At the fourth Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Indian actress Kareena Kapoor praised Aamir Khan, calling him the “biggest film star” and the only actor who has given Hindi cinema a global identity. Speaking to an eager audience, Kareena shared insights into her 25-year-long acting career, from her debut in Refugee (2000) to her upcoming role in Singham Again.
Kareena, who was in Jeddah for the second time, expressed deep gratitude for her fans from Arab countries, India, Pakistan, and beyond. She recalled how her heritage as the granddaughter of legendary actor Raj Kapoor shaped her career. “I can’t do anything that will tarnish my family’s legacy,” she said.
In her conversation, Kareena emphasized Aamir Khan’s influence on her, particularly noting their collaborations in films like Three Idiots, Talaash, and Lal Singh Chaddha. She called Talaash the most special of their projects, also praising Aamir’s works such as Ghajini and Dil Chahta Hai.
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Kareena reflected on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, highlighting how actors now play diverse roles, from romantic leads to action-packed characters. She shared her excitement about working with renowned directors like Rohit Shetty (Singham Again), Hansal Mehta (Buckingham Murder), and Anurag Kashyap (Udta Punjab). “Commercial directors like Rohit Shetty are crucial, but directors like Imtiaz Ali and Anurag Kashyap are equally important,” she said.
The actress fondly recalled her iconic role as Geet Dhillon in Jab We Met, describing it as a milestone in her career. “Every girl saw herself in Geet,” she added, noting that the character became a cult favorite. She also appreciated her work with directors like Sudhir Mishra (Chameli) and Vishal Bhardwaj (Omkara), calling the experiences creatively enriching.
Kareena acknowledged the influence of her elder sister, Karisma Kapoor, and the legendary performances of actresses like Sridevi, Kajol, and Madhuri Dixit. She also expressed deep admiration for her mother-in-law, actress Sharmila Tagore, from whom she draws inspiration.
Speaking about her personal life, Kareena emphasized the importance of family, a value shared between India and Saudi Arabia. “Family is everything to me,” she said. She reflected on the joy of motherhood, calling it the greatest happiness for any woman. Kareena, affectionately known as “Bebo” by her family, shared how her parents, Babita and Randhir Kapoor, gave her that nickname.
Kareena also spoke fondly of her husband, Saif Ali Khan, noting his constant support and occasional advice. “I am lucky to have Saif,” she said. “We discuss a lot, sometimes disagree, but we enjoy those disagreements.” She expressed her desire to work with him on a film in the future.
Kareena’s candid reflections at the festival highlighted her deep respect for her craft, her family, and the ever-changing world of cinema.