid actress today?
Am I? I don’t know. There are new prices in the paper every day. But my publicists have strict instructions not to get into money matters with the media on my behalf. I don’t stick to a price but I get what I deserve. And going by the list of my mega producers and multinational brands that I have signed up with, it’s not hard to figure out that I’m getting the best.

On doing an ad with Anna Kournikova
I’ve just been signed up by an international phone brand, Sony Ericsson, to promote a new product on the international platform, alongside tennis star Anna Kournikova. The launch will be in Delhi, followed by an international launch in New York.

I’ve endorsed some really big brands in the past but this is still a huge deal because I’m the first Indian to be signed up by Sony. I guess, the Sony Vaio ad raised the bar for me as a model, with a ‘connect’ abroad. That was the one time the size zero tag helped. Being the face of a multinational company abroad would help my films too in the overseas market.

Today, every actor is doing a lot of ads. I get numerous offers too. But I have stuck to top-of-the-line brands and campaigns that have a little bit of me. I have an Airtel ad with Saif coming up that has me playing a chatterbox. If you loved Geet, you’ll love this ‘me’ too.

On whether they will bid again for an IPL team
I enjoy watching Kolkata Knight Riders play well because Shah Rukh is a friend. But I’m not really into cricket. Saif is the one who eats, breathes and lives the game. That’s understandable gives that he comes from a cricketing family. His father, Nawab Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, was one of India’s greatest cricket captains. We have some lovely pictures of him in the field. I enjoy listening to him discuss the game with Saif.

It’s this passion for the sport that was behind our desire to bid for an IPL team. We went to Pune for the auction with all the necessary paperwork done, only to learn that the auction had been cancelled and they had changed the rules. Our lawyers are working to see if the proposition is still viable. Will we bid again? I’ve left the decision to Saif and am only following his instructions.

Several teams want me as their brand ambassador but I’m not interested. I want to be a shareholder, have a stake in my own team with Saif. Otherwise, I’m not interested in jumping on to the IPL bandwagon.

On writing a size zero book
Size zero has become synonymous with Kareena Kapoor although few have stopped to ask if I was really a size zero or a size four. Along with the share market and the IPL, my weight continues to be a subject of national debate. For me personally, my weight increases or decreases depending on the film and role I’m doing.

There’s been talk about me co-writing a book that will supposedly reveal my size zero secrets. That’s not true. I’m simply writing a chapter in my nutritionist friend Rujuta Diwaekar’s second book on nutrition.

Her first book on fitness, Don’t Lose Your Mind, Lose Your Weight that she wrote on my suggestion, is a bestseller. Women go through so many hormonal changes through different phases of their lives that affect their moods and food habits. That’s what I will be commenting on in a chapter on diets.

Beauty has become a much over-rated concept in our film industry. And style is an integral part of show business. Since cinema is a visual medium, you are expected to look good on screen. And if you are a star, you are also expected to put in that extra effort off it too. But at the end of the day, I’d rather be remembered for my roles than my clothes and vital statistics.

On being adjudged worst Actress at the Kela Awards
Sandra Bullock won a Razzie for All About Steve (Bradley Cooper and she were also adjudged the Worst Screen Couple for the same film) and an Oscar for The Blind Side in the same weekend. So, why can’t I bag a Kela Worst Actress Award for Kambakkht Ishq and a Best Actress for 3 Idiots and Kurbaan within weeks of each other? I take it as a compliment.

We actors experiment with different roles. Some like 3 Idiots work, some like Kambakkht Ishq don’t. One unsuccessful film doesn’t make you a bad actress. Sometimes you take a risk for a friend, sometimes to extend your boundaries. Superstars are born from failure more than success.

On working with the four Khans
I’m deeply attached to Tashan. It was a big break from Adi (Aditya Chopra), one of the few Yashraj films that I’ve done. I went against my genes and changed my body shape for it. I became a new girl for Tashan. And it brought Saif (Ali Khan) into my life. It will always be special.

So also Kurbaan, that I consider one of my career highpoints. Some films work, some don’t. That doesn’t make them any less special. Now, Saif and I will be seen together in Agent Vinod and I’m hopeful that it’ll be third time lucky for us.

Karisma and Salman (Khan) once made a great pair. But Main Aur Mrs Khanna that brought him and me together, wasn’t as successful, commercially. Everyone immediately jumps to the conclusion that our pairing doesn’t work but I feel it has everything to do with the script. The fate of Main Aur Mrs Khanna is not going to make any difference to our friendship. I’m very fond of Salman, in fact, his whole family, and always will be.

Aamir and I made a terrific couple in 3 Idiots. We respect each other’s experimental approach to films and I hope we get to do another film soon. For all you know, he may be waiting for Samaira (Karisma’s daughter) to grow up, so he can work with her.

The other Khan I share great chemistry with is Shah Rukh. We did Asoka earlier, then I did a special item number in Billu and now we’ve been paired in Ra.One in which he plays a superhero and I’m his wife. We have some engaging romantic moments. It’s the coolest script I’ve read.

Shah Rukh is like a king today. He’s at the best phase in his career. He was spectacular as Rizwan in My Name Is Khan. After watching the film, I’ve fallen in love with him all over again. Am I not one lucky actress for having romanced all the four Khans!

On feeling insecure about Kajol, her co-star in the Stepmom remake
Karisma is very fond of Kajol and was really delighted when I signed Love You Mamma with her. The film is a desi remake of Stepmom and it was an absolute delight to share screen space with Kajol. We are pretty similar in nature, respect each other’s work and believed in the script, so we bonded well on the sets.

I loved Shah Rukh and Kajol in My Name Is Khan. Actually, I love Shah Rukh in every film he does and Kajol lights up the screen every time with her effervescence.

Do I feel insecure wondering if she would walk away with the audience’s sympathy in Love You Mamma? No, I’m don’t. I look on it as a challenge
to match up to Kajol’s histrionics. And hey, I’m playing a role enacted by Julia Roberts in the Hollywood original so I know where I stand. Both of us have great roles and well, making a film is more about cooperation than competition, right?

More than Kajol it was scary playing mother to the three kids in the film. We were all pretty nervous but eventually, we turned into one big happy family. From my experiences with Sara and Ibrahim, Saif’s children, I’ve learnt that children like to be treated as individuals. You can’t baby them. The best way to deal with them is to treat them as young adults.

On why she wasn’t a part of 3 Idiots success party
When I signed 3 Idiots, I didn’t expect it to make box-office history though it looked like a blockbuster even on paper. But well, if Aamir (Khan) and Raju (Rajkumar Hirani) don’t make box-office history, who else will? It’s great to be a part of Bollywood history. But I don’t want to take away credit from them.

In fact, I’d give Raju full credit for my ‘hatke’ performance in the film. As actors you get used to doing things in a certain way. But Raju egged me
on to move beyond my comfort zone and explore. It was the same with Imtiaz (Ali) during Jab We Met. And both films went on to set new box-office records.

I would have liked to celebrate the success of 3 Idiots with Aamir, Raju and the whole team. I’d promoted the film before its release. But afterwards, I went off for a vacation with Saif. He and I had had little time to share the success of Love Aaj Kal and 3 Idiots with each other. We needed the time together. It took me away from the success party here but no regrets.

Salman Khan gifted Kareena Kapoor Rs. 2.5 lacs Dolce and Gabbana bag when the two were shooting for Main Aur Mrs Khanna in Australia. A source said, “Kareena would usually land up going shopping in the evenings after the shoot. She would go alone. But this time Salman accompanied her too.”

Kareena loved the Dolce and Gabbana handbag. “She instantly stepped and bought it. When she was about pay the storekeeper, he refused saying it had already been paid. Kareena stood zapped and wondered who could be that generous soul. It was only later that she got to know that it was Salman who had paid. Well, it was his gift for Kareena from Salman. Kareena was very touched,” said the source.

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.”

Kareena Kapoor may have had a spate of flops — Kambakkht Ishq, Main Aur Mrs Khanna and Kurbaan — but after the success of her last film, 3 Idiots, she is on a high. The actress even received awards for her role in the film. And now Kareena has more reason to cheer. She has a busy year ahead with at least eight films lined up for release — Milenge Milenge, Golmaal 3, Lajjo, Kismat Talkies, Love You Maa, Shree Ashtavinayak’s untitled film, Gulel, Siddharth Malhotra’s remake of Stepmom, Agent Vinod and Dhruv.
The actress is also touted to be the queen of endorsements with many big brands in her kitty. Kareena is also said to be the highest paid female brand ambassador in India.

Christmas Day, Kareena Kapoor spent in Delhi with mama Babita, sister Karisma and niece Samaira… it was an all girls’ party and both, Saif Ali

The actress had much to celebrate in Mumbai with her new film proving to be a thumping success, but the break came as a Godsend because the promotions of the film had taken a toll on her health. Besides which, Christmas is always special with Babita being a half-Christian and celebrating the festival with all fervour. But keeping all men out, was the surprise both Kapoor girls gave their mother who had been complaining that she never got quality time to spend with her daughters.

This has been a special year for Kareena in which she acted with all of the Khans: she did a number with Shah Rukh in Billu, then she did Main Aur Mrs Khanna with Salman, Kurbaan with Saif, and now 3 Idiots with Aamir. Who needs Santa!

Bollywood beauty Kareena Kapoor always works hard to get into character for her new movies. For her role in Siddharth Malhotra’s Desi remake of the 1998 Julia Roberts movie “Stepmom,” the Bollywood beauty will to take down her glam factor a notch because she will be portraying an ordinary working woman, a stepmom. But working the camera for various magazine covers is no exception for this talented actress. She has graced the front page of four mags lately, pulling off four very diverse styles. So take a look at Kareena’s different cover shoots and tell us which on is your favorite.

When gracing the cover of Gracia, Kareena went for a high fashion style, donning a turquoise short skirt and a tight, long-sleeved top. She almost looked like she had a hard time breathing in the outfit and her tightly tied hairdo didn’t help! To top things off, the “Main Aur Mrs Khanna”star wore a pink lipstick in an effort to contrast the darker clothes.

Kareena Kapoor went red on the front page of Marie Claire! The “Kurbaan” actress sizzles in a red dress and red lipstick on the cover of the magazine’s November cover. The Bollywood beauty pulls off the vintage look with lots of class on a cover that differs a lot from her previous more casual styles.

The “3 Idiots” actress looks very natural on the cover of Femina magazine, wearing a black top with flowy hair and accessorized with a simple bracelet. It’s nice to see that Bebo can pull off a more natural look with less makeup and flair and still manage to look great!

On the front page of Hi!Blitz magazine Kareena opted for a very glamorous attire; very old school Bollywood with big and beautiful jewelry, colorful clothes in layers and more sophisticated makeup.